Some of the Jews in the diaspora take
years to make up their minds to "gather" while others make up
their minds quickly. 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."
Gathering is "Going Home":
"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." "A very important aspect of Zionism was the education
of Jews throughout the world towards immigration (aliyah) to Erez
Israel. For this purpose every group in the Zionist Organization set up
youth movements which were described as halutzic (from the word haluz, which
means a pioneer). These groups also provided practical training for life
in Erez Israel. Many even set up training farms to teach the members
agriculture." (Encyclopedia
Judaica Jr.)
Conversion is Literal Adoption:
Conversion to Judaism is also a literal adoption into the family of
Israel. It involves a religious as well as a cultural change and
subsequent involvement.
"A convert to Judaism is
considered a newborn child, and, from the halakhic point of view, he has
no father or mother. Thus, if a whole family converts, the children and
the parents start their lives as Jews with no legal relationship.
Because of this state of affairs, 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.
Protecting the Widow, the Convert by Instruction:
"One of the most frequently mentioned mitzvot in the Torah is
to protect the widow, the convert (the Hebrew word ger also means
stranger) and the orphan who, like the converts, has no parents. This is
because these people are alone in the world they are entering and need
help in adjusting to new ways of acting and thinking. This mitzvah also
helps to counterbalance any possible prejudice against those who are not
Jews by birth."
"A potential convert (or
proselyte) is first questioned by a court (bet din) of three
rabbis. They usually begin by trying to persuade him to give up the idea
of joining a nation which has been, and today still is, severely
persecuted. If the candidate still affirms sincerely that he is ready to
‘accept the yoke of the commandments,’ he or she must undergo a
period of instruction in Judaism, in its laws and practices. 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.)
Rituals Repeated:
"For both males and females the bet din oversees
their immersion in a ritual bath (mikveh). Males must undergo
circumcision. If the man has already been circumcised a symbolic drop
of blood is drawn, and the proper blessing said. In Temple times a
convert was also obligated to sacrifice a burnt offering of cattle or
two young pigeons."
Still a Question, "Who is a Jew?
"‘Who is a Jew’ is a very controversial
political issue in Israel. 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. This
was done mainly to allow the immigration of thousands who were fleeing
persecution in the Soviet Union. 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 on Orthodox kibbutzim 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.)
Jewish Customs in Book of Mormon Recognizable:
Throughout the Book of Mormon, various "Jewish" customs can
be recognized such as the several gatherings or holy convocations in
biblical precedents. From the Bible accounts, these include 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 instruction 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.
New Names: 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. As a related item to taking the name of the Lord
upon us, let me tell of some small metal plates discovered in a stone
box in Jerusalem dating to 600 B.C. that had scripture verses on them.
They are displayed in the Israel Museum and contain the words of a
priestly blessing.
"Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On
this wise ye will bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The
LORDS bless thee, and keep thee: The LORDS make his face shine upon
thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORDS lift up his countenance
upon thee, and give thee peace. And they will put my name upon the
children of Israel. They willl; and I will bless them." (Numbers
6:23-27)
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement:
Preceded by ten days of repentance and seeking forgiveness, Yom Kippur
is in anticipation of being able to receive the "priestly
blessing" of taking the Lord’s name upon oneself and being in
tune with the mind of the Lord. The scriptural reading at this holy
time is the book of Jonah. He was tormented in the belly of a great
fish for three days and three nights. In the Book of Mormon, Alma was
tormented for three days and three nights until he recognized the
atonement. He became tuned into the mind of the Lord and took the Lord’s
name upon himself.
What Do the Urim and Thummim Look Like?
The account of Mosiah 28:13 speaks of two rims of a bow with two stones,
the Urim and Thummin, used to know the mind of the Lord. The Emeritus
General Authority, Patriarch, Eldredge G. Smith once spoke of Joseph
Smith describing the Urim and Thummin as two triangular stones connected
by silver bows. Detractors of Joseph Smith spoke of them being
"magic glasses." The use of these special revelatory stones
has been repeated throughout time. It is a characteristic of the House
of Israel. |