Hanukkah

Hard to believe here we are at Hanukkah again. It is the second for the Congregation. This year there are 91 people celebrating with us.

Hanukkah is often mislabeled as "Jewish Christmas" by non-Jews. Nothing could be further from the truth. This celebration speaks volume of G-d's provision and deliverence of the Jewish People. It speaks of the a enemy once again trying to destroy G-d's people, of the Jewish people's resolve to stand against the enemy, and G-d's miraculous intervention to save His people.

As people experienced the lighting of the final candle (a Hanukkiah is a 9-branch Menorah, one candle for each day, and a 9th Shammash "servant"candle). The candles represent the 8 days the Menorah in the rededicated and cleansed temple, miraculously remained lit while new oil was made.

Like all of the feasts, it speaks of G-d's provision for Isra'el. For details on Hanukkah and how to celebrate Hanukkah see http://www.yeshuahamashiach.org/Hanakah.htm, http://www.yeshuahamashiach.org/Hanakah_Instructions.htm.

For pictures from the celebration see http://www.bethhamashiach.com/hanukah_pictures04.htm

Blessings

Mikveh

The Mikveh is a traditional ceremonial immersion to restore a person to a status of being "clean". Traditionally it is done monthly for women. New converts to Judaism are also immersed.

In our Congregation, we recently had 3 young men and women undergo immersion. In a Messianic Congregation, this immersion is symbolic of dying to your old life, being buried with Messiah, and being raised with Messiah in new life.

It was an awesome celebration, over 80 attended. For pictures go to http://www.bethhamashiach.com/Baptism.htm. The tradition Is explained in detail, with it's Messianic meaning and associated Mitzvah (command) explained. For many of the congregation from a formerly Gentile background, it was their first experience with a Messianic Mikveh.

Our Sukkot celebration

This year we celebrated Sukkot (or Succot if you prefer) in a new manner. 3 Atlanta Congregations decided to celebrate jointly.

It was the first joint event of the new Messianic Alliance of Metro Atlanta (www.mama-ga.com) - Congregation Beth Adonai (www.BethAdonai.com), Beth Ha'Mashiach (www.BethHaMashiach.com) and Hope of David (www.HopeOfDavid.com). There are many pictures to view at http://www.BethHaMashiach.com/Sukkot_pictures.htm.

We had over 250 people attend Friday night, with Rabbi Scott speaking on the history of Sukkot. Saturday Messianic Minister Cameron spoke on Sukkot during the time of Yeshua and related how Sukkot is the most probable date of the Messiah's birth. Messianic Congregational Leader Derek spoke Saturday afternoon on Sukkot in the future.

A joint celebration was a real blessing, with over 400 participating over 2 days. The children were able to make mud bricks, oil lamps, and play other games. Both lunch & dinner were served by all in the true representation of love in oneness.

For Details on Sukkot go to http://www.BethHaMashiach.com/Sukkot.htm.

Blessings