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HIDDEN
LDS/JEWISH INSIGHTS #20
Book of Mormon Gospel Doctrine Supplement by Daniel Rona
Weekly E-mail Reminder
<< MY SOUL IS PAINED
NO MORE >>
Mosiah 25-28; Alma 36
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(1.) PARALLEL OF GATHERING
AND ZIONISM:
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Alma preaching and gathering believing people to the Lord is a
repeated theme throughout time. It is a characteristic of the House of Israel to
be "gathered home." The word "Zionism" is usually connected
with the "gathering" of Jews. The State of Israel, although not
"religious," sends emissaries throughout the world to gather assist
Jews who wish to reestablish themselves in their ancient homeland. These are
called a "Shaliach" and they are somewhat similar to the "Mission
Presidents" who administer the work of "emissaries" who bring the
blood of Israel "home."
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(2.) GATHERING IS
"GOING HOME":
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"Ever since the destruction of the sovereign
Jewish state by the Romans in 70 C.E., the Jewish people hoped and prayed for
its restoration. From that time onward, the return to Zion became a central
theme of Jewish prayer, and even today the Jew, no matter where he is, turns
towards the Land of Israel whenever he prays." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
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(3.) CONVERSION IS LITERAL
ADOPTION:
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"A convert to Judaism is considered a newborn child . . .
because of this . . . converts are always named as though they were the sons of
Abraham, the first Jew. A husband and wife who convert must also have another
wedding ceremony in order to be married under Jewish law." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) LDS converts also have another marriage (sealing) when they go to
the Temple.
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(4.) PROTECTING THE WIDOW
AND CONVERT BY INSTRUCTION:
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"One of the most frequently mentioned
mitzvot in the Torah is to protect the widow, the convert . . . and the orphan
who, like the converts, has no parents." ". . . they . . .
need help in adjusting to new ways of acting and thinking." "After
thorough study, when he understands the mitzvot and is ready to begin his life
as a Jew, the candidate is ready for the rituals of conversion."
(Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
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(5.) STILL A QUESTION, "WHO IS A JEW?
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"The Law of Return was
amended in 1970 to extend citizenship to the partners, children, and
grandchildren of mixed marriages who were not Jews according to halakhah."
"Although considered citizens by the civil authorities, they are not
regarded as Jews by the Rabbinate and therefore they and their children cannot
be married and divorced in Israel. To help these people, the Ministry of
Religious Affairs, in 1971, established two schools . . . where prospective
converts can undergo intensive courses in Judaism. (A famous proselyte is):
Ruth, the Moabite, the great-grandmother of King David, whose descendent is
prophesied to be the Messiah of the House of David . . ." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
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(6.) JEWISH CUSTOMS IN BOOK
OF MORMON RECOGNIZABLE:
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Throughout the Book of Mormon, various
"Jewish" customs can be recognized such as the several holy
convocations in biblical settings, including Passover in the spring, Sukkot in
the fall, Shavuoth at the beginning of summer as well as Yom Kippur, the Day of
Atonement. It is likely that the gatherings mentioned in the Book of Mormon may
coincide with these holidays. The instructions given in those times are similar
to those given in LDS conferences today. The history of forefathers is reviewed
and lessons using contrasts are used for teaching effects. This is a typical
Hebrew way of expression. As an example, Mosiah 24:8 speaks of joy and the next
verse speaks of sorrow. Verse 10 speaks of giving thanks and the next one
describes pain and anguish.
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(7.) NEW NAMES:
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In verse
12 there is a parallel in taking on a new name and becoming
"citizens." Verse 15 shows similarity to the LDS area conferences in
modern times. Verse 20 strikes a familiar chord to Moses dividing up
responsibilities per Jethro’s counsel. Verse 23 tells us that the people took
the name of the Lord upon them. In Jerusalem, small metal plates were discovered
in a stone box dating to 600 B.C. that had scripture verses on them instructing
the wearer to put the name of the Lord upon himself. (Numbers 6:23-27)
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