SHMINI ATZERET + SIMCHAT TORAH by Raphael ben Levi
Today is the 8th day of Sukkot known as ‘Shemini Atzeret,’ (8th solemn assembly) that marks the beginning of the rainy season in Israel. Israel is dependant upon God for supplying rain for the crops. And so it’s customary in Israel to pray for rain at this time and well into the 8th month of Cheshven since Israel has no significant rivers flowing through it. I believe this to be Divinely orchestrated. Other surrounding countries such as Egypt depend primarily on rivers for their water but not so Israel, and this is a disguised blessing because if a farmer has a river to rely on for irrigating his crops he will easily become confident in himself rather than dependent upon God. This situation reminds them that God alone is their primary source of provision in every area of life. And this is vital for us as believers as a principle to live by. (“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…” Prov.3:5-6)
Scripture reminds us as believers that Yeshua is our ‘Living Water’ who provides us with spiritual nourishment and lasting refreshment. Without Him it is impossible for us to bear fruit. Imagine when Yeshua was attending a Sukkot celebration in Jerusalem on the last day of the festival (‘Hoshana rabba’) when He cried out to the crowds, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (Jn 7:37-38)
There is a traditional Chinese story of an old woman who had two water cans that were attached to a yoke. Every day she would place it upon her shoulders and journeyed to the river some distance away to fill the cans and then retrace her steps home. One of the water cans was sturdy but the other one leaked. When she arrived back, the leaky one was always half empty. Yet, old woman never appeared bothered by this.
One day, a neighbour approached her and enquired why she didn’t repair the leaky water can? The woman smiled and pointed to the side of the path along the route she always took to the river. The neighbour suddenly noticed that all along the way there were beautiful flowers growing on the side of the path where the water can had leaked. In the same way, when we are yoked to the Master we will experience various ‘leakages’ in our lives that yield unseen spiritual fruit we are unaware of.
Let me at this point share a little from our Haftarah portion taken from Ezek.38 regarding the war of Gog and Magog that will precede the final redemption when Yeshua will return to usher in the Millennium. In rabbinic tradition, this war will be waged in some future period in the month of Tishri during these feasts. Do you remember when Israel’s enemies attacked Israel during Yom Kippur 50 years ago in 1973? Satan tried to pre-empt the final conflict against God but failed. In the Gog and Magog war they will again attack Israel with the express purpose to annihilate the Jewish people and again fail, but not because of Israel’s superior military strength. God will supernaturally intervene destroying her enemies completely that will ultimately usher in the Millennium age.
Then something amazing occurs as prophesied in Zech.14:16-17: “…the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles [Sukkot]. If any of the peoples of the earth do not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, they will have no rain.”
The reason might appear strange. After all, why Sukkot and not any other Feast? But the reason is actually straightforward. Israel, when birthed as a nation in the desert of Sinai had to offer sacrifices of 70 bulls specifically during Sukkot – a bull representing every nation, prophetically speaking of a time when all the families of the world will worship the God of Israel at the feast of Sukkot leaving their idolatry behind and embracing the One true God of Israel and Yeshua as Saviour and Lord.
The Jewish people, most hated by the pagan nations, will then be accepted and the land of Israel will become their place of homage and worship and the source of their prosperity – not Mecca but Yerushalyim! According to Scripture, Satan will be loosed for a short while towards the end of the Millennium and be entirely defeated in the final stages of the seventh millennium.
Every biblical feast points to Yeshua as our salvation and God’s spiritual plan of Redemption. His dwelling with us us as we celebrate Shemini Atzaret is a picture of the world finally embracing His salvation plan as will be demonstrated in the future Millennium.
Shemeni Atzeret continues as a reminder for us when God will finally deal with Satan at the end of the MIllennium period. Rev.20:7-10: “When the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison and shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city. Fire came down from God out of Heaven and devoured them. The demon that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
Scripture states that at this time a resurrection of the dead will occur when all humanity will stand before God for judgment. The unsaved will be sentenced to the Lake of Fire, i.e. spiritual death. In John’s revelation he shares: “I saw a great white throne and He who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was no place found for them. I saw the dead, small and great, stand before Elohim. The books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books according to their works. The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and hell delivered up the dead who were in them. They were judged every man according to their works. Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Whoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Rev.20:11-15,
This will introduce the 8th millennium of man represented again by Shemini Atzeret, the 8th day following Sukkot. At this point, the New Jerusalem will descend from Heaven “I heard a loud voice from the throne say, ‘See! God’s Sh’khinah is with mankind, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and he himself, God-with-them, will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will no longer be any death; and there will no longer be any mourning, crying or pain; because the old order has passed away.’ (Rev.21:22) The new earth will be likened to a permanent ‘sukkah’ and death will be swallowed up forever in victory.
Following Shemini Atzeret, is Simchat Torah celebrated in synagogues with dancing with the Torah scroll as the sun sets. The Torah scrolls with the silver crowns (ketarim) are removed from the parchment scrolls. The silver crowns are represented by the 7th letter in the Hebrew alphabet, ‘zayin’ (as in the 7th month in the biblical calendar we are currently in) shaped like a letter ‘vav’ with a crown on top because the Torah is from the One who is crowned King of Kings and guides us by His Holy Spirit providing substance and meaning to our lives.
As the cantor sings from the Torah, the whole congregation celebrate with joy and gladness while the men dance around the bema joyfully (the lectern used for reading of the Torah). At sunset the dancing recommences spilling out into the streets and continues throughout the night!
So too as believers, we rejoice in the Word of God knowing the One Himself who is the Word of God! This is a day of celebration as we declare to the Heavens the joy of our salvation. Why then do some people remain bound in chains and cast down?
Simchat Torah marks the end of the annual Torah cycle and the answer to our question becomes clearer when we embark again upon our readings from the Torah next week from page one where we are confronted with God’s first question to humanity. Adam and Eve eat of the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil and realise they are naked, and hide from God. God calls out: “Where are you?” Sin has gained entrance into the world and as Scripture declares, the wages of sin is death.
Exile is miserable. According to the sages, only one-fifth of the Israelite slaves left Egypt, because ironically they liked it there. The same occurred in exile under the Babylonians and Persians and throughout Jewish history. In the same way, many believers sadly fall short of the calling that God has placed upon their lives. It is an insidious and terrible form of exile. Spiritual exile is an alienation even harsher than its physical equivalent – that’s what the story of Adam and Eve teaches us.
Rebbe Shlomo Carlebach shared when he was giving a concert in Austria. He saw a lady in the audience who was deeply distressed and weeping inconsolably throughout his performance. Afterwards, he spoke with her and she told him her story. Her grandparents converted from Judaism and forsook their Jewish identity, but nevertheless went to Auschwitz because according to the Nazi race laws, she was still Jewish. She told him that her father survived Auschwitz yet was a dead person. He claimed to be neither Jewish nor Gentile and had no place left in the world. That identity of desolation became her only inheritance that found expression at his concerts she attended. Is this not the worst kind of exile?
At Simchat Torah, God reaches out to us with arms wide open and we respond with joy! It is only through Him in that place of unconditional acceptance and love where we can experience true belonging that Yeshua who is the Way the Truth and the Life offers everyone who comes to Him. Who would not choose the fullness over the scraps under the table?
So, in the midst of our celebrations, let this be our choice today; to break free from the tyranny of enslavement and return home again to the place where we belong.
1. We declare that this year will be one in which God hears our cries to bring everything in our lives in alignment with His perfect will. “I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.” Ps.116:1–2
2. We declare the opening of heavenly gates and ancient doors that will bring us into deeper relationship with Yahweh Elohim. “Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.” Ps.24:7
3. We pursue personal renewal in our lives for strength to soar higher into His presence and experience a deeper walk and revelation of His love. “… but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isai.40:31
4. We declare that times of spiritual hopelessness and disappointments have come to an end. This year will be one of breakthroughs and restoration!
5. We declare spiritual refreshing to those who have been in the wilderness. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isai. 43:18–19
6. We declare strength, grace and wisdom as we reach out to those who are unsaved.
I DECLARE I am a child of God, forgiven, and loved by God. I will serve the Lord all the days of my life with gladness. (Rom.8:16; Ps.100:2)
I DECLARE I hear and follow the voice of the good shepherd and follow not the voice of the stranger. (Jn. 10:4-5)
I DECLARE that the goodness and mercy of God are following me every day of my life. I will live in the house of the Lord forever. (Ps. 23:6)
I DECLARE no weapon formed against me or my family will prosper. His angels have charge over me and no evil will come near me or my home. I fear no evil. (Isai.54:17; Ps.91:11; Ps.23:4)
I DECLARE I have perfect peace in my life and I am a peacemaker therefore I am blessed. I pursue peace with all people and in every situation.(Isai.26:3; Matt. 5:9; Heb.12:14)
I DECLARE I am more than conqueror. The Lord always brings me through and I am victorious. (Rom.8:37: 1 Cor.15:57)
I DECLARE I am not intimidated by the enemy and have a sound mind and a spirit of courage and boldness. I am prepared to face every challenge the day brings. (2 Tim.1:7: Eph.3:12)
I DECLARE God is opening the windows of Heaven over my life and I am experiencing the abundant life Yeshua has promised to give all those who love and follow HIm. (Mal.3:10: Jn.10:10)
I DECLARE all my needs are being met because my God is a God of ‘more than enough’. (Phil.19: 2 Cor.9:8)
I DECLARE I am not weary in doing those things God has called me to do. I will not quit, but will persevere and overcome and reap a harvest on the seeds I have sown, at exactly the right time. (Gal.6:9)
I DECLARE I have been fearfully and wonderfully made by God. I am unique, special and extraordinary to Him. (Ps.139:14)
I DECLARE I am forgiven by God. I have no fear, guilt, or condemnation because the Spirit of life in Yeshua has set me free from the law of sin and death. (Eph.1:7, Rom.8:1; 2Cor.3:17)
I DECLARE that the Spirit of God is alive within me, giving me a passion to do things God’s way, and delivering me from every bad habit and vice. (Gal.2:20; Eph.4:22-24)
I DECLARE I am living by faith and not by sight. I am not moved by what I see or what I feel. I speaking to the obstacles and barriers in my life to be removed. I have the faith of God in me. (2Cor.5:7 Mk.11:22-23)
I DECLARE greater is He that lives in me than he who is in the world and that the same Spirit that raised Yeshua from the dead is alive in me. (1Jn.4:4; Rom.8:11)
I DECLARE that God’s love for me is unconditional and never changing. There is nothing that can separate me from His love. (1Jn 4:19: Rom. 8:38)
I DECLARE I will only think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. I cast down vain imaginations and thoughts that are contrary to things of God. My mind is ready and obedient to the Word of God. (2 Cor.10:4,5; Phil.4:8.)
I DECLARE that everything that happens to me or around is ultimately working together for good in my life because I love God and I am called according to His purpose. (Rom.8:28)
I DECLARE I am equipped for every good work that God has planned for me and will fulfil the calling and destiny over my life. (2Tim.3:17)
I DECLARE everything and anything that has been lost or stolen is being restored. I am pursuing, overtaking and getting back everything the enemy has taken. (Joel 2:25; 1Sam.30:8)
BREAKING
Rockets are being launched from Gaza into many towns and cities in Israel.
Hamas began a military operation to “liberate Al AQsa”
Hundreds of rockets fired to Israel
Hamas terrorists managed to infiltrate Israeli settlements near Gaza.
Non stop rockets launched into Israel including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Terrorists took over a police station in the city of Sderot, fighting on the spot, the IDF was completely surprised!
The IDF declares a state of alert for war.
Successful Hamas entries into Israel; Israeli residents of yishuvim along the Gaza border have taken videos of these armed Hamas groups entering Israeli homes with the aim of kidnapping Israeli citizens. Apparently there have been casualties.
Residents of yishuv Beeri just sent urgent messages for help. They are reporting that armed Hamas militants are outside their homes and they are afraid and don’t know what to do.
Civilians in the southern and central areas are required to stay next to shelters, and in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip, inside shelters.
The Hamas terrorist organisation is the sovereign in the Gaza Strip and is responsible for this attack. It will face the consequences and responsibility for these events.
Terrorists infiltrated into Israeli territory in a number of different locations.
Civilians in the southern and central areas are required to stay next to shelters, and in the area surrounding the Gaza Strip, inside shelters.
The Hamas terrorist organization is the sovereign in the Gaza Strip and is responsible for this attack. It will face the consequences and responsibility for these events.
Dozens of terrorists managed to take over houses inside Israel
Reports on kidnapping of Israelis. Multiple Israeli citizens were either killed or injured.
Non stop rockets launched into Israel including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Exactly 50 years to the Yom Kippur war, Israel was surprised again only this time the war is not on the border but inside Israel.
Multiple Israeli homes in towns and villages not far from Gaza were taken over by terrorists.
Israel is concerned that the Gaza war is only a distraction to a bigger attack planned from the north. UNIFIL (UN in Lebanon) was warned that if anything will happen from that front Israel will attack harshly.
Dramatic report from Gaza: A large number of bodies of Israeli soldiers were kidnapped into the territory of the Gaza Strip.
Over 2000 rockets fired into Israel so far.
