THE HOPE

For thou art my hope [tikvah], O Lord God; thou art my trust from my youth. Psalm 71:5

Hope can only be as strong as what we believe. Hope indeed often hinges on the strength and depth of our beliefs, giving us resilience and direction in challenging times. It aligns well with many themes in Proverbs and Psalms, which often emphasize the power of faith and belief.

The word for hope in Hebrew is Tikvah (תִקְוָה). HaTikvah (הַתִּקְוָה), "The Hope" is the national anthem of the State of Israel. (Click to listen Hatikvah)

Kol od ba’le’vav p’nima,Nefesh yehudi ho’miyah.

U’lefa-atei mizrach kadimah,

Ayin le’Tziyyon tzofiyah.

Od lo avda tikva-teinu,

Ha’tikvah bat sh’not al-payim

Lih-yot am chofshi b’ar-tzeinu

Eretz Tziyyon v’Yerushalayim.

 

Translation:

As long as within our hearts

The Jewish soul sings,

As long as forward to the East

Our hope is not yet lost,

It is two thousand years old,

To be a free people in our land

The land of Zion and Jerusalem.

Some may percieve "hope" to lack certainty. But in Hebrew, the word for "hope" is more concrete. 

Hope is rooted in expectation and Tikvah comes from the Hebrew root "kavah" meaning "to bind together, collect -- thus a tikvak can be a cord or thread. Tikvak can also mean to expect: tarry, wait (for, on, upon)." 

The first occurrence of the word tikvah in the Bible is in the biblical Book of Joshua during the account of Joshua and the Israelites conquering the city of Jericho after entering Eretz Israel.  Two Israelite spies encounter a famous biblical woman named Rahab. She is a prostitute -- an interesting choice for God to use.  The spies make an arrangement with Rahab whereby she is to tie a scarlet cord from her window to identify and save her and her family. 

Joshua 2:17-18

The men said to her, “We shall be free from this oath to you which you have made us swear, unless, when we come into the land, you tie this cord of scarlet thread  (a tikvah) in the window through which you let us down, and gather to yourself into the house your father and your mother and your brothers and all your father’s household.

Rahab responded: 

Josuah. 2:21:

She said, “According to your words, so be it.” So she sent them away, and they departed; and she tied the scarlet cord (a tikvah) in the window.

The bible tells us to be hopeful, with an expectant assurance and Rahab waited expectantly.

One of the most difficult things to remember is that hope is rooted in waiting. There too, in the Book of Joshua, is a reminder. The tikvah, the cord was Rahab’s only guarantee that her household would be spared by the Israelites. Rahad tied a physical cord to her window to ensure her family's safety, but Rahab still had to wait for the realization of the spies’ promise.

Within the list of faith champions in Hebrews Chapter 11 of the New Testament, Rahab is mentioned right after Moses, and instead of Joshua. Wow! The only other woman mentioned on the list is Sarah, Abraham’s wife and mother of Isaac. It is a high honor to be included in this group of believers.

Hebrews 11:31

It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. 

Rahab is one of five women mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus; they are Tamar the wife of Judah, Rahab the wife of Salmon, Ruth the wife of Boaz, Bathsheba the wife of King David (after being the wife of Uriah), and Mary the Mother of Jesus. Other then Mary, Rahab is the only one mentioned again in the New Testament.

Keeping the Faith Equates to Keeping the Hope:

A verse in Hatikvah is "Our hope is not yet lost," which is a way of saying "never to lose hope." In the Jerusalem Talmud Berachot 2:4, Jewish sages say that even on the worst day, the 9th day of Av (Tisha B'Av), when the Temple was destroyed by the Romans, hope is not lost because a "Redeemer has been born."

There is a well-known legend found in Jewish tradition, reflecting the belief that even in the darkest moments, there is a glimmer of hope and redemption.

"On the day that the Holy Temple was destroyed, a Jew was plowing his field when his cow suddenly called out. An Arab was passing by and heard the low of the cow. Said the Arab: 'Jew, Jew! Unyoke your cow, free the stake of your plow, for your Holy Temple has now been destroyed.' The cow then lowed a second time. Said the Arab: 'Jew, Jew! Yoke your cow, reset the stake of your plow, for the Redeemer has now been born...'"

This tale captures a profound moment of loss and the simultaneous promise of renewal. This narrative emphasizes the idea that from great sorrow can come great hope, and it encourages faith in divine providence and the eventual redemption.

The rabbis teach that though the meaning is ostensibly the destruction was a consequence of the Jews' sins, there was a deeper reason for it all. From the ashes of the destroyed temples will arise an infinitely greater Temple, one constructed by God Himself, one that will stand for all eternity.

THE HOPE -- OUR REDEEMER:

As scriptures tell us, in times of our deepest despair our Redeemer gives us hope. 

The "Hope of Israel" is a multifaceted concept in Jewish and Christian traditions. In Judaism, it often refers to the messianic hope—the anticipation of a future Messiah who will bring peace, justice, and restoration to Israel and the world. This hope is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly in the prophetic books. 

Moses received the Torah the around 1250 BCE, which is approximately 3250 years ago. Hatikvah specifically tells us that our hope "is two thousand years old." 

Acts 28:20 — The New International Version (NIV)

20 For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”

In Christianity, the "Hope of Israel" is seen as fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the promised Messiah. Christians believe that through Jesus, the promises of God to Israel are realized, bringing salvation not only to Israel but to all humanity. This hope is emphasized in the New Testament, especially in the teachings of Paul, who often speaks of the fulfillment of the promises made to the patriarchs of Israel through Jesus.

Now, here is an interesting "coincidence" as it relates to the timing in the National anthem.  Hatikvah is based on a poem by Naftali Herz Imber, a Jewish poet from Złoczów, Austrian Galicia. Imber wrote the first version of this poem in 1877. However, the song Hatikvah wasn't officially declared the National Athem of Israel until 2004. The song says the Hope of Israel is 2000 years old. 2004 minus 2000 is the year 4. Now consider this.

In the Gospel of Luke, there is a famous reference to a census that took place around that time. This census is linked to the period when Quirinius was the governor of Syria and is notable for its connection to the nativity story of Jesus. In other words, "The Hope" of Israel can be dated back to just about the year Yeshua was born. 

 

WAITING EXPECTANTLY FOR THE HOPE:

Jeremiah 29:11

For I am mindful of the plans I have made concerning you—declares the LORD—plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a hopeful future. 

"Waiting" is associated with patience. The Hebrew word for patience is savlanut (סבלנות). The root, s-v-l (ס-ב-ל), literally means “to bear” or “to suffer.”  

To the believer, patience is a way of saying "long-suffering." Tikva (hope) helps us endure long-suffering. 

Jewish suffereing is literally biblical. Jews have suffered throughout history and to this day. Every time Hatikvah, the national anthem, is sung it lifts the spirits of Jews, especially Israelies, and gives us the hope to bear the suffering of the Jewish people with expectancy.  The Hope (Hatikvah) of Israel, the Messiah (Hamashiach - המשיח), the anointed One, maintains the Jew and the Christian.

"I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'" 

Isaiah 46:10 (NIV)

In conclusion, I see a message in Hatikvah that is relevant to Jews and Christians alike.

Lord, may HaTikvah (The Hope) in my heart bear fruit. 🙏

Hatikvah in English 

IT'S A TRAP

Israel is about to march into a trap set by Hamas and Iran which is meant to cause the maximum death and destruction possible on both sides. Hamas is NOT an existential threat to Israel's existence, but Iran is and they have strategic reasons for executing this war as they are!

I fully support the complete elimination of every Hamas supporter in Israel and on this planet. But Israel should do it on its timetable and in ways that minimize Israeli losses.  In a war of attrition Israel can decimate Hamas in Gaza from the air and with snipers. Drawing Israeli troops into booby-trapped streets and buildings it's precisely what Iran and Hamas aimed for from the very beginning of their attack.

I believe the mission of Hamas was to capture as many hostages possible in order to draw Israel into Gaza and then Iran will use Israel's Gaza exercise as their justification to launch into northern Israel and inside Israel. Might Iran launches its ballistic missiles on the "great Satan" -- American ships in the Mediterranean and throughout Israel?

Israel must defend itself AT the Gaza BORDER and continue to make surgical airstrikes. This is terribly difficult for hostage families who want their loved ones rescued and where possible we should make attempts. 

Where we need to be proactive is with Hezbollah to the north, Syria and Iran. That is the inevitable battle. Marching into Gaza is exactly what Iran wants us to do. 

WATCH DAMASCUS! 

Previous video on how I see it. 

ISRAEL AND IRAN ARE AT A CROSS ROAD

Chamberlain and Hitler making peace deal

All night long my IDF "Notifications" went off. All the sirens were in southern Israel, thus Gaza/Hamas related. Their was a "false alarm" last night about a large drone attack in the north from Lebanon and Syria.  

Will this war be isolated to southern Israel and Gaza/Hamas? Or is there "another shoe to drop." What do you think? 

Iran can have a nuclear bomb in 12 days. They have vowed to destroy Israel.  Jews in Israel are suffering their worst trauma since the Holocaust. Netanyahu vowed to never let Iran have a nuclear bomb. He also called every Hamas man a ' 'Deadman.'

The war started. The question now is where, when and how it ends. I don't believe this war ends until Iran's nuclear program is severely damaged and there is no way Hezbollah and Syria sit idle through that. Not if Iran has any say, which they do.

During pre-WW11 the appeasement years set the stage for the Holocaust. The result of negotiating with the evil Nazi's wasn't a path to peace -- it was the the path to a terrible war.  So too with Obama and Biden -- their appeasement years has resulted in the current war. 

HERE WE SIT,  LIKE JUST BEFORE JUNE 6, 1944 -- D-DAY. 

The Germans knew we were going to land. The Allies knew we were going to attack.  We could feel the tension and anticipation. The path to peace is terrible.

DEJAVU - from IN BEGINNING (Genesis)

As I See It ...

 Pray I am wrong!! 

More recent video on the trap Iran has set. 

LIST OF ISRAEL RELIEF ORGANIZATIONS

 

The Jewish Telegraph Agency (JTA) as assembled and released an extensive list of organizations helping relief efforts in a multitude of ways.  See below for links and short descriptions. 

Israeli hospitals are dealing with a surge of wounded patients and some have been damaged by rockets or in fighting. Many depend on donations even in normal conditions, making the need more acute now.

Barzilai Hospital in the south sustained rocket fire while serving patients. Over the past few days, it has been inundated with more than 450 victims being brought in.

Hadassah hospital is treating victims of the attacks, including many soldiers, and launched a crisis campaign to raise needed funds.

Soroka Medical Center has already treated 700 severely wounded victims and the center is seeking donations for its emergency fund to ensure the acquisition of essential medical equipment.

Israel’s robust volunteer emergency services providers, which have been first responders through a variety of crises, have been on the front lines since the attack began.

American Friends of Magen David Adom, Israel’s version of the Red Cross, has been providing emergency aid and information since early on; one of its drivers was killed responding to the attack. Bloomberg is now matching donations.

United Hatzalah has more than 1,500 volunteers serving near Gaza right now. At least one volunteer with the group was killed in Saturday’s fighting, it said.

ZAKA has special expertise in retrieving bodies from disaster scenes; the group announced on Sunday that it had retrieved 250 bodies from the scene of the festival that was attacked early in the onslaught.

Lev Echad–One Heart organizes a network of volunteers during national emergencies. It says it has deployed 30,000 volunteers but needs help to get 100,000 to work.

The Jewish federations system operates local federations in hundreds of communities across North America, soliciting and distributing donations based on the needs and interests of their constituents. From Los Angeles to Indianapolis to New York (which has allocated $10 million to the aid effort), many have announced special funds in the wake of the attack. 

The Jewish Federations of North America, the umbrella organization, is also collecting funds to support victims in Israel.

The Giving Back Fund is making funds available to purchase plane tickets for Israelis abroad who want or need to return to serve in the army. But other Israelis abroad are on their own if they want to fly home — and with flights canceled and demand high, prices have skyrocketed.

Some organizations and informal efforts are working to make sure that Israeli soldiers have what they need to stay safe during what they’ve been told could be a prolonged campaign. While the Israel Defense Forces say it has adequate supplies, families sent off their soldiers and reservists with little advanced warning and, in some cases, concerns about whether the army is prepared to take care of them.

Bayit Brigade is raising emergency funds for lone soldiers, a term used to describe immigrants and volunteers mostly from abroad who enlist without a familial support network in the country.

Belev Echad is a veterans group raising funds to distribute bulletproof vests and helmets.

Friends of the IDF is a non-military organization that supports soldiers, veterans and their family members.

Latet is aiding the security forces on the front line with emergency aid kits containing food and hygiene products.


Mental health resources are also much-needed at this time. Helplines are getting an unprecedented number of calls from people mentally and emotionally affected by the war.

NATAL: Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center — NATAL is an apolitical crisis help organization that has been around since 1998 and helps those affected by trauma from war and terrorism.

ERAN — ERAN is Israel’s mental health crisis hotline. Founded in 1971, it provides “emotional first aid” to anyone who needs it.

One Family Fund is offering emergency grief and trauma counseling to all victims and survivors. Their employees and volunteers are visiting the injured in hospitals, cooking food for victims in areas of attack, and attending funerals before supporting the families of victims.

Bayit Cham has established a fund to provide free therapy for 1,000 children from the Gaza border area.

Other fundraisers are underway for communities hit hard by the attacks.

Shinua Chevrati: Operation Delivering Light is mobilizing to help deliver material goods to Israelis forced to flee their homes in partnership with BIG, the largest retail conglomerate in Israel.

GOT A NAME FOR IT?

P.M. Netanyahu speaking before the U.N. 9.22.23

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the U.N. General Assembly on Friday before Yom Kippur that Israel is “at the cusp” of a historic breakthrough leading to a peace agreement with Saudi Arabia. During his speech Netanyahu announced an amazing new infrastructure project.

Netanyahu's proposed "infrastructure corridor" is brilliant. I can't wait to hear what Netanyahu calls it! 

This so called "Infrastructure Corridor" is hugely attractive to Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, India and Greece as well as Europe and other Middle-East nations. The bi-directional possible benefits are pretty incredible. They also threaten Russia, China, Iran and even Sudan and Turkey.  

Israel has massive natural gas reserves. Israel could supply a great portion of Europe's and India's energy needs. They could even convert that gas energy to electricity and do the same to supply Europe and India.   

Netanyahu touted the corridor as digital communications and electricity connection but the infrastructure corridor could include a pipeline and be a shipping lane with a high-speed AI driven truck and/or rail lines as well. India and other parts of Asia could ship physical goods that way. 

Asia would come across the Arabia Sea, then make land somewhere around Dubai, Bahrain and the UAE. From there the corridor would travel west through Saudi Arabia to Jordan before hitting Israel and the Mediterranean Sea. Israel has six major commercial marine ports and oil terminals. 

From there it's smooth sailing to Greece and/or Spain pretty much along the great shipping routes of the ships of Tarshish in the Book of Jonah.

Israel already has a huge pipeline project planned across the Mediterranean, called the EastMed Pipeline to get gas from there to Greece. It was nearly ready to move forward with the support of the Trump Administration.   When Biden got into office he IMMEDIATELY killed that and the Keystone Pipeline from Canada to the USA. Experts say that project is still viable.  I'm certain that the moment Trump is sworn in on practically day one he is on board. I expect Trump will be announcing his support for this corridor from the campaign trail. I wouldn't be surprised to see Trump show up in Saudi Arabia soon. Of course Biden will claim credit. (Both candidates claiming credit for the same project means Israel has bipartisan support either way it goes. That BB is one smart politician!!)

Israel Katz: photo by Moti Kimchi

Netanyahu said in a statement issued late that Saturday night Israel time that the US approached Israel regarding "regarding the realization of this historic opportunity" and "held urgent diplomatic contacts in order to bring about today's breakthrough." In fact, the idea was first floated by former Transportation Minister Israel Katz in April 2017. Katz's original idea - which he dubbed "railways for regional peace" - was to establish a railway to connect Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states. Former US President Donald Trump liked and adopted Katz's idea. 

Netanyahu must have name in mind for this Infrastructure Corridor. Something biblical I would assume. Or maybe something "futuristic" or even "Cosmic." 

I also have a sneaking suspicion that Elon Musk is going to be involved. Netanyahu did devote some time to AI. Netanyahu made an unusual trip to see Musk on his USA visit. That speaks volumes. Maybe Musk's work with high speed rail or robotics will play a part. 

Netanyahu described the start of a "new Middle-East." He practically showed us a drawing of it -- with a map and his now famous RED MARKER. He used that same marker the last time he spoke to the U.N. to highlight the "curse" of Iran!  

The date of Netanyahu's U.N. speech was Friday, September 22, 2023 / Tishrei 7, 5784 - Jewish Calendar. This was a very special date, it is the start of the Shabbat before Yom Kippur. It is called the Shabbat Shuva, the Shabbat of Returning. The name comes from the prophecy of Hoshea.

The Book of Hoshea is dated to c. 760–720 BC, it is one of the oldest books of the Tanakh, predating final recensions of the full Torah (Pentateuch). Hosea is the source of the phrase "reap the whirlwind." The Book of Hosea contains a number of prophecies of significance to both Jews and Christians. 

It is customary for the rabbi to address the people and to emphasize the severity of transgression so that the people turn their hearts toward repentance. Our Sages have said that when the wise address the people, G‑d forgives the sins of Israel. 

Now, with this biblical context in mind, have a look below at Netanyahu's actual words to the United Nstions and the world:

"Ladies and gentlemen, over three millennia ago, our great leader Moses, addressed the people of Israel as they were about to enter the promised land. He said they would find their two mountains facing one another. Mount Gerizim, the site on which a great blessing would be proclaimed, and mount Ebal, the site of a great curse.

Moses said that the people's fate would be determined by the choice they made between the blessing and the curse. That same choice has echoed down the ages, not just for the people of Israel. But for all humanity. We face such a choice today. It will determine whether we enjoy the blessings of a historic peace, of boundless prosperity and hope, or suffer the curse of a horrific war of terrorism and despair."

Netanyahu literally drew out the message of choosing between blessing and curse with a red marker!  

The "freaky part" ... Can you say Ezekiel? 

EVERYONES WANTS A SIGN!

 

Looking for a sign from God? 

Genesis 15:1 sounds so simple. 

After these things the word of ADONAI came to Abram in a vision saying, “Do not fear, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”

But Abram wants a sign: In the very next verse, Abram immediately wanted something from God. He wanted a son. Genesis 15:2 

"Abram said, “My Lord ADONAI, what will You give me, since I am living without children, and the heir of my household is Eliezer of Damascus?” Then he believed in ADONAI and He reckoned it to him as righteousness."

Abram wanted a sign (a son), but what he recieved was hope. Abram had faith, and God counted Abram has Righteous. Abrams faith was sufficient for God and God made an everlasting Blood Covenant with Abram in Genesis 15:18

On that day ADONAI cut a covenant with Abram, saying, “I give this land to your seed, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates River: 

EVERYONE'S FAITH IS TESTED...

Fast forward to Genesis 22:2 and we see that Abram's faith was tested.

Then He said, “Take your son, your only son whom you love —Isaac—and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains about which I will tell you.” 

Abraham demonstrates his faith in Genesis 22:8

Abraham said, “God will provide for Himself a lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” 

It was enough for God to see that Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son. So in Genesis 22:12 God said:

Then He said, “Do not reach out your hand against the young man—do nothing to him at all. For now I know that you are one who fears God—you did not withhold your son, your only son, from Me.” 

And God showed his love for Abraham by providing a ram. Genesis 22:12-13

Then He said, “Do not reach out your hand against the young man—do nothing to him at all. For now I know that you are one who fears God—you did not withhold your son, your only son, from Me.” Then Abraham lifted up his eyes and behold, there was a ram, just caught in the thick bushes by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. 

Abraham was rewarded on that mountain of faith, that would eventually become the threshing floor and the place that King David would one day purchase for 30 pieces of silver. But before these things would come to be, Abraham knew the mountain where he bound his son Isaac was Holy. So in Genesis 22:14

Abraham named that place, ADONAI Yireh,—as it is said today, “On the mountain, ADONAI will provide.” 

To this day the faithful say what Abraham said:

ADONIA YIREH - GOD WILL PROVIDE

God came to Jonah a second time and in Genesis 22:15-18 

The angel of ADONAI called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, “By myself I swear—it is a declaration of ADONAI—because you have done this thing, and you did not withhold your son, your only son, I will richly bless you and bountifully multiply your seed like the stars of heaven, and like the sand that is on the seashore, and your seed will possess the gate of his enemies. In your seed all the nations of the earth will be blessed—because you obeyed My voice.” 

These Torah verses are straight out of those that Jews read on Rosh Hashanah when we blast the ram's horn - the shofar.  On Rosh Hashanah we remember that God provided a ram as a substitute for Abraham's son Isaac. 

TEKIAH! WAKE UP!  GOD ALREADY GAVE US A SIGN. FAITH IS THAT SIMPLE.  IT IS NOT THE TEST WE NEED TO FEAR.  IT'S THE TEKIAH GEDOLAH -- THE FINAL GREAT SHOFAR BLAST.

 

Epilogue:

Here is another fascinating connection with Mount Moriah and another miracle that Jews celebrate on the holiday of Hanukkah.  The Moriah Plant.