Kehillah El Elyon

Emuna Series part 2

Moreh — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:59:50 +0000

Emuna part 10

Moreh — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 17:30:46 +0000

Psalm 27

Moreh — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:09:06 +0000

It is customary to recite Tehillim (Psalm) 27 twice a day from the first of Elul until Hoshanah Rabbah.

27 Of David.
The LORD is my light and my help;
whom should I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life,
whom should I dread?
2When evil men assail me
to devour my flesh—
it is they, my foes and my enemies,
who stumble and fall.
3Should an army besiege me,
my heart would have no fear;
should war beset me,
still would I be confident.
4One thing I ask of the LORD,
only that do I seek:
to live in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD,
to frequent His temple.
5He will shelter me in His pavilion
on an evil day,
grant me the protection of His tent,
raise me high upon a rock.
6Now is my head high
over my enemies roundabout;
I sacrifice in His tent with shouts of joy,
singing and chanting a hymn to the LORD.
7Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud;
have mercy on me, answer me.
8 In Your behalf my heart says:
“Seek My face!”
O LORD, I seek Your face.
9Do not hide Your face from me;
do not thrust aside Your servant in anger;
You have ever been my help.
Do not forsake me, do not abandon me,
O God, my deliverer.
10Though my father and mother abandon me,
the LORD will take me in.
11Show me Your way, O LORD,
and lead me on a level path
because of my watchful foes.
12Do not subject me to the will of my foes,
for false witnesses and unjust accusers
have appeared against me.
13Had I not the assurance
that I would enjoy the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living . . .
14Look to the LORD;
be strong and of good courage!
O look to the LORD!

Jewish Publication Society. (1997). Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures : A new translation of the Holy Scriptures according to the traditional Hebrew text. (Ps 27:1–14). Philadelphia: Jewish Publication Society.

New Podcast channel via iTunes

Moreh — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 04:06:10 +0000

B”H,

We have added a podcasting channel on iTunes so people who would like to download our posts and teachings, may do so for free and listen at their leisure. All you have to do is go to http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/kehillah-el-elyon/id389296136 and subscribe to the podcast. You may need to download iTunes first, which is also free. Once you subscribe, it will download the posts to your iTunes player, then you can add to your play-lists and download to your mp3 player.

Emuna Series part 1

Moreh — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:21:10 +0000

Torah Juice Ki Tavo

Moreh — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 01:40:01 +0000

Re-Newed YouTube Channel :)

Moreh — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 05:00:37 +0000

Hey y’all, just wanted to let you know about out YouTube Channel. It is at http://www.youtube.com/user/MyKehillah. It’s actually been there for quite a while, therefore the re-newed. It will have the same videos as mykehillah.com but it is another opportunity to spread Torah all over the place. So go there, subscribe and stuff .

Todah Rabbah

Torah Juice Ki Tetze

Moreh — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:26:36 +0000

Emuna part 9

Moreh — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:31:40 +0000

The Thirteen Attributes

Moreh — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 15:59:44 +0000

The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy

יְיָ, יְיָ, אֵל רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן, אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם וְרַב חֶסֶד וֶאֱמֶת. נֹצֵר חֶסֶד לָאֲלָפִים, נֹשֵׂא עָוֹן וָפֶשַׁע וְחַטָּאָה, וְנַקֵּה

HaShem HaShem, eil rachum v’chanun, erech apayim v’rav chesed ve-emet. notzeir chesed la-alafim, nosei avan vafesha v’chata-ah, v’nakeih.

HaShem, HaShem, God, Compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in kindness and truth, preserver of kindness for thousands of generations, forgiver of iniquity, willful sin and error and Who cleanses.

The 13 Attributes of Mercy, according to the generally accepted opinions of Rabbenu Tam and Abudraham, are as follows:

- The Lord! (HaShem)–God is merciful before a person sins! Even though aware that future evil lies dormant within him.

- The Lord! (HaShem)–God is merciful after the sinner has gone astray.

- God (El)–a name that denotes power as ruler over nature and humankind, indicating that God’s mercy sometimes surpasses even the degree indicated by this name.

- Compassionate (rahum)–God is filled with loving sympathy for human frailty does not put people into situations of extreme temptation, and eases the punishment of the guilty.

- Gracious (v’hanun)–God shows mercy even to those who do not deserve it consoling the afflicted and raising up the oppressed.

- Slow to anger (ereh apayim)–God gives the sinner ample time to reflect, improve, and repent.

- Abundant in Kindness (v’rav hesed)–God is kind toward those who lack personal merits, providing more gifts and blessings than they deserve; if one’s personal behavior is evenly balanced between virtue and sin, God tips the scales of justice toward the good.

- Truth (v’emet)–God never reneges on His word to reward those who serve Him.

- Preserver of kindness for thousands of generations (notzeir hesed la-alafim)–God remembers the deeds of the righteous for thebenefit of their less virtuous generations of offspring (thus we constantly invoke the merit of the Patriarchs).

- Forgiver of iniquity (nosei avon)–God forgives intentional sin resulting from an evil disposition, as long as the sinner repents.

- Forgiver of willful sin (pesha)–God allows even those who commit a sin with the malicious intent of rebelling against and angering Him the opportunity to repent.

- Forgiver of error (v’hata’ah)–God forgives a sin committed out of carelessness, thoughtlessness, or apathy.

- Who cleanses (v’nakeh)–God is merciful, gracious, and forgiving, wiping away the sins of those who truly repent; however, if one does not repent, God does not cleanse.

Emuna Part 8

Moreh — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 04:49:52 +0000

..this is the first part of a great and passionate discussion the group had. The great thing about us is that no one takes anything personally though we defend our positions strongly. Part 2 next week

The Shofar of Elul

Moreh — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:23:03 +0000

The month of Elul or the month of Teshuvah is the last month of the calendar from the month of Tishrei. Teshuvah is usually defined as repentance, it comes from the word shuv which means to return. We are to return, as individuals, and as a nation to HaShem. It is customary during the month of Elul, to hear the shofar blast, to arouse our souls and awaken us from our slumber. It is a call to gather and return to HaShem.

Torah Juice- Shoftim

Moreh — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 04:41:43 +0000

Torah Juice- Re’eh

Moreh — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 06:38:39 +0000

Emuna part 7

Moreh — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 04:02:47 +0000

Torah Juice-Eikev

Moreh — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:07:48 +0000

Torah Juice- Ve’etchanan

Moreh — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 20:19:55 +0000

Emuna part 6

Moreh — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 04:51:40 +0000

Tisha B’Av

Moreh — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 22:57:40 +0000

Today commemorates many tragic events. The most notable are the destructions of the First and Second Temples. Hopefully, in our fast this day we can cry out to HaShem and ask that the Temple be rebuilt. But even more than than. That WE can build the Temple. That means giving of our resources, time, prayer, gifts, etc. to fulfill the commandent to build HaShem’s Temple.
What is misunderstood, is that the Temple is for the Jews. The Temple is for the ENTIRE WORLD. The Jewish people have been chosen by HaShem to perform the rites in the Temple, because they were the only nation that agreed to accept HaShem’s Torah. However, the Temple is “a house of Prayer for ALL nations.” If the nations of the world had the understanding of the importance of the Temple to the world, they would all come together and build it tomorrow. There are many of us who do realize the importance the Temple brings to mankind. I know, some will say, it isn’t built because HaShem doesn’t want it built yet. Ok, there maybe truth to that, but what if it not built because we are all now, and have been, disobedient and not built it? We have not made a true attempt to build it. Then, as when the people went to do battle, without HaShem, if we fail, HaShem is not with us and does not want it built yet. But if we continue to deceive ourselves, just as not wearing a cord of blue at all because we may not be sure what exactly techelet means, we are not being obedient to HaShem. Sinning out of ignorance is not the same as willful sin. We know we are supposed to build the Temple, so let’s just build it already and fulfill the commandment.
We know from Zechariah 8:19 that we are not to mourn forever on this day! They did not mourn for the First Temple when the Second Temple was standing. Let’s build the Temple to HaShem! NOW!

Emuna part 5

Moreh — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:13:39 +0000

Torah Juice – Devarim

Moreh — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 18:57:36 +0000

Torah Juice Mattot-Massei

Moreh — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 01:15:35 +0000

Emuna part 4

Moreh — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 01:13:10 +0000

Torah Juice-Pinchas

Moreh — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 01:37:25 +0000

A little overview about the Torah portion and how we need to be zealous like Pinchas and kill the sin in our lives that distract and separates us from HaShem. [...]

Emuna part 3

Moreh — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 22:26:49 +0000

Torah Juice — Balak

Moreh — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 01:03:28 +0000

T.E.A.

Moreh — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:41:24 +0000

T.E.A. Party for Spiritual Revolution and Revitalization

Teshuvah (repentance)

Emuna (faith)

Achud (unity)

What would the world be like if all of a sudden all people did teshuvah? If they stopped of all of their sinfulness and returned to G-d? Would wars and violence instantly stop? Would families reconcile? Would Mashiach arrive instantaneously and bring the geulah (redemption)? Would the destructive prophecies written in the Hebrew Bible be reversed? Would people care about how much money they had?

What if then everyone began to have emuna (faith)? What if they all had a firm belief in a single, supreme, omniscient, benevolent, spiritual, supernatural, and all-powerful Creator of the universe? Would the focus change from “me” to “we”? Would obeying and fearing HaShem be the ultimate goal of everyone? Would wanting to attach ourselves to HaShem and partake of His goodness be our true purpose in life?

Then finally, what if we all came together in achud (unity)? Being single minded in our beliefs and purposes? Would the divisions such as class, race, religion, sex, etc., end? Would we see ourselves as “Children of HaShem” equal under HaShem and his Torah, but having differing roles, without pettiness or envy? Would there ever be a hungry or homeless person ever again? If the people of the world began to move in the realms of Teshuvah, Emuna, and Achud, could there truly be peace on earth? What if it began with you? And someone saw the difference in you and then followed? We can only be truly responsible for our own choices and decisions; would you want to be part of the problem or solution?

Emuna part 2

Moreh — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 04:39:56 +0000

Torah Juice Chukat

Moreh — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:26:11 +0000

Sign the Temple Mount Petition Now!

Moreh — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 03:30:28 +0000

The Petition

Shabbat Service

Moreh — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 00:15:00 +0000

Shabbat Service 6/12/2010

10:30am-11:45am Prayer/Worship Service

12:00pm-01:12pm Torah Study

Torah Juice–Korach–special from Roswell, NM

Moreh — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:55:42 +0000

Guest Blogger–Dania Crabtree

Moreh — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 06:13:33 +0000

You think YOUR day was bad???

How often do you feel sorry for yourself?? Speaking for myself, I do it way too often. Really, in and of itself, that is bad enough because I waste too much time missing what Hashem is trying to teach me. Not to mention the contentment the appreciating all the many blessings I have been granted without really deserving them. Instead of recognizing these blessings, instead I often feel the need to “one up” the people I am talking to by comparing my troubles with theirs. As if my self-pity will be justified if the one I am talking to suddenly turns to me and says “You’re right, you have it WAY harder than me!” (I also envision a small salute to my incredible strength at this point in the conversation.)

15. All the days of a poor man are wretched, but he who has a cheerful heart always has a feast. 16. Better a little with the fear of the Lord, than a great treasury and turmoil with it. 17. Better a repast of herbs where there is love, than a fattened ox where there is hatred. (Proverbs 15)

Every person that lives or has ever lived has the problems and difficulties that go along with life. My difficulties and trials are truly not more important or somehow should engender more respect than yours. Hashem gives each person the perfect balance of what we need so He can teach us what we need to learn. The sad truth is, there is much for us all to learn. Only He knows how we can best learn the lesson. Maybe instead of working to one up each other, we can start looking for the lesson knowing that we will be SO much better off in the end…..???

Now, on to more important things………..you will NEVER guess how bad my day was yesterday J.

Torah Juice Shalach

Moreh — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:20:54 +0000

Emuna part 1

Moreh — Sat, 29 May 2010 17:15:56 +0000

Torah Juice- Beha’alotecha

Moreh — Tue, 25 May 2010 23:56:48 +0000

Omer day 49

Moreh — Sat, 22 May 2010 00:55:28 +0000

Day 49 — Malchut of Malchut: Nobility in Nobility

Examine the sovereignty of your sovereignty. Does it come from deep-rooted inner confidence in myself? Or is it just a put-on to mask my insecurities? Does that cause my sovereignty to be excessive? Am I aware of my uniqueness as a person? Of my personal contribution?

Exercise for the day: Take a moment and concentrate on yourself, on your true inner self, not on your performance and how you project to others; and be at peace with yourself knowing that God created a very special person which is you.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו, וְצִוָּנוּ עַל סְפִירַת הָעֹמֶר.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu al s’firat ha-omer.

Blessed are You, HaShem our God, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us by Your commandments, and has commanded us concerning the counting of the Omer.

הַיּוֹם יוֹם שְׁבִיעִי לַשָּׁבוּעַ שְׁבִיעִי מִשִׁבְעָה שָׁבֻעוֹת. הַיּוֹם אַרְבָּעִים וְתִשְׁעָה יוֹם מִסְפִירַת חֲמִשִּׁים יוֹם מֵהֲנָפַת הָעֹמֶר מִמָּחֳרַת הַשַּׁבָּת. ‏הַיּוֹם שַׁבָּת, שַׁבָּת שְׁבִיעִית מִשֶׁבַע שַׁבָּתוֹת. הַיּוֹם נִשְׁלַם שָׁבוּעַ שְׁבִיעִי מִשִׁבְעָה שָׁבֻעוֹת.

Hayom yom shevi’i lashavua shevi’i mishivah Shavuot. Hayom arbaim vetishah yom misfirat chamishim yom mehanafat haomer mimcharat hashabbat. Hayom Shabbat, Shabbat shevi’it misheva shabbatot. Hayom nishlam shavua shevi’i mishivah Shavuot.

Today is the 7th day of the 7th week of seven weeks. Today is the 49th day of the counting of fifty days from the day of the waving of the Omer on the morrow after the Sabbath. Today is Sabbath, the 7th Sabbath of seven Sabbaths. Today completes the 7th week of seven weeks.

After the 49 days of Counting the Omer, after having fully achieved inner renewal by merit of having assessed and developed each of our 49 attributes, we arrive at the fiftieth day. On this day we celebrate the Festival of Shavuot, the giving of the Torah (Matan Torah). After we have accomplished all we can through our own initiative, then we are worthy to receive a gift (matan) from Above which we could not have achieved with our own limited faculties. We receive the ability to reach and touch the Divine; not only to be cultivated human beings who have refined all of our personal characteristics, but divine human beings who are capable of expressing ourselves above and beyond the definitions and limitations of our beings.

Omer day 48

Moreh — Fri, 21 May 2010 04:52:17 +0000

Day 48 — Yesod of Malchut: Bonding in Nobility

Examine the bonding aspect of your sovereignty. Healthy independence should not prevent you from bonding with another person. On the contrary: self-confidence allows you to respect and trust another’s sovereignty and ultimately bond with him. That bond will strengthen your own sovereignty, rather than sacrifice it.

Does my sovereignty prevent me from bonding? Could that be because of deeper insecurities of which I am unaware? Do I recognize the fact that a fear of bonding reflects a lack of self-confidence in my own sovereignty?

Exercise for the day: Actualize your sovereignty by intensifying your bond with a close one.

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu al s’firat ha-omer.

Blessed are You, HaShem our God, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us by Your commandments, and has commanded us concerning the counting of the Omer.

הַיּוֹם יוֹם שִׁשִּׁי לַשָּׁבוּעַ שְׁבִיעִי מִשִׁבְעָה שָׁבֻעוֹת. הַיּוֹם אַרְבָּעִים וּשְׁמוֹנָה‏ יוֹם מִסְפִירַת חֲמִשִּׁים יוֹם מֵהֲנָפַת הָעֹמֶר מִמָּחֳרַת הַשַּׁבָּת.

Hayom yom shishi lashavua shevi’i mishivah Shavuot. Hayom arbaim ushmonah yom misfirat chamishim yom mehanafat haomer mimcharat hashabbat.

Today is the 6th day of the 7th week of seven weeks. Today is the 48th day of the counting of fifty days from the day of the waving of the Omer on the morrow after the Sabbath.

Torah Juice Naso

Moreh — Wed, 19 May 2010 20:54:05 +0000

Omer day 47

Moreh — Wed, 19 May 2010 19:26:50 +0000

Day 47 — Hod of Malchut: Humility in Nobility

Sovereignty is God’s gift to each individual. Hod of Malchut is the humble appreciation of this exceptional gift. Does my sovereignty and independence humble me? Am I an arrogant leader? Do I appreciate the special qualities I was blessed with?

Exercise for the day: Acknowledge God for creating you with personal dignity

Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha-olam, asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu al s’firat ha-omer.

Blessed are You, HaShem our God, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us by Your commandments, and has commanded us concerning the counting of the Omer.

הַיּוֹם יוֹם חֲמִישִׁי‏ לַשָּׁבוּעַ שְׁבִיעִי מִשִׁבְעָה שָׁבֻעוֹת. הַיּוֹם אַרְבָּעִים וְשִׁבְעָה‏ יוֹם מִסְפִירַת חֲמִשִּׁים יוֹם מֵהֲנָפַת הָעֹמֶר מִמָּחֳרַת הַשַּׁבָּת.

Hayom yom chamishi lashavua shevi’i mishivah Shavuot. Hayom arbaim veshivah yom misfirat chamishim yom mehanafat haomer mimcharat hashabbat.

Today is the 5th day of the 7th week of seven weeks. Today is the 47th day of the counting of fifty days from the day of the waving of the Omer on the morrow after the Sabbath.