The RETURN
Movement International
Petah
Tikvah & Scriptural-Truths
Presents …
--Sharing our Lord
and Saviour Yahushua, Yeshua the Messiah to the
World!—
Please
Note: On this site we prefer to use the actual Name of
our loving Heavenly Father as it was written in the Hebrew and thus you will
note that we will use the four letter “Memorial Name” of 
- YHVH,
which is pronounced as YaHVaH or YaHWaH, also we will use our
Heavenly Father’s title, which is “Elohim”
rather than “God.” We need to remember that
“Elohim” (God) is NOT a name but an attribute, a title! In addition
we also love to use the actual/real Name of our beloved “Messiah”
in Greek written as “Christos”, but His loving Name is 
- “Yahushua”
or “Yeshua”
in short, for this is our Saviours original Hebrew Name as given to Him in
Lukas - Luke 1:31. This was the only Name ever used when He was on the earth by
His family, disciples and His followers for hundreds of years thereafter.
However, it was changed to a foreign name by that new Church, that later became
known as “the greater Roman
Church.” Occasionally, we may also use other
Hebrew or Greek names and words in our studies, but these will be translated
when they are used, either the first time in a study or at various times as
needed for clarity. For an explanation of YHVH’s most Holy and blessed
“Memorial Name” and the wonderful Name of our Messiah: Please read … “The Memorial Name.”
The three levels of learning
& understanding of the blessed Word of YaHVaH Elohim (the Lord God):
When we read and study the blessed
Scriptures, the Word of YHVH Elohim as a believer in Yahushua (Yeshua) the
Messiah, we should keep following three steps always in mind for they are a
valuable guide and it will certainly provide us with guidance and illuminate
the sheer beauty and the fullness of YHVH’s most blessed Word.
1.
Who was YHVH Elohim, blessed be His Holy Name speaking to?
2.
When was it said?
3.
How was His Word understood at the time it was spoken/given?
I do believe that these three points are most
relevant to our understanding of 1. What the Almighty is saying at the time
– 2. As well as what it means to us today - and 3. Especially to you and
me right now!
Shalom - Peace be with you, in Yahushua THE Messiah!
Ministry
Elder & Teacher; Reuben ben
Gershom.
Founder;
The RETURN Movement
International – 1978.
“Scriptural
Truths” & “Ha
Davar Word Studies”
A fulltime Messianic Teaching Ministry.
May “Elohim (God) … fill you with the
knowledge of His will, through all spiritual wisdom and understanding …
that you may live a life worthy and please Him in every way, bearing fruit in
every good work, growing in the knowledge of Elohim” Colossians 1: 9-19.
Beloved in Yahushua (Yeshua), whilst away on
a seven-day retreat in August 1999 YHVH Elohim (the LORD God), blessed be His
holy Name, instructed me in relation to the Jewish tradition of the covering of
the head. At first, it shocked me, for He revealed to me the origin of the
Jewish tradition of men covering their heads with the kippah (also called a
yarmulke or a skullcap).
Messianic
believers are well aware of the fact, that Jewish men cover their heads when
entering the Synagogue or when in prayer. Whereas, strictly Orthodox Jews, and
the Chassidim (the ultra Orthodox) will have their heads covered during all
their time awake. Having been an Orthodox Jew, the wearing of a kippah and/or a
hat, was a way of life for me. “It is so Jewish. Have we not always worn
it? Did the Christian
Jesus not cover his head whenever he was in the Temple or a Synagogue?
Let’s face it,” I might have said once, “They would have
stoned him if he walked into the Temple
with his head uncovered.” Obviously those
thoughts were before I came to know Him as my personal Messiah and Redeemer,
but I still believed in the wearing of the kippah for a considerable time, as a
Messianic believer, although mostly at home as it was frowned upon by the
churches! But a change has come into my life and the kippah has now long gone!
Beloved this study will delve into this
important matter, for it relates to all who are part of the faithful in Yahushua,
“the Bride.” What I am about to share with you is of utmost
importance, especially in these “latter days” for the Messiah is
calling and preparing his Bride. We are to be “filled with the knowledge
of the will of Elohim” in order we “Live a life worthy” unto
Him, “bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of
Elohim.”
Beloved
let us rid ourselves of the “traditions of men” and busy ourselves
only in those things our Saviour Yahushua
has asked of us. For the time will come soon that the Bride, the faithful in
Him, will be caught up and meet Him “in the air.”
“Then we which are alive and
remain shall be caught up … in the clouds, to meet the Lord (our
wonderful Saviour) in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” 1 Thessalonians
4:17.
YHVH Elohim is calling an army to do
battle. Not against flesh and blood but against HaSatan, the evil one! We the
faithful in Messiah must prepare ourselves in prayer, filling ourselves with
spiritual food from the Word as we dedicate our lives unto Him! We have had
enough leisure time, it is time to look up and rededicate ourselves unto His
service without reserve. We need to be circumcised again, with “circumcision
that is of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter” (Romans 2:29,
also Davarim – Deuteronomy 10:16 & 30:6, also Yirmyahu –
Jeremiah 4:4) covers this
spiritual circumcision of the heart. But Yahushua (Joshua)
instructed his men prior the battle of Jericho
regading circimcision, but this time it would be a physical one!
“At
that time YHVH said to Yahushua (Joshua),
‘Make flint knives for yourself, and circumcise the sons of Israel again
the second time.’ So Joshua made
flint knives for himself, and circumcised the sons of Israel at the
hill of the foreskins” Joshua
4:2-3.
We also must prepare for the great battle ahead and go and share the
Word of Elohim to souls lost in order that many more will meet Messiah Yahushua
“in the Air” when He comes for the faithful. We cannot be
spiritually unemployed at this urgent time, for we are living in “Le’dor A’cha’ron” – “the Generation to
come” or better translated from the Hebrew, “the Last Generation.”
“You
will arise and have mercy on Zion;
for the time to favour her, yes, the set time, has come. For Your servants take
pleasure in her stones, and show favour to her dust. … For YHVH shall
build up Zion,
He shall appear in His glory. He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, and
shall not despise their prayer. This will be written for the generation to come
(the last generation). That a people yet to be created may praise YHVH”
Tehillim- Psalm 102:13-14 & 16-18.
Yahushua said … “Now learn this parable
from the fig tree. When its branch has already become tender and puts forth
leaves, you know that summer is near (speaking of Israel’s
return to Zion or Jerusalem and, end times). So, you also, when
you see all these things, know that it is near at the doors! Assuredly, I say
to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take
place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass
away” Mattityahu - Matthew 24:
32-35.
Israel returned to Zion, and a generation is Scripturally 40 years However, Israel is a
secular nation but it is there, and we have no set boundary when the generation
should start. But Yahushua said when it does, “This generation will by no
means pass away till all these things take place.” Beloved, are you
ready? Have you been a good servant, worthy in the service of the Lord? Do you
know with certainty that He will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful
servant?” I pray He will! Let us rededicate ourselves unto Him and
lovingly “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Yahushua is coming and
he is coming soon! Halelu’Yah.
Therefore, we
must understand the importance of living in the will of YHVH Elohim and not
travel along the road, based on “the traditions of men.” The
reason I have repeated that phrase “the traditions of men” is because,
our Heavenly Father gave me a Word in 1998 … “Tell My own, rid
yourselves from the traditions of men, which I abhor.”
And Christians should also take heed when it comes to those they have
inherited from pagan Rome!
YHVH our Elohim expects from
us purity of worship for He despises pagan tainted customs. Therefore beloved,
I believe it is time that we “examine ourselves” and seek the
guidance of the blessed Holy Spirit of Elohim, in order that we may walk on His
path to the point Yahushua will say, “Well done, thou good and
faithful servant.”
Turn now to 1
Corinthians and seek the Lord on some important matters. These may not be so
important on the human level, but vital in the spiritual realm of Elohim.
“I praise you for remembering me
in everything and for holding to the teachings, just as I passed them on to
you.” 1 Corinthians 11:2.
It appears that the apostle had previously
given them a variety of directions relative to the matters mentioned here. Some
paid strict attention to them, others had not. Contentions and divisions were
the consequences, which he reproves and endeavours to rectify. While Shaul of Tarsus - Paul and Apollos had
preached among them, the Corinthians had undoubtedly received all that was
necessary in relation to observance and worship. Apparently, there were those
who continued to practice certain aspects of pagan festivals and attempted to
introduce certain practises into the assembly of the faithful. These practices,
they obviously felt, was an improvement on the apostolic teachings. Thus, we
will realise the importance of Shaul’s message here.
“But I would have you know, that
the head of every man is the Messiah and the head of the woman is the man, and
the head of the Messiah is Elohim.” 1 Corinthians 11:3.
Paul is saying that
Yahushua the Messiah is the head and author of the faith. He is the creator,
preserver, and Lord of every man. That man (husband) is the lord or head of the
woman (wife). Whereas, the Head of our Lord Yahushua
(who is Mediator between Elohim and man) is YaHVaH Elohim,
the Father. From this, we learn that there is an order of things. YaHVaH
our Elohim, blessed be His Holy Name, sends “His only begotten Son”
Yahushua the Messiah to redeem man. The Messiah comes and lays down his life
for the world.
Every man who confesses that
Yahushua is Lord, to the glory of Elohim the Father, and every believing woman
will acknowledge, according to Genesis 3:16 that Elohim has placed her in a
dependence on, and is subject to her husband. This far, I pray, there is no scriptural
difficulty with this passage. Sadly due to the rampage of false doctrines, and
the rise of the satanically inspired feminism amongst the world as well
as “Christians” now, much of the “Church” has gone
astray regarding these scriptures, just as our Messiah Yahushua told us would
happen. Remember the adversary (hasatan) loves to reverse the things of Elohim.
From this we should realise that this rebellious world and parts of the Church
is subtly being controlled by the evil one. Their behaviour, or doctrines, is
based on greed and the self. I pray that the faithful in Messiah Yahushua will
listen to His call and follow Him, for only in Yahushua we have the true
“Hatikvah”
- “The Hope!”
“Come
out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins, so that you will
not receive any of her plagues” Revelation 18:4.
The faithful in Messiah Yahushua must
separate themselves and be different to the world around us. If we are to be
the “Bride,” we must also “rid ourselves from the traditions
of men” especially those that are based on paganism.
Now what was Paul
trying to tell the people in 1st Corinthians about “ridding ourselves of
the traditions of men?”
Head covering!
“Every man praying or prophesying, having
his head covered, dishonours his head.” 1 Corinthians 11:4.
When Shaul (Paul)
speaks of “praying or prophesying,” he is speaking of any person
who worships our Heavenly Father whether in prayer, in song, or exhortation. We
learn, from the apostle himself that “propheeteuein”
in Greek means to prophesy, also signifying, to speak unto men to edification,
exhortation and to comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). From this we understand this
includes exhortation and teaching the blessed Word of Elohim!
“Having his head
covered.” Should a man pray or minister with his cap or a turban on, no,
for he will dishonour his head. This is because, head covering was a sign of
mourning and subjection, and while he was employed in the public ministration
of the Word, he was to be considered as a representative of our blessed
Messiah. On this account, his being veiled or covered would be improper. This
statement by the apostle back then is in complete contrast to Jewish (rabbinic)
tradition, as we know it today, for Israel “does not suffer a man
to pray unless he is veiled or covered.”
Thus, we may ask ourselves,
“Why do Jewish men wear a kippah, a skullcap?” The rabbis provide
us with the following explanation.
“A man should cover himself to show that he is
ashamed before Elohim due to his sins and is unworthy to behold Him with an
open face.”
Well, praise the
blessed Name of Yahushua our Messiah, when He Redeemed us through the shedding
of His precious blood, He removed our shame and mourning and we are worthy to
approach our heavenly Father with bare heads!
But it is very interesting that
all Jews, Gentiles, and believers tend to presume that Jewish men have always
covered their heads when in prayer, or upon entering the Tabernacle grounds, Temple or Synagogue. The
answer to this is NO they did not. The truth is that there is no mention of it
in the Torah (Five Books of Moses), or anywhere else in the Tenach (the whole
of the Old Testament).
Rabbi Dr. Rudolph Brash, AM, OBE,
writes;
“The paradox resides in the fact that this practice
(of head-covering), deemed fundamentally Jewish and hallowed by ancient
tradition, is in reality pagan, and
in terms of Jewish chronology, comparatively modern. The truth is, the practice of head covering, was copied from their
environment by the Babylonian Jews.”
Now why should
this surprise us, considering the
hierarchy of the pagan Babylonian style Church of Rome wear skullcaps?
Rabbi Brash continues.
“These Babylonian Jews took their custom to
the shores of Spain
in the eighth century AD where it became firmly established. However, at the same time in other corners
of Europe, it was unheard of. History
records that at the same epoch young German males were called to the reading of
the Law bareheaded. Head covering, although now practised in Spain and Portugal,
had not taken root in east or north Europe. A famed Rabbi of the sixteenth-century,
Rabbi Moses Isserles whose work is included in the book
“the Code of the Jewish Law – the Shulchan Aruch,” taught that
“the covering of the head could not be considered a religious
principle.” Even more recently, in the eighteenth century, that
eminent Jewish authority, Rabbi Eliyah
Gaon of Vilna stated, “According to
Jewish Law it is permitted to enter a Synagogue and pray without covering
one’s head.”
From the book “The
Star of David” by Rabbi Dr. R Brash.
“Tradition, tradition, where would we be …
without tradition.” - From “Fiddler on the
Roof.”
For Israel to continue to believe in
the One Elohim of Avraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that is a good tradition. For Israel to
uphold the Law, to keep the Sabbath and celebrate the Feasts is fully
Scriptural, unlike these new traditions of men! Thus, for the rabbis of Israel to
introduce and uphold a pagan tradition, now that is simply tragic! Praise
Elohim for His enduring mercy, “for Elohim has not cast away His People (Israel) whom He
foreknew” (Romans 11:2).
The sad fact is
that traditions, including the relatively recent introduction
of covering of the head has helped Israel to be, and too look different.
This differentiation has helped Jewish people in their fight for spiritual
survival. However, the covering of the head is not Scriptural for the faithful
in the Messiah! As a Messianic Hebrew, I used to love to wear the Kippah, but,
whilst at that retreat back in August 1999, YaHVaH Elohim
told me very clearly to remove it, as it belongs to the pagan world.
Sadly most Messianic Fellowships continue to use them, as well as upholding, so
many of the manmade rabbinic laws, and that is really tragic because they
offend Yahushua, and it is simply evil, as our Lord and Saviour has set us free
from all those traditions of men!
Although Yahushua did say “If ye love Me, keep My commandments,” thus we are to follow His commandments, but we do so because we
love Him and knowing that we are saved because of His Grace!
However, many have asked me in the past, but
brother, “What about the High Priest, did he not wear head
covering?” Yes he did, for he was the one who would have to enter into
the Holy of Holies on one day each year on the Feast of “Yom Kippur, or
the Day of Atonement” with the bowl of blood and sprinkle it on the Mercy
Seat and around the Altar. He would have his head covered in mourning for the
sins of Israel
and in humility before the great Elohim on High! We who are redeemed are not in
mourning, for we are washed clean by the shed blood of the Lamb Elohim! HalleluYAH!
There is no command for any other than the Priests to wear a special head
covering.
Men who wear head covering in Messianic Fellowships today
(knowingly or unknowingly) dishonour Messiah Yahushua our Saviour, and they
simply follow Rabbinic Law and “the Traditions of men,” which, as
shown earlier originally came out of Babylon.
Statements from the Encyclopaedia Judaica re
the Kippur/skullcap
- “The covering of
the head, as an expression of the ‘fear of Elohim’ (yirat shamayim),
and as a continuation of the practice of the Babylonian scholars was
gradually endorsed by the rabbis.”
- “According to the
description of the priestly garb in Exodus (28:4, 37, 40), the high priest
wore a miter (miznefet), and the ordinary
priests a hat (migba'at). It was generally considered a sign
of mourning to cover the head and face (II Sam. 15:30, 19:5; Jer. 14:3–4; Esth. 6:12). In talmudic
times, too, men expressed their sense of grief while mourning by covering
their heads, as did Bar Kappara after the death
of Judah ha-Nasi (TJ, Kil. 9:4, 32b; TJ, Ket. 12:3, 35a). A mourner, one on whom a ban
(herem)
had been pronounced, and a leper, were, in fact, obliged to cover their
heads.”
- “Jewish
tradition requires men to cover the head as a sign of humility before
Elohim, and women, as evidence of modesty before men, although the
Bible (the Tenach or Old
Testament) does not explicitly command either men or women to cover
the head.”
- “The
opinion of Rabbi David
Halevy of Ostrog
(17th century) declared
that since Christians generally pray bareheaded, the Jewish prohibition to
do so was based on the biblical injunction not to imitate the heathen
custom”
- “Artistic representation, such as Egyptian and Babylonian tablets and in
the synagogue at Dura
Europos
depict the Israelites, without head covering.”
Thus, as Rabbi Brash and the Encyclopaedia Judaica clearly show us,
head covering, was copied by Jews whilst in captivity in Babylon and from other pagan traditions. It
did not become custom until the eighth century amongst the Spanish Jews, and it
was again abolished and was revived again much later. Even though many famed
rabbis spoke out against the Babylonian tradition of head covering, it became a
tradition. It was a tradition of men and not of YHVH Elohim (the LORD God)!
“He who has My commandments and
keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My
Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” Yochannan - John 14:21.
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in
you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My
Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. As the
Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My
commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's
commandments and abide in His love.” Yochannan - John
15:7-10.
Having learned this remarkable truth, regarding the kippah (head
covering), as I said, it shocked me greatly having believed originally that it
was Scriptural.
The author in 1979, wearing his Kippur and Tallit (a Prayer Shawl)
during a dance at a special
Messianic Hebraic Celebration
We also need to remember that the head of the Church of Rome, the
Pope, he does not wear a skullcap because it is from a Jewish origin, no certainly
not, he wears it because of it is from Babylonian – pagan origins and he
knows this, as are so many of the custom’s of the church, as the two
feasts it has imposed on the world of churches and countless doctrines and
false names, etc! Rome
is the tool of Satan and will be the major player
during the Great Tribulation!
But the question begs, what about the ladies?
Having read verse 4 of 1 Corinthians 11, we should also take note of
what Shaul (Paul) had to say in next
verse.
“And every woman who prays or
prophesies with her head uncovered dishonours her head; it is just as though
her head were shaved” 1 Corinthians 11:5.
We should understand that the ladies have a very special and an
honoured place in the body of our Lord and Saviour, and that in no way are they
ever the lesser in any way whatsoever! For in the Word they play a most vital
part. The Jewish wife for instance plays one of the most important roles in the
household, for it is her who has the great honour by bringing in the Sabbath
each week as well as the blessed Feasts of YaHVaH. It is the Mother who
educates the children regarding the things of Elohim and not the Father. What a
wonderful and distinguished role to have!
However according to the Word of Elohim, whenever praying or prophesying
ladies should have their heads covered,
otherwise she “dishonours her head.” To enforce this edict, the
apostle even states that the uncovered woman (not a bold woman) would appear
“just as though” a prostitute, who goes out *without a veil – “as though her head were
shaven.” The faithful in those days would have fully understood the words
of Shaul, for if a woman appeared in public without a veil she would not only
dishonour her head, but that of her husband. She would appear to be like those
women who had their hair shorn off as the punishment of whoredom or adultery.
*According the Word, for a woman to
uncover her head indicated withdrawal from the husband’s power, whence a
suspected wife had her head uncovered by the priest (Numbers 5:18). It also
shows her defiance to the will of Elohim!
I have heard it
said, “But brother, my hair is my covering.” If this is the case, myself being rather bald, I must then be truly uncovered,
and men with hair, better start shaving their heads. No, YaHVaH our Elohim requires
women to place a simple covering on their heads whilst praying. This act makes
women not less, for they have an exulted, even special place in things of
Elohim! Remember, it was Miriam (Mary) who brought forth, Him who is “the
Light” unto the world. Elohim has an order of things, we all live in it,
and we can either choose it, or refuse it, the choice is yours, but so are the
consequences! It is as simple as that! And
ladies, I am not speaking of a battle of fashion and hats, etc, just a simple
covering such as a light veil would do!
The final analyses is this, are we willing to obey YaHVaH
Elohim, and do what He asks of us with great joy, or are we going follow the
way of the world, and follow “the traditions of man,” and continue
with the I, me and myself, of the new age, and the Satanic feminist
way’s? Tragically we are well aware that so much of
“Christianity” has veiled itself in a considerable amount of
paganism? Yet so many of its followers are not even aware of it, for they are
just like sheep and followers of “the traditions of men.”
It is time they started reading and checking out the Word far more carefully
themselves, and not just excepting what they are being fed, for their food may
not be the right food!
Beloved, the faithful in Messiah
Yahushua must be those who stand apart, being Emancipated,
Redeemed by the shed Blood of the “Lamb of YaHVaH Elohim,” being
Separated from the things of the world, and living in His will and obeying His
commandments, heading for that sure Possession in Yahushua our beloved Saviour!
Do you know what it is to be the Bride of the Messiah
Yahushua? Being the Bride is not just being a “Believer,” for many “Know” Him, even “Believe” in Him, but they
do not “Understand” Him,
thus they do not follow His commandments and follow His
“Iupogrammón” “example!”
“You are My witnesses,”
declares YHVH, “and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that
I am He. Before Me no Elohim was formed, nor will there be one after Me. I,
even I, am YHVH, and apart from Me there is no Saviour.” Yeshayahu -
Isaiah 43:10-11.
“For to this you were called, because Messiah also suffered for us,
leaving us an example (Iupogrammón), that you should follow His steps.”
1 Chefa - 1 Peter 2:21.
“Great
is your REWARD in
HEAVEN!” Mattityahu - Matthew
5:12.
Shalom
in Messiah - Yahushua.
May YHVH
Elohim bless and keep you in the palm of His hand always, in Messiah
Yahushua’s loving Name!
Ministry
Elder/teacher: Reuben ben Gershom -
in Ministry since 1978.
“Teach me Your way, O YHVH. I will walk in Your truth.
UNITE MY HEART TO FEAR YOUR NAME!”
Tehillim
– Psalms 86:11
***********************************************************
Return
to our Site Index
or MainPage
Yahushua
said; “No
one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise
him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: They will all be taught by
Elohim. Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him comes to Me. No
one has seen the Father except the One who is from Elohim; only He has seen the
Father. I tell you the truth he who believes has everlasting life.” Yochannan
(John) 6:43-48.
Do
you have any questions? You are welcome to email us
…
www.scriptural-truths.com
The
RETURN Movement
International
Established
in 1978
Quotations
are derived from various versions of the Word
including KJV/NKJ/NIV/Hebrew/Greek translations by the Webmaster, and Messianic
versions.
Copyright
- © 1978 - 2012 - RMI-Ministries & Scriptural-Truths.com - All Rights Reserved
Although
the author does not believe in having to copyright his studies, but there have
been occasions where there parts
of
his studies have been taken and quoted out of context under his name, and thus
he has been misquoted by
those
who had their own reasons for doing so. Thus, it is only for this reason these
works
are
covered under the ©
copyright restrictions.
YHVH
– YAHWEH – YAHWAH – YAHVAH – YEHOVAH - ELOHIM –
ELOHIM – EL – ADONAI - ABBA – LORD – JESUS
–MESSIAH – MASHIACH - CHRIST –HEBREW – IVRIT - ISRAEL
– PROPHECY – BIBLE – SCRITURES
THE
WORD OF ELOHIM – YERUSHALAYIM – JERUSALEM – DAVID –
AVARAHAM – ABRAHAM – TORAH – TENACH – TANACH –
SABBATH