Mitzvoth forever
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Tanakh
versions:
Throughout this site I will
use the following three versions of the TaNaKh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS-1917),
2. “Sefaria.org” (SEF), and 3. “Mechon-Mamre.org” (MEC).
Colour coded details of
the - TaNaKh:
1. Torah = History &
Law, 2. Nevi’im =
The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings.
*The Ketuvim - Includes, Poetical
books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song
of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and
Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and
Chronicles I & II.
Please Note: Some alterations have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ having been corrected as it once was, pre the “Masoretic Text”.
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Remember the following three truth’s from our beloved Scriptures!
“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I
command you, neither shall ye diminish from it,
that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם (the LORD your Elo’lei’chem) which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2.
“This is My Name FOREVER, and this is My Memorial to ALL Generations”. Shemot - Exodus 3:15. (JPS).
“I am יְהוָה, that is My Name; and My glory will I not give to another”.
Yeshayahu - Isaiah 42:8. (JPS).
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With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
In our Hebraic faith, the belief is that אֱלֹהִים -
Elohim (God’s) Laws, as revealed in the Torah, are eternal and unchangeable.
Although there
is not one specific verse that directly states that, “אֱלֹהִים’s laws will never be
changed”, various verses and concepts within Jewish tradition emphasize
the enduring nature of the Torah and אֱלֹהִים -
Elohim’s unchanging character.
However, let us look at a more detailed explanation:
The Torah gave us an Everlasting Mitzvoth:
As our long history proves that we view the Torah as a complete and perfect revelation from אֱלֹהִים intended for all generations!
אֱלֹהִים’s Unchanging Character:
Below is just one of the countess verses of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s unique and eternal Character!
“Of old Thou
hast laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Thy
hands. They shall perish, but Thou shalt endure; yea, all of them shall
wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change
them, and they shall be changed. But Thou art the same, and Thy years have
not failed. Tehillim - Psalm 33:11. (JPS).
Continuity and Consistency:
Hebraic teachings emphasize the continuity of the covenant between אֱלֹהִים and the “chosen people of Israel”, which is based on the Torah. This implies that the foundational laws of the Torah remain relevant and binding forever.
No Replacement of the Torah:
Hebraic tradition does not accept the idea of a new or replacement or an added revelation that would supersede the Torah as has it has already given us His eternal mitzvot.
Maimonides's Thirteen Principles:
‘Maimonides’, one of the most prominent Jewish philosopher’s, includes in his “Thirteen Principles of Jewish faith” the belief that the Torah will never be changed or replaced by any another law.
Let us look at Principle’s 8 and 9:
Number 8. “I believe with perfect faith that the whole Torah, now in our possession, is the same that was given to Moshe - Moses our teacher, peace be unto him”.
Number 9. “I believe with perfect faith that
this Torah will not be changed, and that there will be never be any other Law
from the Creator,
blessed be His Name”.
In essence, although whilst there is not a single verse that clearly states that אֱלֹהִיםlaws will never be changed,” the belief in the Torah’s enduring nature and 'אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s unchanging character are fundamental to Hebrew thought and practice, and this is supported by numerous verses and teachings, as already shown in this study.
Let us look at Principle 8, and verses affirming the Torah as Given to Moshe:
“When Moshe -
Moses had finished writing the words of this law in a book, to the very end,
Moshe commanded the Levites, who carried the Ark of the Covenant of יְהוָה - the LORD, saying, ‘Take this Book of the Law, and place it by the side of the
ark of the covenant of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהִים
- the LORD Elohim, that
it may remain there for a witness against you.’” Davarim - Deuteronomy
31:24-26.
“And keep the
charge of אֱלֹהֵיכֶם- יְהוָה- the LORD your
Elo’hei’cha, walking in his ways and keeping his
statutes, his commandments, his ordinances, and his testimonies, as it is
written in the law of Moshe, that you may prosper in all that you do and
wherever you turn.” 1 Melachim - 1 Kings 2:3.
“He declares
his word to Ya’a’kov - Jacob, his statutes and
ordinances to Israel. He has not dealt thus with any other nation; they do not
know His ordinances.” Tehillim - Psalm 147:19-20.
Now we look at Principle 9 and verses affirming the exchangeability of the Torah.
“You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments
of אֱלֹהֵיכֶם- יְהוָה- the LORD your Elo’hei’cha
which I command you.” Davarim -
Deuteronomy 4:2.
“Everything
that I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take
away from it.” Davarim - Deuteronomy 12:32.
“Forever, O יְהוָה- LORD, your
word is settled in heaven.” Tehillim - Psalm 119:89.
“The grass
withers, the flower fades; but the word of our יְהוָה
- Elohim will
stand for ever.” Yeshayahu - Isaiah 40:8.
“For I יְהוָה do not change;
therefore you, O children of Ya’a’kov - Jacob, are
not consumed.” Mal’a’chi - Malachi
3:6.
“And also the
strength of Israel will not lie nor repent; for he is not a mortal man, that he should repent.” 1
Shmuel - 1 Shmuel 15:29.
“Thus says יְהוָה - the LORD,
who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the
stars for light by night… if these ordinances depart from before me, says יְהוָה - the LORD, then the offspring of
Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me for ever.” Yirmyahu - Jeremiah 31:35–36.
Final Reflection:
All the passages above underscore two complementary truths in Maimonides’ eighth and ninth principles: that the Torah we study today traces its origin unbroken from the time of Moshe - Moses, and that אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s revealed law is both “complete” and “eternal”, impervious to human innovation or supplanting!
In conclusion the Mitzvot:
There are 613 mitzvot, which are the Commandments given by יְהוָה - the LORD to Moshe – Moses whilst he was in the Sinai wilderness.. The Commandments (Mitzvoth) cover many issues, including instructions regarding the Sabbath and food, punishments and how אֱלֹהִים - Elohim should be worshipped.
We as Hebrews agreed to follow the rules and thus these laws became, what is known as a core part of our Hebraic identity.
The Mitzvot can be read as a continuous list in the Mishneh Torah, written by ‘Moses Maimonides’. who was a Jewish philosopher who contributed to Jewish understanding and interpretation of our beloved Torah.
Types of Mitzvot:
There are infact; 248 ‘Positive Mitzvot’ as well as; 365 Negative Mitzvot, thus one way of thinking of the Mitzvoth as ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ rules:
These 248 positive mitzvot, explain what we as Hebrews should do. These rules are known asמִצְוֹת עֲשֵׂה - “Mitzvot Aseh".
Whilst the 365 negative mitzvot, which explain what we should not do. These mitzvot are known as - מִצְווֹת לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Mitzvot lo Ta’aseh.
Alternatively, the mitzvot can be divided up according to their purpose:
Ritual mitzvot explain what we as Hebrews should or should not do to avoid offending אֱלֹהִים - Elohim and cover areas such as worship and festivals. These mitzvot form a personal covenant between we who are Israelites and our beloved Creator יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים.
Of course, the first four of the Ten Commandments עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדִּבְּרוֹת - Aseret ha’Dibrot are the most important of the ritual mitzvot.
Moral mitzvot explain how we should act when dealing with other people. They help us to live as a community in a way that Elohim finds acceptable. Thus the “Aseret ha-Dibrot” - Ten Commandments are an important mitzvot as they are the basis for our moral behaviour. Some laws are judgements from Elohim, for example “you shall not steal”. These are known as מִּשְׁפָּטִים -Mishpatim.
There are also six constant mitzvot:
These are rules or laws that should always be on our minds.
“Know there is a Elohim”.
“Do not believe in any other gods”.
“Know that Elohim is ONE”.
“Love Elohim”.
“Fear Elohim”.
“Do not be misled by personal desires”.
Although it might be difficult at times to obey all of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s commandments and remain focused, but it is our duty to uphold His mitzvot first and above all!
Following the mitzvot:
The mitzvot are seen as points of guidance to help us to use our free will correctly. We believe that we have free will to follow the mitzvot, and by following the mitzvot, we will live a good life, meaning that we will be closer to יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים - the LORD Elohim, blessed be His Name.
The story of Adam and Eve (Chavah) showed us clearly how יְהוָה אֱלֹהִים gave us a free will, but also that there would be negative consequences if that free will would be used to go against אֱלֹהִים.
Orthodox Hebrew’s obey the mitzvot as strictly as possible. However, some laws simply can no longer be obeyed as they refer to directly the Temple - מִּקְדָּשׁ, which of course for the past 2000 years or so it has not been with us!
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In Conclusion, a Question to
Deepen the Conversation:
Which part of the Tanakh study, or possibly a particular line or
statement within it has touched you the most? And how do you feel
about spending more time studying our beloved Tanakh? I pray that you are doing
well as a faithful Hebrew, and אֱלֹהִים - Elohim willing you are upholding as many of our
blessed Mitzvoth’s?
Dear reader, please remember this, pray for peace and
solitude in your life, and then work on keeping as calm as possible and learn
to improve your life, for אֱלֹהִים - בָּרוּךְ
אֱלֹהִים - Bless Elohim, He is always
there and ready to help and guide you!
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PLEASE NOTE: If you need assistance in some way, just ask, I can email you special items to help you with whatever you may need, etc! Just email me (using the link further below) and I will send it to your email, without any follow up whatsoever, or any requests from me! The email is just down this page.
This site was
originally for those who needed to return to our blessed and wonderful faith,
thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or of possible three
times a day and always seek אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance!
But as you may have discovered it has become very much a teaching site!
Remember what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following, via a
number of our prophets...
“Return unto Me,
and I will return unto you, saith צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה- the LORD of hosts”. Mal’a’chi - Malachi 3:7. MEC).
And Remember ...
Enjoy your Sabbath Rest, Shabbat
Shalom!
אֲנִי יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם, בְּחֻקּוֹתַי
לֵכוּ; וְאֶת-מִשְׁפָּטַי
שִׁמְרוּ, וַעֲשׂוּ
אוֹתָם
וְאֶת-שַׁבְּתוֹתַי, קַדֵּשׁוּ; וְהָיוּ
לְאוֹת, בֵּינִי
וּבֵינֵיכֶם-לָדַעַת, כִּי
אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם
“I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה (the LORD your Elo’hei’chem);
walk in My statutes, and keep Mine
ordinances, and do them; and hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall be a sign
between Me and you, that ye may know that I am אֱלֹהֵיכֶם יְהוָה -
YaHVaH your Elo’hei’chem”.
Yechezkel - Ezekiel 20:19-20. (JPS).
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“Hebraic Studies” motto is as follows;
“The More Torah, the More Life”.
For our Elohim is the One who gave us ... our Life!
May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD of hosts. be with
you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the ‘מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your
daily תְּפִלָּה - Te’fee’lah’s (Prayers) and
regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah’s (blessings) before food and
drinks, etc!
שָׁלוֹם
עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!
Rabbi,
Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
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