IS THERE SHABBAT ON VENUS?

Asking "Is there is Shabbat on Venus?", is a bit like asking "If a tree falls in the forest, and no body is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" But I will try to answer my question with the number 12.

From In Beginning, 12 is a big number in the bible! 

• The 12 tribes of Israel: God chose 12 tribes of Israel. The 12 apostles: Jesus chose 12 apostles, each representing one of the 12 tribes of Israel. 
• The 12 gates of New Jerusalem: The 12 gates and foundations of the New Jerusalem point to God's reign. 
• The 12 priestly divisions: God ordained 24 (12 x 2) priestly divisions. 

I have put together a far more complete list of significant uses of the number 12 in the Bible, arranged in biblical order by book, along with groupings by theme.  Some could be missed, however this is certainly sufficient for the point on my mind. 

Genesis (2x)

• 12 Princes of Ishmael - Genesis 17:20
• 12 Tribes of Israel - Genesis 49:28

Exodus (2x)

• 12 Wells at Elim - Exodus 15:27
• 12 Stone Pillars - Exodus 24:4

Leviticus (1x)

• 12 Loaves of Showbread - Leviticus 24:5

Numbers (2x)

• 12 Spies - Numbers 13:1-16
• 12 Princes of Midian - Numbers 31:8

Joshua (2x)

• 12 Stones from the Jordan - Joshua 4:3, 9
• 12,000 People Died in Ai - Joshua 8:25

1 Kings (3x)

• 12 Governors of Solomon - 1 Kings 4:7
• 12 Years of Solomon’s Reign - 1 Kings 11:42
• 12 Oxen of Elisha - 1 Kings 19:19

Ezra (1x)

• 12 Priests in Ezra - Ezra 8:24

Daniel (1x)

• 12 Months in Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream - Daniel 4:29

Matthew (4x)

• 12-Year-Old Daughter of Jairus - Matthew 9:18-26
• 12 Apostles - Matthew 10:2-4
• 12 Baskets of Leftovers - Matthew 14:20
• 12 Legions of Angels - Matthew 26:53

Mark (2x)

• 12-Year-Old Daughter of Jairus - Mark 5:21-43
• Woman with 12-Year Issue of Blood - Mark 5:25-34

Luke (2x)

• 12-Year-Old Daughter of Jairus - Luke 8:40-56
• Woman with 12-Year Issue of Blood - Luke 8:43-48

Revelation (10x)

• 12,000 from Each Tribe - Revelation 7:4-8
• 12 Stars on the Woman’s Crown - Revelation 12:1
• 12 Gates of New Jerusalem - Revelation 21:12
• 12 Angels at the Gates - Revelation 21:12
• 12 Tribes of Israel on the Gates - Revelation 21:12
• 12 Foundations of New Jerusalem - Revelation 21:14
• 12 Names of the Apostles on the Foundations - Revelation 21:14
• 12 Pearly Gates - Revelation 21:21
• 12 Fruits of the Tree of Life - Revelation 22:2
• 12 Months of Fruit - Revelation 22:2

These 10 references emphasize the symbolic significance of the number 12 in Revelation.  Even the number of references (10) to the number 12 is meaningful. 

Groupings by Theme

Leadership and Authority:

• 12 Princes of Ishmael (Genesis 17:20)
• 12 Tribes of Israel (Genesis 49:28)
• 12 Governors of Solomon (1 Kings 4:7)
• 12 Apostles (Matthew 10:2-4)

Divine Provision and Miracles:

• 12 Wells at Elim (Exodus 15:27)
• 12 Baskets of Leftovers (Matthew 14:20)
• 12-Year-Old Daughter of Jairus (Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56)
• Woman with 12-Year Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34, Luke 8:43-48)

Symbolism and Completeness:

• 12 Stone Pillars (Exodus 24:4)
• 12 Loaves of Showbread (Leviticus 24:5)
• 12 Stones from the Jordan (Joshua 4:3, 9)
• 12 Gates of New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:12)
• 12 Foundations of New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:14)
• 12 Fruits of the Tree of Life (Revelation 22:2)

Judgment and Warfare:

• 12 Princes of Midian (Numbers 31:8)
• 12,000 People Died in Ai (Joshua 8:25)
• 12 Legions of Angels (Matthew 26:53)

FROM THE BEGINNING 

Declaring the End from the Beginning: The last chapter of the last book in the bible which describes the "End-times," makes multiple times more uses of 12 than any of book. 

There are 6 days of Creation in Genesis 1. On the last day of Creation, the 6th day, God created Man. Then he rested. That is the origin of Shabbat. Genesis chapter 1 is certainly "In the beginning," but let's go to the very beginning, Genesis of Genesis 1.

Genesis 1:1-3 -- In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

Because of how God laid out the heavens and earth, a day is 24 hours. A day on Venus is 5,832 hours, 243 earth days. A day on Mercury is 1,408 hours, 58 days. A day on Jupiter is 10 hours. The 7th day is very different on other planets!  

God planned our day of rest, after the 6th day, from "In the Beginning."

Here on this very special planet, with life, we have an "Evening and Day" that is 24 hours. 12+12. God established our day, our calendar with 12 months and 12 Constellations, all from the beginning. 

From before God created the heavens and earth in Genesis 1.1, God planned for the Day of Rest on the 7th day, after the 6th day.  

On the 6th day, God creates Man in his image. Most people have 24 ribs, arranged in 12 pairs.

One More 12

Here is the "One More 12" -- the 12th Hebrew letter is Lamed. The Lamed is shaped like a Shepherd's staff.

The Sabbath before Passover is called Shabbat HaGadol (the Great Sabbath). It commemorates the miracle when the Israelites took the Passover lamb on the 10th of Nisan (a Sabbath).

The day before Passover (14th of Nisan) is called the Day of Preparation. It involves tasks like slaughtering the Passover lamb and removing leaven.

Remember that the Hebrew day begins in the evening. On the first day of Passover (15th of Nisan) and the seventh day (21st of Nisan) are considered High Sabbaths, days of rest with special significance. These are distinct from the weekly Sabbath but share the same prohibition of work.

Conclusion 

Nisan and Passover are just around the corner and this topic has been on my mind. I write to think. If what I wrote suggests to you that God declares the future from the past, maybe what I have written gives you something to think about. 

So to my original question, what do you think..."Is their Shabbat on Venus" even if there's no body there to celebrate it?

Psalm 23:1-3 -- The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."  

IT IS STILL A FISH

The difference between an exaggeration and a lie lies in the intent and the degree of truth distortion. An exaggeration involves stretching or embellishing facts, often to emphasize a point or make a story more interesting, while still being based on some truth. On the other hand, a lie is a deliberate statement that is entirely false, intended to deceive others. 

While some view exaggeration as a form of lying because it can mislead, others see it as a stylistic device that, unlike lying, retains a core of truth.

WHO DECIDES WHETHER THE FISHERMAN IS LYING OR EXAGGERATING?  

Hatred or negative feelings toward the person exaggerating can strongly influence reactions. When someone dislikes the exaggerator, they may interpret the exaggeration as manipulative, attention-seeking, or even offensive, which can amplify their anger or frustration. Conversely, if someone has a positive view of the exaggerator, they may be more likely to find the exaggeration humorous or entertaining, perceiving it as harmless hyperbole rather than an attempt to mislead. Personal biases and emotional connections significantly shape these responses.

Donald J. Trump exaggerates ... Biden lied!

AYIN - 70

The eye is the window to the soul.

Proverbs 15:30 (NIV) -- "Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones."

The Hebrew letter ayin (ע) is the 16th letter of the Hebrew alphabet and has a gematria value of 70.  The word ayin means "eye" and "to see" in Hebrew. 

The number 70 is associated with powerful spiritual significance:

• The 70 elders of Israel (Exodus 24:1) received divine insight.

• The 70 years of exile in Babylon (Jeremiah 25:11) were a period of purification and restoration.

• Genesis 10: There are 70 nations listed as descendants of Noah’s sons, symbolizing the totality of humanity and the universality of God's plan.

• Jacob’s Family Genesis 46:27: Seventy members of Jacob's family went to Egypt, representing the foundation of the Israelite nation.

• Daniel 9:24-27: The "Seventy Weeks" prophecy outlines a timeline for significant events in Israel's history and messianic fulfillment.

• Luke 10:1: Jesus sent out 70 disciples to spread His message, symbolizing the expansion of His ministry to all nations.

• Matthew 18:21-22: Jesus tells Peter to forgive "seventy times seven," emphasizing boundless forgiveness and mercy.

The Letter

The associations to the number 70 are pretty incredible, which makes me even more excited to unpack the letter ayin. 

Ayin is mostly silent which makes it hard to describe the sound of this letter. The easiest way is to list a few words that begin with it:

• Ayin עין - Eye
• Ayin Ra - Evil eye 
• Aliyah עליה - "Ascent" or "going up"
• Anav עָנָו - Humility or meekness, reflecting modesty
• Erev עֵרֶב - Evening, symbolizing transition and blending
• Etzah עֵצָה - Counsel or advice, linked to insight and wisdom
• Ezer עֶזֶר - Help or salvation
• Etz עֵץ -  Tree
• Olam עולם - world, universe, existene, lifetime, or eternity.

Adon Olam - Here is a great Hebrew prayer/song -- Odom OLAM (with Ayin). It has English subtitles.  https://www.facebook.com/share/r/15nphwH9zn/ 

Since Hebrew words derive their meaning from the root letters in those words, the student gains a deeper understanding of both. The word Olam עולם is in this verse below:

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV) -- He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

אֶת־הַכֹּ֥ל עָשָׂ֖ה יָפֶ֣ה בְעִתּ֑וֹ גַּ֤ם אֶת־הָֽעֹלָם֙ נָתַ֣ן בְּלִבָּ֔ם מִבְּלִ֞י אֲשֶׁ֧ר לֹֽא־יִמְצָ֣א הָֽאָדָ֗ם אֶת־הַֽמַּֽעֲשֶׂ֛ה אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֥ה הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים מֵרֹ֥אשׁ וְעַד־סֽוֹף

The Eye is Symbolic of the Whole Person

There is both physical sight and internal spiritual sight. In a spiritual context, to restore blindness is akin to a spiritual restoration. In Kabbalistic thought, Ayin connects physical vision to deeper spiritual insight, emphasizing true understanding that transcends what is visible. 

The removal of spiritual blindness, enables individuals to perceive divine truths. The restoration of spiritual seeing represents spiritual awakening and enlightenment.

Psalm 36.9 -- For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Source of Life and Renewal

Ayin is in the root of the word ma'ayan, which means water "spring." Just as a spring brings forth life-giving water from deep within the earth, spiritual sight emerges from an inner source, offering clarity, renewal, and sustenance for the soul.

A water spring (ma'ayan) provides fresh, pure water that sustains life -- Living Water. Similarly, spiritual sight nourishes the soul, offering insight, wisdom, and a connection to the divine. It allows people to see beyond the physical world into deeper truths.

Springs often emerge from unseen depths underground. Likewise, spiritual sight arises from within—a connection to the divine or the inner self that transcends surface-level perception.

John 4:13-14 -- Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

A spring flows continuously, symbolizing the ongoing nature of spiritual growth and enlightenment. Spiritual sight is not a one-time event but a lifelong process of seeing more clearly and understanding more deeply.

Isaiah 12:3 (NIV) -- With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Just as spring water cleanses and refreshes, spiritual sight purifies one's perspective, removing ego and falsehoods to reveal truth and divine purpose.

Psalm 119:37 -- Turn away my eyes עֵינַי from seeing vanity; with Your ways sustain me.

Seeing our way into Heaven 

In a spiritual sense we must see our way through the gate to heaven.  Seeing our way is to align one's life with divine principles and cultivating faith, love, and obedience to God.

The Hebrew word for gate, sha'ar שער,  implies a place of decision, judgment, or access, symbolizing control over what we allow into our lives. (See Epilogue below for a list of the gates of Jerusalem.) Sha'ar contains the root letter "ayin" right in the center. Deuteronomy 16:18 speaks of placing judges at gates, symbolizing the need for vigilance and accountability in decision-making.

Jeremiah 5.21 (NIV) -- Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear:

A Royal Letter

Ayin is one of seven Hebrew letters (ש, ע, ט, נ, ז, ג, צ) that traditionally have crowns (tagin) in Torah scrolls. The crowns emphasize its role in perceiving divine truths and carry deep mystical meaning. They are often seen as tools for combating negative spiritual forces including Satan. Soferim (scribes) meticulously add these crowns when writing Torah scrolls, tefillin, and mezuzot.

Below is the most well-known Hebrew prayer the Shema. The first word is Shema. The last letter in Shema is Ayin with a crown. The Hebrew word shema (שָׁמַע) means "listen" or "hear," yet the letter "Ayin" which means "to see" is in it's root.  I think that's fascinating!

The Lord's Ayin

I want to conclude my exploration of Ayin by giving Hashem the last word. Several Bible verses highlight God's watchful eye as a symbol of His omniscience, care, and guidance:

Proverbs 15:3: "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good".

Psalm 33:18: "Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy".

2 Chronicles 16:9: "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is perfect toward Him".

Deuteronomy 11:12: "The eyes of the LORD your God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year".

Conclusion 

Seeing "right and wrong" involves the practice (gift) of discernment; the ability to distinguish between good and evil, truth and deception.

Ultimately, "seeing" Heaven involves spiritual clarity. Lord helping me have 20.20 spiritual vision , the courage and will to make the right choices. 

Exodus 20:20 (NIV) -- Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”

Revelation

The concept of revelation is deeply tied to the idea of "giving sight" or unveiling truth. In a spiritual context, revelation refers to God disclosing divine knowledge, truth, or mysteries that were previously hidden or beyond human understanding. It is like opening one’s spiritual eyes.

John 20.20 -- After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

עם ישראל חי

Am Yisrael Chai

Epilogue:

The ten gates of Jerusalem mentioned in Nehemiah 3 hold both practical and spiritual significance. Here is a summary of their meanings:

1. Sheep Gate: Symbolizes Christ as the Lamb of God and the necessity of sacrifice for sin. It was used to bring sacrificial animals into the city.

2. Fish Gate: Associated with evangelism, as fishermen brought their catch here. It represents spreading the message of God.

3. Old Gate: Represents the ancient paths and enduring truths of God’s word.

4. Valley Gate: Symbolizes humility and trials, as valleys often represent low points in life.

5. Dung Gate: Used to remove waste, it signifies cleansing and the need to rid oneself of sin.

6. Fountain Gate: Represents the Holy Spirit and spiritual renewal, as fountains often symbolize living water.

7. Water Gate: Linked to the Word of God that cleanses and refreshes believers.

8. Horse Gate: Symbolizes warfare and readiness for spiritual battles, as horses were associated with war.

9. East Gate: Points to hope and Christ’s return, as it faces the Mount of Olives where He will return.

10. Miphkad (Inspection) Gate: Represents judgment and accountability before God, as it was used for inspections.

These gates reflect a journey of faith, from salvation to spiritual growth and ultimate accountability.

Teaching about Nehemiah 3 and the Jerusalem gates by Pastor Nathan Robinson. 

NEVER BEEN DONE!!

Trump and his Administration are trying to do something that has never been done in history:

Create what is essentially an economic depression in the government sector (reduction of 10% or more) at the same time as an economic boom in the private sector.

DOGE, lead by Musk, is working to overhaul antiquated government payment and management systems while rooting out corruption and waste. 

Simultaneously, President Trump is ordering his cabinet to cut regulation and beaucracy, streamline operations in order to increase efficiency and reduce costs at a RECORD PACE all while maintaining essential functionality. 

It is critical that America experience a boom in the private sector in order to offset the bust in the government sector. Jobs lost in the one have to to be picked up in the other. Financial flows lost in the government sector HAVE to be offset in the private sector. 

There are many more ways this Administration is radically rebalancing America's economy. It is incredibly bold and risky. It could be enormously successful or a horrible disaster!!

WORTH THE RISK!! 

I do not believe America has a choice. The Debt and Deficit are unsustainable. We have "kicked the can so far down the road" for so long that we were about to hit the wall. Our national debt & deficit, as well as off-budget obligations, are about to wreck not only America's economy, but also the entire world. If the new course our Nation is on fails to save ship USA, and it goes down, it will take everything down.

EXPECT MISTAKES!

Re-balancing our economy requires massive changes at a break neck pace. It WILL come with mistakes that need to be corrected. There will be overshooting and adjustments. We have to be tolerant and allow for this. We must not play into partisan self-interests. We have to make this work and that requires that we work out and work through problems along the way. 

WE ALL BETTER PRAY THE PRESIDENT AND THE CABINET SUCCEED. FAILURE WOULD BE A HORRIBLE THING FOR US ALL!!!

THE SYNERGY OF SCRIPTURE

Synergy tells us that the sum of the parts is greater than the whole.

In the Torah, the Hebrew letters are more than sounds. The words are more than words. The verses are more than verses. The books and chapters are more than that. Names are more than names. Places are more than places. Each element has a deeper meaning that is tied to meaning from other places in the Torah. As one makes these connections there are revelations which represent the synergy that is possible. 

This concept of synergy is profound and resonates deeply within Jewish thought and Torah study. The idea that the Torah is far more than a collection of words and verses is central to its understanding. The Torah is often described as a living, divine text—layered with infinite meaning,

The Depth of the Torah: Beyond the Surface

The Letters Are More Than Letters -- In Jewish tradition, every letter of the Torah carries significance. The Hebrew alphabet (Aleph-Bet) is viewed as the building blocks of creation itself. According to Kabbalistic teachings, God used these letters to create the universe. Each letter has numerical (gematria) value, shape, and spiritual energy that contribute to its deeper meaning. Even the seven crowns (tagin) on certain letters in the Torah scroll are said to hold mystical meanings.

Words Are More Than Words -- Words in Hebrew are not arbitrary; they are deeply tied to their roots and essence. For example the Hebrew word for "soul," נשמה (neshama), shares a root with נשימה (neshima), meaning "breath," highlighting the connection between life and divine breath. Words often have multiple layers of meaning, which can only be fully understood when examined in context or through their gematria.

Verses Are More Than Verses -- Each verse in the Torah is carefully constructed to convey not only its immediate message but also connections to other parts of the text. For instance the phrase "Let there be light" in Genesis is not just about physical light but is interpreted as a metaphor for divine wisdom. Verses often contain allusions to future events or deeper ethical teachings.

Books Are More Than Books -- The five books of Moses (Chumash) are seen as one unified whole, each contributing to a larger narrative and spiritual framework. The transitions between them are seamless, reflecting how they are interconnected.

Synergy in the Torah

The idea that "the sum of the parts is greater than the whole" is a key principle in Torah study. Here’s how it manifests:

In this image above, the bar chart that runs along the bottom represents all of the chapters in the Bible, starting with Genesis 1 on the left. Books alternate in color between light and dark gray, with the first book of the Old and New Testaments in white. The length of each bar denotes the number of verses in that chapter (for instance, the longest bar is the longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119). Each of the 63,779 cross references found in the Bible are depicted by a single arc - the color corresponds to the distance between the two chapters, creating a rainbow-like effect.

Interconnectedness Across Texts

The Torah is filled with cross-references and intertextual connections. In today's digital world we say "hyperlinked." A word or phrase in one book might echo an earlier passage, creating layers of meaning. The binding of Isaac (Genesis 22) is connected to themes of sacrificial offerings in Leviticus. The Exodus narrative reverberates throughout Jewish law, ethics, and liturgy.

The Written Torah is complimented by the Oral Torah (Talmud, Midrash), which expands on its meanings and further reveals hidden connections and allows for an ever-deepening understanding of the text.

While I often refer to the Talmud and Midrash, I must confess that I have not studied these texts directly.

Graphic from KabInfo

Mystical Interpretations

In Kabbalah, the Torah is seen as a divine code with infinite layers of meaning. The Zohar teaches that every story, law, and word has both a revealed (peshat) and hidden (sod) dimension. By uncovering these layers, one can access profound spiritual truths.

I have done some study with Kabbalist Dr. Michael Laitman and others who teach under him. I have a modest level of understanding of Kabbalah. 

Methods used for Experiencing the Synergy Firsthand:

• Incorporate commentaries of great thinkers and believers.
• Explore Gematria, the numerical values of words to uncover hidden links.
• Draw from Midrashic which delves into deeper meanings and connections within the text.
• Engage and studying with others for dialogue, encouragement and mutual discovery

The Word of the Lord is Living

The Torah’s synergy reflects its divine origin—it is not static but dynamic, inviting constant engagement and reinterpretation across generations. 

By making connections between letters, words, verses, and books—and seeing how they resonate with one another—one can tap into this living synergy. This process brings you closer not only to understanding the Torah but also to experiencing its divine essence.

The process of uncovering connections within the Torah leads to profound revelations—moments of insight that illuminate the divine wisdom embedded in the text. These revelations are not just intellectual; they are spiritual experiences that deepen one’s relationship with the whole bible, the world and YHVH. 

When connections are made, they create something far greater than their individual components -- such is synergy. 

Unity

The Torah reveals the unity of God and creation. By connecting disparate verses, themes, or concepts, one begins to see how everything in the bible—and by extension, in life—is part of a unified whole. 

Transcendence 

The Torah is often described as "eternal" (Torat Chayim—a living Torah). When one makes connections between ancient texts and contemporary life, it becomes clear that the Torah's wisdom transcends time.

Transformative

Scripture has the power to transform—it’s not just about acquiring knowledge but about experiencing revelation through connection. Each insight builds on previous ones, creating an ever-expanding web of understanding that has the potential to transform one's mind and perspective. 

As Rabbi Ben Bag-Bag famously said about the Torah: "Turn it over and over again, for everything is in it."

Unlocking Potential -- The synergy between study and prayer. 

Combining study with prayer takes the power of scripture to a higher level. This combination is essential for unlocking the full potential of the divine wisdom. Study alone engages the intellect, while prayer opens the heart and soul to divine guidance. Together, they create a spiritual practice that leads to profound revelations and rewards that are truly worthy of worship.

The Rewards are Worthy of Worship

The rewards of combining study and prayer are indeed profound—so much so that they inspire awe and reverence. The ultimate reward is sense of "closeness to God" -- In a Hebrew word: Devekut.

Devekut (דבקות) is derived from the Hebrew root d-v-k meaning "to cling" or "to adhere." Devekut is profound spiritual connection and attachment to God both an aspiration and a state of being in Jewish mystical thought. It is particularly emphasized in Kabbalistic and Hasidic traditions.

Deuteronomy 11:22 -- “To love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, and to hold fast to Him”

Devekut represents a dynamic process of striving for unity with God, transforming even mundane actions and spiritual practices into moments of divine closeness.

A Pathway To Awe

King David wrote in Psalms (19:8-9): 

"The Torah of the Lord is perfect; it restores the soul... The precepts of the Lord are right; they rejoice the heart."

The revelations born out of the synergy between study and prayer are a pathway to the Devine. This opens us up to joys that are not fleeting or dependent on external circumstances; it is an inner, spiritual delight that flows from the soul’s alignment with its Creator. One cannot help being grateful!

This sense of connection inspires a profound sense of gratitude, not just for specific gifts or events, but for the very existence of life itself. Gratitude, in turn, deepens our sense of devekut. 

The Infinite Nature of God 

Gratitude feeds into devekut and devekut feeds back into gratitude. These two spiritual states feed into one another endlessly, forming a divine loop that mirrors the infinite nature of God Himself. 

This cycle has no end because it reflects the boundless relationship between the human soul and its Creator.

Psalm 145:2-3:

"Every day I will bless You; I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom."

For Me

For me, exploring each letter is one means to realize the synergy of scripture. Each letter is an opening, a doorway for me to step in that leads to words and verses. Each letter is a pathway to devekut.

Believers in Yeshua Hamashiach

Jesus is the embodiment of Gratitude and Devekut. These spiritual states are expressed in the life and teachings of Yeshua. They are verbalized in the Gospels. 

In Revelation 22:13, Yeshua described himself in terms of letters. He said "I am the Alpha and the Omega." By doing so he conveyed all of which this article speaks of - He covered it all. 

The understanding of Yeshua Hamashiach is to say "the New Testament reveals the Old Testament."

QOF(ק) - 100

Could there possibly be a connection between Rahab's Scarlett Cord, Holiness, Hanukkah and the letter Qof?  As I delved into the meaning of the letter QOF I had some fascinating revelations.

Qof (ק) is the 19th letter of the Hebrew alpha-beyt with a numerical value of 100. The letter sounds like the letter Q, verses a hard letter K.

There is a famous Jewish story involving the letter Qof called the tale of "Kof and the Woodcutter's Prayer," found in The Aleph-Bet Story Book. In this story, a poor woodcutter and a rabbi learn a lesson about humility and priorities. The woodcutter, despite his meager life, demonstrates sincere devotion through his simple prayers, teaching the rabbi that true holiness (kedushah, symbolized by Qof) lies in heartfelt intentions rather than grand gestures. This story emphasizes the spiritual essence of Qof, which represents striving for holiness and distinguishing between what is sacred and fleeting or even false. 

Form/Shape 

Below on the left is the ancient Paleo form of the letter Qof. On the right is the modern shape of the letter. 

In standard Hebrew block script, Qof (ק) is the only "non-final" letter that extends below the baseline of the text. Falling below the baseline is illustrated nicely in the ancient form on the left. The sages, mystics and rabbinic scholars all found significant meaning is this design.  

Here are some significant Hebrew words that begin with the letter Qof:

- Qodesh (קָד֔וֹשׁ) - Holiness or sacredness, as in Kadosh (holy).

- Qorban (קָרְבָּן) - Sacrifice or offering, derived from the root meaning "to draw near."

- Qeshet (קֶשֶׁת) - Bow or rainbow, symbolizing covenant and promise.

One of the most famous lines of the Torah teaches: Lev. 19:2 --You shall be holy (קָד֔וֹשׁ)

for I the Lord your G-d am holy (קָד֔וֹשׁ).” 

Finding Meaning in the Root

The letter Qof (ק) is in the Hebrew words tikvah (תִּקְוָה), qavah (קָוָה) and kav (קַו). The word tikvah (תִּקְוָה) comes from the root qavah (קָוָה), meaning "to bind," "to twist," or "to wait." This root conveys the image of a kav (קַו), cord or rope, symbolizing strength and hope through unity and tension, as seen in Rahab's scarlet cord in Joshua 2:18 (NIV):

"Behold, when we come into the land, you shall tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and you shall gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father's household."

Symbolism of Qof

The letter Qof represents both holiness (kedushah) and unholiness (kelipah), signifying the duality of human experience. It calls for peeling away superficial layers to reveal inner sanctity, much like hope (tikvah) involves enduring challenges to uncover deeper faith and trust. 

The national anthem of Israel is called - HaTikvah -- The Hope of Israel.

Rahab's story is a human portrait of Qof. Qof embodies the tension, waiting, and ultimate fulfillment inherent in Rahab's tikvah, a word that means both a scarlet cord and the Hebrew word for hope. A tikvah visually and conceptually mirrors the intertwined fibers of a rope, which grow stronger through binding—a powerful metaphor for hope.

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) -- 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. 

That verse has special significance for me personally ever since this eagle visited my yard on 12/22/21.  

Applying Gematria 

Gematria itself derives from the Greek word geometria (geometry), reflecting its Greek origins. Jewish mysticism adopted and developed gematria. 

The great Sage Rabbi Eliezer Ben Chisma said:

"The calculation of the equinoxes and gematriot are the condiments of wisdom."

Rabbi Eliezer Ben Chisma

The phrase "The calculation of the equinoxes and gematriot are the condiments of wisdom" is a profound statement that blends astronomy, mysticism, and philosophy.

Rabbi Eleazar Ben Chisma was a tanna (sage) of the second and third generations (2nd century). He was a disciple of two huge Jewish intellects: Joshua ben Hananiah and Gamaliel II.

Joshua ben Hananiah died 131 CE was also known as Rabbi Yehoshua. He was a leading tanna of the first half-century following the destruction of the Second Temple. He is the eighth-most-frequently mentioned sage in the Mishnah.

Rabban Gamaliel II was a rabbi from the second generation of tannaim. He was the first person to lead the Sanhedrin as nasi after the fall of the Second Temple in 70 CE. He was the son of Shimon ben Gamaliel, one of Jerusalem's foremost men in the war against the Romans, and grandson of Gamaliel I.

Another proponent of gematria was great the Greek philosopher Plato. Plato referenced concepts akin to gematria in his works. He explored the idea that the "essential force" of a thing's name could be tied to its numerical value. He suggested that words or phrases with the same numerical value might share a deeper connection and could be substituted without losing meaning.

The practice of totaling the integers of letters in gematria is not merely mathematical; it’s symbolic. The numerical value is thought to reveal hidden connections between words and concepts that share the same total. 

For instance, the Hebrew words for "love" (Ahava, אהבה) and "one" (Echad, אחד) both have a total value of 13, symbolizing a connection between love and unity.

Gematria and Qof

Numerical Value: The numerical value of Qof is 100, symbolizing completeness or fulfillment, aligning with the concept of hope as confident anticipation of divine promises.

Qof is the 19th letter/integer in the Hebrew alpha-beyt. One method of gematria is to total the integers of the letters. If we add the prior 18 integers to arrive at the 19th integer, Qof. (1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+10+11+12+13+14+15+16+17+18) we get to 171. 

The Gematria of 171 reveals the word Shekinah. The Shekinah represents a visible manifestation of God's presence amid his people. In the context of the bible, I would say that Rahab's Tikvah foreshadows that description! 

Transformation 

From the writings of the Zohar, the Jewish mystics believe the design of the Qof also represents kelipah (unholiness). Here is an explanation that is given: 

"The name Qof in Hebrew means monkey. A monkey is a mimic, as in the well-known adage: “Monkey see, monkey do.” The letter Qof is also a mimic. It imitates the letter holy letter Hei. 

The design of the Qof is similar to that of the letter Hei. But while the Hei represents holiness, the Qof represents kelipah (unholiness). Both have three lines, two vertical and one horizontal. Sages say these three lines depict: thought, speech and action. Unlike the Hei, in the Qof it's long left leg plunges beneath the letter’s baseline. It represents one who ventures below the acceptable, 

On the other hand, the Qof invites trans­formation. The act of lighting candles can replace falsehood, obliterate the darkness and fill the area with light and joy.  

By lighting the Hanukkah candles at the prescribed time, we thus help elevate that which has fallen below the line to the level of holiness.

Consider Rahab's transformation. She was a pagan and a prostitute who became a Jew in the genealogy of Jesus.  The tikvak she hung as a side from her window is linked to:

• Spiritual Growth: The holiday symbolizes rising above challenges, as seen in its themes of light overcoming darkness and the miracle of the oil. It encourages introspection, gratitude, and connection to divine transcendence.

• Personal and Social Change: Hanukkah inspires individuals to confront inner struggles (e.g., egoism) and strive for unity, love, and altruism. Its message of perseverance and small actions leading to significant impact resonates deeply.

• Cultural Adaptation: In modern times, Hanukkah has transformed into a widely celebrated holiday, especially in the U.S., reflecting evolving Jewish identity in diverse cultural contexts.

Conclusion 

Hanukkah, when the temple was dedicated after the "abomination of desolation spoken of in Daniel," embodies transformation on personal, communal, and historical levels.

Judaism and Christianity share a common bond in Hanukkah, the Festival of Light.

The concept of being below the baseline, and coming out of the darkness and into the light is depicted nicely in the ancient form of the Qof shown below.