A time to mourn: One mother's painful loss

It's barely been a month and the memory is quite vivid. This is my personal experience of a most terrible loss but I think this is a story worth sharing. I believe so, for the sake of any mother out there going through a similar experience. It was a few months back when I first found out I was expecting. The news came bringing  us feelings of excitement and happiness. The thought of a tender little baby in my arms. This would most definitely be a welcomed blessing in our home. The first weeks were quite tiring and a bit difficult to get by. Currently employed outside my home was quickly becoming a challenge. Because of the proximity of my job, I managed to come home daily for a much needed nap. This helped me somewhat, though managing home and my job was was increasingly difficult due to my pregnancy. My amazing family was so much help during these days, especially my third-born daughter. I am very thankful for them all. 

Up early each day, I managed to drag myself out of bed thinking that surely I'd be quitting in three months. My thought was to hang on just a little longer; then I'd be a stay at home mom once again. I was looking forward to finally being home with my kids, and soon with my baby as well. What a joy these thoughts brought to me. There was so much going through my mind and so many plans to be made. 

Then one day an abrupt event changed everything.  I woke up early one day with the past night's dream very clear in my memory. I usually had dreams and remember them, but it had been a while since this happened. This morning I was shocked at my dream. It was so clear in my mind and very painful as I thought about it. I knew in my heart that this dream meant something and cried thinking what it could possibly mean. In my dream I saw my unborn child, he was a boy with such a look of innocence that left such an impression on me. As I looked into his eyes, I noticed a deep sadness in his eyes. I wondered at such a thing and then before I knew it I woke up. Now this might sound like an ordinary dream to some, but I knew it was for a reason I had dreamt  it. 

I want to explain something about myself before continuing. I'm not superstitious or anything like that. Before this, I hadn't really ever thought much about this, that is until recently. In reality, my thoughts were quite contrary than what I think today. Up until recently I discarded my whole dream thing as coincidences. You see, during every one of my pregnancies I've had a dream of each of my children. I have always dreamt of my babies before they are born, and in my dreams I can tell what their gender is. I know it's a bit bizarre, but true. This has been true of all eleven children. And there was even a particular time, back in 2001 which was unlike the rest. On this day I recalled a dream, when a voice told me I was expecting a boy. What was so strange to me, was that I didn't know I was pregnant. A few hours later I got very sick. I knew somehow that this meant a miscarriage, and a few hours later at the ER, my worst fears were confirmed.

Back to the dream of this last pregnancy, something inside told me what it meant. My thoughts were that something was wrong with the baby, and though I dreaded the thought, I believed it meant I would lose him. As I drove to work that morning I cried and prayed to the L-rd. I cried for help and especially prayed that the baby would be okay. Then a peace came over me, and as tears rolled down my face I spoke to my Heavenly Father saying I will accept your will whatever it may be. 

Shortly after that, not sure how many days I began feeling sick. There was the smallest sign of spotting and the feeling I can't describe, but can just say was of not feeling well. I had only known of my pregnancy a short time, and was only planning to make a doctor's appointment. I thought, maybe this Friday I'll look over my insurance and make my appointment. It was Monday, but as the week progress and no signs of improvement showed I began to doubt about my pregnancy. What if I wasn't pregnant after all, I thought. One short drive to the store and another quick home pregnancy test dispelled those doubts immediately. I was glad to find I was right about being pregnant, but worried about my health.

I continued working, reasoning that it would be alright since my job required me to spend most of the time sitting. It also gave me the opportunity to go home for several hours and get some rest. Yet, every morning as I drove to work, I cried, prayed to G-D, and even spoke to my unborn child. I told my baby how much I loved him, and how he was much wanted by everyone at home. By this time my oldest children knew about my pregnancy, only my four youngest didn't. I had also began telling my children at different times that I wasn't feeling well, and what this could mean for the baby.

Friday morning came, as I woke to discomfort and pain. I got up around four and tried going back to sleep after a while, only to wake to the pain and the thought that I was experiencing contractions. Suddenly, I realized I was covered in blood and as I cried and got up to change, my husband's first thoughts were to call for an ambulance. I asked  him right away not to, but to instead drive me to a hospital very close to our house. I was sitting on chair quite weak as my daughter helped me get dressed and put my shoes on. Suddenly the room seamed to get dark, and I urged my husband to call our first-born. 

All I recall next is waking and while my eyes were yet closed recalling all these things and thinking I would tell my husband what a strange dream I had just dreamt. Unfortunately, as I opened my eyes and realized I was being carried to the car, I became aware it was actually happening. I was in and out of consciousness at the hospital after that with my husband and son by my side.  After a transfusion of several units of blood, I was awake and conscious to the painful reality of having lost my baby. 

 No sooner had I woke from a surgical procedure then my sisters arrived from out of town; immediately to be there by my side. It's beyond words for me to explain how good it did to me; that is, to have their support when I needed most. I felt G-d's loving care through my dear husband, my son, and sisters. Everything seemed to have happened so quickly. I was heartbroken, but at the same time was experiencing an unexplainable peace. This was an experience quite unlike the one during my first miscarriege, when my world was falling apart, and all I wished was to die. It's strange that this pregnancy that I had more time to grow attached to the baby, I was experiencing this peace and serenity. 

I definitely still cry when I remember. I feel a sadness and a loss that I may never quite recover from. There will always be a place in my heart, a memory of my baby. When I returned to my doctor for a follow up, I cried as the doctor explained that what I had thought was one and a half to two months pregnancy was actually closer to four. And of course after the lab results' explanations, she went on to tell me what I already knew....       the baby was a boy.

For any mothers out there having been through this kind of loss, I want to say there is healing. You can go on, and you can find G-D's loving comfort. Pray to Him, draw close to him. He know's your pain. If you can't imagine a greater love than a mother's for her child, let me tell you there is one greater. The greatest love ever, is G-D's love for us. He can heal your aching heart, just seek him. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matt.5:4 

M.J.

A Bit of Schooling Here and There

As I had mentioned before, we are trying to get back to doing homeschooling more regularly after the birth of my baby girl. While some days are pretty good and we get the work done, others are rather slow and we hardly accomplish what I'd like. In such cases, I like to get a little creative and spontaneous about choosing what to study, things not necessarily found within our basic curriculum at the time. Our basic curriculum consists of workbooks purchased from Christian Light. They are very practical and require very little lesson prep time in my opinion. The kids seem to do well working independently and can do the work, for the most part, without my help. I do however, enjoy sitting with them and going over different topics and subjects. I like to see them learning new things and taking interest in them. Last week, we brought out the old microscope and had a blast using it. The idea was to get them to learn how to use it while learning to identify its parts easily. To make things easier I used a small chalk board in which I drew and labeled a drawing of a microscope and then hung it near our kitchen table. Having it in the kitchen gave me the opportunity to work on preparing lunch as they worked on their schooling at the table. On other occasions our study/library works out better. Within a short time of having drawn the microscope, they had successfully memorized the parts, and were intrigued by the subject of exploration. I was lucky to find and buy a copy of the Scriptures, written in microscopic size, at our local market. I bought a couple for only a dime a piece, which was a deal hard to resist. The kids were amazed to see how such a small copy of the Scriptures could be printed. It was intriguing to all. This was one good day in our home school; and one they're likely to remember well.

COG7, The Bible Advocate, and Messianic Judaism

   In the past issue of the Bible Advocate (Doing Dad Right, May-June 2011 issue), a magazine published by the COG7 (Church of God 7th Day), an article on Messianic Judaism was published. After reading it thoroughly, I was asked by an ex-member of the said church, who is presently Torah observant, to give somewhat of an answer  to the arguments concerning accusations to the Messianic Faith. The author of the article Israel Steinmetz wrote several points as to why the church disagrees with the Messianic Faith; and how the church should approach people with this belief within their church. (Please follow the above link to read the full article entitled Messianic Judaism in the Doing Dad Right issue, pages 20-23)

    From the beginning, my desire  was to clear up any confusion and mistaken assumptions regarding the Messianic Faith. As I clearly stated in my response, that I e-mailed to the Bible Advocate, I made no claim as to being a spokesperson for this faith; but am instead someone who has known it long enough to see the errors argued in the said article. My motive has not been to persuade a church into a certain way of belief, instead my hope was to make a clear explanation as to why such arguments were untruthful and at the same time hurtful to any future Christian-Messianic relations.

    In a future post, I hope to present the false assertions presented in the BA (Bible Advocate) Article. Also, I hope to take each of the points presented in the article, and explain why they are mostly based on assumptions and misinformation. I want to give the main reasons for disagreeing and stating they are in fact based on false assumptions, written in my response to the BA.

    Finally, I would  like to write one last post on the subject. Two nights ago, I received a letter from the editor letting me know they had received and read my response. The editor also mentioned, that I would soon be able to read the new issue within the next couple of weeks, wherein the discussion would continue. As a result of knowing about this follow up on the subject, I would like to write one more post with a follow up and conclusion of my own.

    My determination on writing to the BA, was not only to clear up the confusion being spread out there; but one other thing in mind prompted my response. The COG7, as a church with a large membership and the BA with many readers throughout The States, should be more careful, when writing about believer's of a different faith; and should first make sure, that they have all the facts right. In my opinion, such false statements about the Messianic Faith, will do nothing more than be a source of disdain and contempt for Messianics in general. It is with a hope of a better understanding on the subject, that I'm writing these posts for my blog.

The Urgent Truth About the Resurrection

Here’s one delayed blog post, which I was not able to add until now. With all the celebrations going on now and all the hype due to the celebration of Easter, I wanted to share some links with studies concerning the timing and dates of the resurrection.  For those that have not had the opportunity to study the subject, here is something that will hopefully be somewhat of a spark to encourage a deeper more thorough study in G-D’s Word. As mentioned on an earlier post, our family celebrated the Biblical Feast of Pesach, Passover as some may better know it. It is my sincere desire that others be encouraged and provoked to walk in truth even as Yeshua HaMoshiach did; as He observed and never taught contrary to the teachings in the Torah.  Growing up within a church setting myself I have realized, that many times the doctrinal beliefs and an understanding of Scripture can be something we leave to the experts and or leaders, when in truth we should question what is taught and study it for ourselves. If we were more diligent, in seeking the truth, there would be an amazing unity in the body of believers instead of all the differences, which constantly separate us. Remember  “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matt,7:21),  this should be our  goal;  focusing on and seeking His perfect will. Be strong in the L-rd and dare question where you stand, and what you have believed!

Wednesday Crusifiction Timeline

The Day of Debt

The Cronology of Christ's Crusifixion & Resurrection

An Under the Table Haggadah!

Seders can get quite long and this can be difficult for the little ones. We like providing plenty of well illustrated books for the kids on the subject. There are many resources and ideas to implement. Some things I like personally are:


- Engaging my kids in the whole process and preparation (decorations are a favorite)
-Help preparing some of the dishes to be served
-Pesach coloring books
-Stickers
-Learning and singing a variety of Pesach songs (Seder Nights by Paul Zim is a favorite)
-Building mini-models of Pesach scenes for display during our Seder


Still wondering about the title? Well, If you have kids and long Seders here I present some book suggestions. One book is titled Uncle Eli's Passover Haggadah:(Special-for-Kids, Most-Fun-Ever, Under-the-Table).

The link I'm sharing with the book title, is actually for the web site to the online version, but the book can be found at Amazon.


Another book which happens to be one of my favorites is The Animated Haggadah by Rony Oren. Eye catching pictures for all ages makes this one very interesting. I really like all the clay characters.

One last suggestion is Passover: The Ultimate Sticker Book This one is learning and fun bundled up in one book. 

I hope this post was of some help. I wish you all a Hag Sameach!

Is Christianity Based on Anti-Christ Creeds?

Here is a post by a friend that I'm glad to share here.

Written by Cari Gillespie

Do you know that Christianity is based upon the anti-christ creeds? Read and weep.
In the book of Daniel 11, we read about anti-christ Antiocus Epiphanes. It set up a an image of Zeus, not called Peter by the Vatican, and for 3 years and 2 months, he continued to desecrate the Temple

 This is what he demanded of the people of Israel and the whole world, if they refused, they died. 1) thou shall PROFANE the sabbath 2) thou shall CHANGE the the set-apart times of YHWH (festivals) and laws (Torah) 3) thou shall set up idols... 4) thou shall EAT UNCLEAN animals 5) thou shall NOT circumcise 6) thou shall FORGET Torah
Does your denomination obey these commands of the anti-christ and do you think it's OK?
In the early 4th century AD, The Roman Emporer, Constantine, a Mythra (sun god) worshipper revived these laws and gave them new life. The early believers in Messiah were tortured and hung on crosses, set on fire before they were dead, etc. Here is what he demanded: The Constantine Creed: "I renounce all customs, rites, legalisms, unleavened breads, sacrifices of lambs of the Hebrews, and all the other feasts of the Hebrews, sacrifices, prayers, aspirations, purifications, sanctifications, and propitiations, and fasts and new moons, and Sabbaths and superstiitions and hymns and chants, and observances and synagogues, absolutely everything Jewish, every law (instruction), rite and custom and if afterwards I shall wish to deny and return to Jewish superstition, or shall be found eating with Jews, or feasting with them, or secretly conversing and condemning the "Christian religion," instead of openly confuting them and condemning their vain faith, then let the trembling of Cain and the leprosy of Gehazi cleave to me, as well as the legal punishments to which I acknowledge myself liable. And may I be an anthema in the world to come, and my my soul be set down with Satan and the devils."
(Stefano Assemani, Acta Sanctorium Martyrum Orientalium at Occidentalium, Vol. 1, Rome 1748, page 105) Furthermore, any follower of the "Jewish Messiah" (Yeshua HaMashiach) who wished to join this "holy community" was compelled to adopt a different set of rules and customs. Subsequently, special creeds were drafted, to which the "Christian" would have to swear as such:

"I accept all customs, rites, legalisms, and feasts of the ROMANS, sacrifices, prayers, purificaitons with water sanctifications by PONTIFUS MAXIMUS (high priests of Rome), propititations, and feasts, and the NEW sabbath "Sol Dei" (day of the sun god), all new chants and observances, and all the foods and drinks of the ROMANS. In other words, I absolutely accept everything ROMAN, every NEW law, rite and custom, of ROME and the NEW Roman religion."
All Protestants are daughters of this Roman church and all protestants obey these laws in defiance of the Word of The Father and The Son. Protestants are included as they still observe the holidays (Easter and Christmas) and sabbaths (Sunday) of Rome, as in "are you going to church tis Lord's Day?" The Lord being the sun god of Sunday.
What really is ironic, these laws were created by two anti-christs, Antiocus and Constantine and that is what people CHOOSE to live by today, totally going against The Father and the bible.
-Cari Gillespie

Moshiach's Comming

My mind and heart are consumed daily with thoughts of G_D's beloved people.  I pray for those yearning for the coming of Moshiach and His redemption. The L-rd's coming is near and I pray with all my heart for those that truly desire to know Him, and not just know about Him. I know there are many people out there searching and praying daily with all their heart, desiring the coming of Moshiach. Surely the L-rd hasn't forgotten them, and will soon grant them the desire of their hearts.  Join me in prayer for this purpose and please comment with any Scripture or other writings concerning the awaited one, the one Israel longs for.

Inspiring Video of an 11 year-old

I found this video and wanted to share it with others. It is an excellent presentation and I love the boldness and clarity this boy speaks with. It is definatately an inspiring video.

Believers Beware

Here is an old post from another blog I had. There are a few more posts I'm planning to upload eventually when I have a bit more time. 

Pharaoh in his stubbornness and pride refused to listen to the Almighty, he refused to let his people go. Pharaoh's magicians at first encouraged Pharaoh's refusal to free the people. They convinced him that they with their magic could do the same as Moses. But later on their thinking changed. They saw "The finger of G-d" was the only answer to the entire phenomenon. Sadly, despite believing this, it wasn't enough and they would later have to face G-d's judgment like the rest of Egypt. Only those willing to obey were able to be spared. By the end and throughout the signs, G-ds people were manifest to all.

Today we too are faced with the same decision.  We have to decide whether to believe like the magicians or obey like Israel when preparing for the Passover. Can we get by with just believing with our mind? 

Maybe for now we may believe so, but eventually G-d's children will be made manifest. G-d's children hear and obey Him. Those that think believing is only a matter of the mind, better think twice. What terrible thing to let these sins separate us from G-d. Sometimes even as believers we become captive to these sins. Erroneously we deceive ourselves thinking all we need to do is believe. We are saved by grace, no doubt. But like Israel in the days of Moses, we are required to take action. So many times we read in his word "If you love me, keep my commandments"; But do we actually believe this. Love goes hand in hand with action; it's much more than a feeling. If it were not so, how could we be commanded to love G-d with all our hearts, soul, and might? We are undoubtedly to use all our resources.  In other words, our lives must be evidence of what we believe.

Finally remembering that not all who call him L-rd will be of his kingdom we should then walk in obedience. Obedience to G-d is not in order to earn something.  We can never win our salvation. But when we are truly his children, it will indeed be evident in our lives.  We will not be living like the rest of "Egypt”.

Channukah, Memories and Musings

       For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.  Psalm 36:9

    

Channukah is a beautiful celebration to our family. Typically on one of the nights we have a special dinner in our home, and invite relatives for the celebration. The kids, decorate, help prepare their favorite dishes, and do all they can to help prepare for this special time. Each night we light our channukias.  Usually we’ll have some music, singing, and good food to eat. The kids open their presents and enjoy the time playing together. But most of all, we read about channukah; remembering the reason for observing it in the first place.

  - As the main purpose for the celebration, we talk about the events that took place around the rededication of the temple. There was the enemies’ attempt of forcing G-d’s people to be assimilated into their pagan culture. Then there was the defilement of the temple which was a terrible tragedy. To make matters worse and unbearable all observance of Judaism and basically all biblical teachings were strictly forbidden. Many gave their lives rather than give in to these outrageous demands at that time. Many terrible and dark things were suffered at that time as well. But throughout all this Hashem never forgot His people. He strengthened a group of His children lead by one Mattityahu.  This small army of Jews, however unprepared by this world’s standards, was chosen by Hashem because of their genuine heart for G-d. They did not fear what was at the time the greatest nation and army in the world. They instead had a zeal for G-d and His word, only fearing Him. By G-d’s help, this small group of His children was able to overcome the enemy. Victory was theirs, and the temple was once again in the hands of its rightful people. The temple was rebuilt and rededicated for G-d’s honor and glory.

    This has been our way of observing Channukah, year after year. Last year, we decided to make this year’s celebration different. This year wasn’t one with our bookcases overflowing with presents. Before, it was eight presents, one for each night; this year we decided to keep it simple. My thought was to make sure the overwhelming amount of presents didn’t distract from the purpose of the celebration. We opted this year for an alternative to all the gift giving. Instead we had a family talent show where each one would get one prize. The highlights of the evening were Kimberly playing the L-rd is my Sheppard by Ted Pierce, followed by a beautiful piece played by David with his guitar. With music and many laughs the time with the family was a pleasant one.

   Now as the last days of Channuka approach we will continue celebrating. It is a fitting time for us as His people, to rededicate ourselves as living temples to the Most High. It’s time to cast down anything in our lives intending to exalt itself against the knowledge of the true source of light. We have come to His knowledge at a time such as this that our light will shine forth to all humanity. Regardless where we find ourselves throughout the world as G-d’s people, we will stand for the truth in observance to His Torah. Just as we light our channukias and place them near a window to be seen by everyone passing by, so too must our observance of Torah in obedience to the Holy One Blessed Be He, be evident for the whole world to see. May we continue steadfast, unwavering, and true; serving our Creator amidst this world’s darkness.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Mattityahu 5:16

Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.  Psalm 43:3

A Full Day's Work

Usually with everyone's help we get things done around the house. Some days are good and some not so much. Work can quickly get behind in a home of twelve people, especially when the majority is yet quite young. That's why I've come to appreciate my daughters' help so much. Lately though, things around the house have changed a bit. Ever since, about a little over a week ago, when my oldest daughter broke her foot work has been somewhat challenging. Now she needs to be cared after, as she's unable to do most things on her own. On the bright side, it's my opportunity to serve her and for the rest of the family too. We're praying for her recovery. 

This morning we had an early start. The kids woke very early to complete their basic homeschooling lessons. We use Christian Light workbooks, which are very practical and can be done by the kids mostly on their own. Naturally, we also took the necessary time to read this week's Torah Portion. After lunch, we gathered around our kitchen table to work on History together. This took longer to do because of the different grade levels. Before I knew it, I had to rush to start cooking a meal before my husband got home and barely had time to get some laundry done. Time went by fast, and I didn't get to do all I wanted. I'm hoping for a much more productive day tomorrow.
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
                                                                             Proverbs 16:3

                                    she's needing cruthes to get by

                                          
                                                some books we used today

                                                    looking at a book

Parasha Vayishlach: Torah Notebook

For this week we began our learning about Parasha Vayishlach through working on different activities.
As part of our schooling, we start the day off with Torah Class. In order to keep all the paper work neatly organized, each child keeps/ puts together a Torah Notebook. The note book is actually a three ring binder with six divisions in it. The divisions for the binder are as follows:

1. B’resheet/Genesis
2. Shemot/Exodus
3. Vayikra/Leviticus
4. Bamidvar/Numbers
5. Devarim/Deuteronomy
6. Moadim/G’d’s Appointed Times


Monday- We start the week with a Reading of the Parasha. We may or may not take some time for comments on the Parasha, depending on time available and length of the reading.
Tuesday-This particular week, we worked on various activities related to the Parasha, to be included in our Torah Notebook. The children picked the type of activity they want to work on from a list I prepared beforehand. For the most part, we use what is available to the family, including school supplies we already have, the Internet, and books from our home library.
Wednesday- The kids work on writing a summary of the Parasha, to be included in their Torah Notebook. Depending on the ages I may ask for a detailed to a simple summary. Also, dictation is acceptable for the younger ones.
Thursday- Scheduled copy work with the purpose of both remembering the Parasha better and working on penmanship. The younger ones may only work on a few sentences depending on their age.
Friday- To review the Parasha, we read it once again. This time we also take time to read on the Parasha from another source such as different books on the Torah Readings.

*To keep preschoolers occupied and participating in the older kid’s class, several options are available. We use the Children’s Torah Club printouts from FFOZ. They may also draw and color pictures related to the Parasha. Other handcraft activities can also be helpful, from cutting paper, gluing, and coloring. Also the use of puzzles and other age appropriate games works out fine.

◘The following is an example of our week for Torah Class. All activities were put in order from easy to (more) difficult.
Monday is not included in the chart due to limited space, but is taken for reading the parasha

Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Miniature matchbook of gifts sent to Esau by Yacob Used multicolored paper for each drove Included description and number of animals. •construction paper, scissors, pencil, glue, & Bible for reference	Summary writing for “Parasha Vayishlach”	Copy work- Work on penmanship while coping Parasha for 30-40 min.	Reading of Parasha and commentary/ lessons from Parasha using: Gateways to Torah, From Moses to Messiah Or other teaching material.
Tree diagram of Yacob’s family; Wives, children, maidservants, and their children. •drawing paper, pencil, crayons, & Bible	Summary writing for “Parasha Vayishlach”	Copy work- Work on penmanship while coping Parasha for 30-40 min.	Reading of Parasha and commentary/ lessons from Parasha using: Gateway to Torah, From Moses to Messiah Or other teaching material.
Study on goats: including facts such as shepherding, food products, and other things deriving from goats. Included a still live sketch/drawing. •drawing & lined paper, Pencil, crayons, animal encyclopedia.	Summary writing for “Parasha Vayishlach”	Copy work- Work on penmanship while coping Parasha for 30-40 min.	Reading of Parasha and commentary/ lessons from Parasha using: Gateway to Torah, From Moses to Messiah Or other teaching material.
Diagram comparing the likeness and differences between Laban & Yacob. Included a drawing of Laban & Yacob. •pencil and drawing paper	Summary writing for “Parasha Vayishlach”	Copy work- Work on penmanship while coping Parasha for 30-40 min.	Reading of Parasha and commentary/ lessons from Parasha using: Gateway to Torah, From Moses to Messiah Or other teaching material.
Study on the sinew. Bible references on the sinew. Facts about its use in making different products. Drawing of sinew. •drawing paper, pencil, crayons, Internet used for research.	Summary writing for “Parasha Vayishlach”	Copy work- Work on penmanship while coping Parasha for 30-40 min.	Reading of Parasha and commentary/ lessons from Parasha using: Gateway to Torah, From Moses to Messiah Or other teaching material.
Paper on the events surrounding Dinah and her brothers. Learning about the biblical view on intermarriage and making covenants .	Summary writing for “ “Parasha Vayishlach”	Copy work- Work on penmanship while coping Parasha for 30-40 min.	Reading of Parasha and commentary/ lessons from Parasha using: Gateway to Torah, From Moses to Messiah Or other teaching material.
Paper on the importance of the character trait of a peacemaker, viewed from Yacob’s life.	Summary writing for “Parasha Vayishlach”	Copy work- Work on penmanship while coping Parasha for 30-40 min.	Reading of Parasha and commentary/ lessons from   Parasha using:  Gateway to Torah, From Moses to Messiah Or other teaching material.

some books we used for our studies

looking up verses

getting a closer look at a goat

drawing the goat

tree diagram

Yacob's family

gifts sent to Esau (miniture matchbook)

research on sinew

drawing

lavan drawing

preschool work

Psalm 145 and Memorization

 We will be working on memorizing Psalm 145 as a family. I think it is such a good way to tune our hearts to Hashem and His Word. This Psalm is part of the Mincha prayers and one of my personal favorites.

I often think about how we sometimes without hesitation memorize all sorts of things that interest us like music lyrics for instance. But when it comes to the Word of G-d, we don't seem to have the same willingness; sometimes reasoning that it's too difficult.

Some time ago, I remember going to the library with my kids to supplement their reading. One of my kids decided to get a Ripley's Believe It or Not!  Book. After reading through it a while he shared with me with great amazement about a person that had memorized incredible amounts of books by heart. While I can't recall the name of the man who broke this record, I do remember one thing. The man was a Rabbi that had memorized the Torah along with several other works related to the Jewish faith. The love and dedication this Rabbi had are just amazing to me.

I hope we can learn a lesson from this. If we set our minds to it we could memorize more than we actually think we can. If we love His Word, than it should motivate us to learn it by heart. When I find myself having to make decisions in life, I often recall G-d's Word, and it guides my way. This brings to mind the Psalm 119 -"Oh how love I thy Law, it is my meditation all the day,". If His Word is in our hearts constantly than we'll be able to meditate on it throughout our days. 

     1. I shall exalt You, my G-d the King, and I shall bless Your name forever and ever.

2. Every day I shall bless you, and I shall praise Your name forever and ever.

3. The L-rd is great and very much praised, and His greatness cannot be searched.

4. Generation to generation will praise Your works, and they will recite Your mighty deeds.

5. Of the majesty of the glory of Your splendor and the words of Your wonders I shall speak.

6. And the strength of Your awesome deeds they will tell, and Your greatness I shall sing.

7. Of the remembrance of Your abundant goodness they will speak, and of Your righteousness they will sing.

8. The L-rd is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and of great kindness.

9. The L-rd is good to all, and His mercies are on all His works.

10.        All your works will thank You, O L-rd, and Your pious ones will bless You.

11.        They will tell the glory of Your kingdom, and they will speak of Your might.

12.        To make known to the children of men His mighty deeds and the glory of the majesty of his kingdom.

13.        Your kingdom is a kingdom of all times, and Your ruling is in every generation.

14.        The L-rd supports all those who fall and straightens all who are bent down.

15.        Everyone’s eyes look to You with hope, and You give them their food in its time.

16.        You open Your hand and satisfy every living thing [with] its desire.

17.        The Lord is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds

18.         The L-rd is near to all who call Him, to all who call Him with sincerity.

19.        He does the will of those who fear him, and He hears their cry and saves them.

20.        The L-rd guards all who love Him, and He destroys all the wicked.

21.        My mouth will speak the praise of the L-rd, and all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.

Tallit Katan

    David my firstborn recently bought his tekhelet and was in need of a tallit katan for daily use. We decided to make a tallit katan at home ourselves. To begin with, I bought him some plain white t-shirts. I thought about the buttonholes a bit and couldn't decide on how to go about it. I haven't sown in a long time except for a couple of sashes my girls needed for dance class so I wasn't sure if I could do this right. After some thought I opted to cut out the buttonhole strip from another shirt that we no longer needed. To begin the tallit, first I cut a six inch slit on both sides of the shirt to create the corners for the tzittzit. After sowing the edges of all corners; a small square of the shirt with the buttonhole was sown in to each of the corners. Once the buttonholes were in place, the tallit was ready for the tzitzit. I attached the tzitzit which my son had previously prepared by tying the knots beforehand. The whole proccess was much easier than I had thought, and I'm now ready to work on a tallit for my other boys.


37 The LORD also spoke to Moses, saying, 38 "Speak to the sons of Israel, and tell them that they shall make for themselves tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they shall put on the tassel of each corner a cord of blue. 39 "It shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the LORD, so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you played the harlot, 40 so that you may remember to do all My commandments and be holy to your God. 41 "I am the LORD your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt to be your God ; I am the LORD your God."    Numbers 15:37-41