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HIDDEN
LDS/JEWISH INSIGHTS #28
Book of Mormon Gospel Doctrine Supplement by Daniel Rona
Weekly E-mail Reminder
<< THE WORD IS IN CHRIST UNTO SALVATION >>
Alma 32 – 35
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(1.) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY OF
RELIGIOUS TRAINING:
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Alma’s teaching in the streets, homes and synagogues
mirrors an openness of religious instruction still typical in Israel. However,
the ultimate worship site should be the home. That is where the Kiddush (wine
and bread ritual) and the ritual of bringing in the Sabbath, Kabbalat Shabbat is
done. The word Synagogue comes from the Greek language. In Hebrew it is Bet
Knessset, which means meeting house.
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(2.) SYNAGOGUE – REMINDER
OF THE TEMPLE:
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". . . (in 586 B.C.E.) when, deprived of the Temple . .
. deserted in a strange land, the Jews would gather to read the Scriptures and
pray for salvation. Upon return . . . they brought this tradition back with
them, and records . . . show . . . numerous synagogues in existence, including
one on the Temple Mount itself." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) The ruins of
Capernaum’s synagogue have evidence going back to Jesus’ time.
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(3.) CLOTHING AND DRESS
CODES:
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Travelers to Israel and densely Jewish populated areas notice the
black clothing of the Orthodox Jews. An explanation of the common black clothing
extends back hundreds of years. To remove castes and cliques, the simple black
clothing served as a common denominator. "Wherever Christianity spread
through Europe, laws were passed discriminating against the Jews, who were
forced to wear distinctive clothing . . . to live in separate areas . . . wear
certain colors, or special hats, or a Jewish badge. Although Jews wished to
appear different from gentiles . . . these orders were often made hatefully, and
the Jew . . . felt very bitter." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
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(4). PUBLIC SCRIPTURE
READING:
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Jewish worship includes reading Torah (the Law) and Haftorah (the
Prophets). In modern times there are three readings each week; Monday, Thursday
and Saturdays (Sabbath). The entire Bible text (Old Testament) is covered in one
year. When Jesus lived, apparently the Jews read the "Law and the
Prophets" just once a week (Luke 4:16). It is a probability that Jesus’
ministry was three years long was so that he could review and instruct the
Disciples through the entire Law and the Prophets once during those years.
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(5.) JEWISH ATTITUDE ON
"FAITH AND WORKS:"
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Throughout the years, Jews have weaned
themselves away from spiritual experiences. One orthodox religious man yanked at
my microphone and said to my tourists, ". . . it’s the commandments that
count, not faith . . . faith is made of feelings that can be changed, but
commandments are fixed . . . it is simply do’s and don’ts." In a recent
meeting of Jewish and non Jewish scholars discussing the "Bible Code,"
one prominent rabbi said, "There is no Holy Spirit in Judaism
anymore!"
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(6.) DIMINISHED SENSE OF
LIFE AFTER DEATH:
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Jewish thought in Reform and Conservative Jewish movements
includes a diminished sense of life after death – salvation is an earthly
endeavor. ". . . should place its belief in salvation in this world, and
thus improve the human personality and establish a free, just and cooperative
society." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
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(7.) PRAYER MODES:
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modern times, prayer for the Jews is usually pre written. "In recent times,
many attempts have been made to adapt the traditional prayer texts to the
sensibilities of modern readers. For example, all references to sacrifices or to
the desire for a return to Zion were completely excised from the (Reform) prayer
book . . ." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
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(8.) SPONTANEOUS AND FIXED
PRAYERS:
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"In general, biblical prayer was spontaneous and personal; the
more formal aspect of worship probably consisted of bringing sacrifices at set
times and with a fixed ritual . . . some scholars, basing themselves on
Psalms 55:18 and Daniel 6:11, believe . . . worshiping . . . three times a day may be
traced back to the biblical period." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
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(9.) PREVENTING PRAYER FROM
LOSING ITS VITALITY:
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"Because the times of the services and even the
words which were to be recited, were fixed, there was a danger that prayer would
lose its vitality . . . to overcome this danger . . . melodic chanting was used
. . . worshipers were taught to sway . . . thus throwing their entire body into
the worship." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
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(10.) TRUE ORDER OF PRAYER:
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The prophets taught a form of worship and prayer that focuses on the Lord
instead of concentrating on personal mannerisms. ". . . when ye pray, use
not vain repetitions," (Matthew 6:5-8) ---------------------------------------------------------------------
(11.) PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP:
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Alma’s concept of planting a seed and observing its growth and fruit is
personal and done in solitude with God. It is a natural characteristic of our
humanity that most religions do not teach. The purpose of this manner of
seeking, meeting and praying with God is so that we can see, hear and feel the
words of the Lord unto our salvation.
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