The Rock: The term
“Rock of Salvation” is precious in Jewish terminology. As in many terms
or phrases, their familiarity in the present tense will be a mindful
leap to their full-intended meanings in the future. In the following
quotes, the references to “rock” have been underlined for emphasis.
The Synagogue Prayers:
“During the morning service the entire Hallel is said on each of
the eight days and a special addition, Al Ha-Nissim (For the
miracles . . . ) is made inevery Amidah as well as in the Grace
After Meals. The reading from the Torah describes the sacrifices brought
by the princes at the dedication of the sanctuary, and the kindling of
the candelabrum; special haftarot are prescribed for the
Sabbaths of Hanukkah. In the Ashkenazi rite, a hymn called Ma'oz Zur
(O Fortress, Rock of my salvation) is sung. This song
originated in Germany, probably in the 13th century. It consists of five
stanzas, each of which describes a period in Jewish history, the last
being the Hanukkah miracle. A final stanza is a prayer for the coming
of the Messiah.”
Memorial Day:
“During Remembrance Day itself, memorial services are held at public
monuments to the fallen and in military cemeteries throughout Israel.
All flags are lowered to half-mast. Special prayers include the recital
of Psalm 9: "For the leader, on the death of the son," and Psalm 144:
"Blessed be the Lord, my Rock, who traineth my hands for war and
my fingers for battle.”
Sabbath and Holiday
Prayers: “Adon Olam ("Lord of the world") . . . is a rhymed
poem of unknown authorship, which was probably written in Babylon
around the tenth century. The present version, as it appears in the
Ashkenazi service, consists of ten verses. The first six speak of God
the eternal, all-powerful and ever-ruling Creator of the universe. The
next four verses are more personal in nature. Here, God is much closer
to the individual worshiper, his hopes and his fears. "He is my God, my
Redeemer, my Rock in time of trouble." Because the worshiper is
confident of God's power and also aware of His personal concern, he
closes his song by saying:
Into His Hand I
entrust my soul
Both while I sleep and
when I am awake
And with my soul, my
body too
The Lord is with me, I
shall not fear.
In many
congregations, Adon Olam is sung at the conclusion of the
Musaf service for Sabbath and holidays.”
(Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)
Who Is Your Rock?
There is another sensitive parallel to be seen in the lesson Moses
learned as he struck the rock. Giving “Living Water” to the Israelites,
Moses was reminded who the real “Rock of Salvation” was. Peter (a Greek
nickname for Simon), son of Jonah, who when sinking in the Sea of
Galilee cried out to the Lord, “Save me,” was probably being taught – as
Moses was – who the real “Rock of Salvation” was. The Lord’s highest
trusted servants on the earth were honored with titles or names
emulating their Master. And that was just the point - HE is the
master.
Moses Buried? As
to Moses’ death and burial, it is interesting that the Moslems have
venerated a place west of the Jordan river, at the beginning of the
mouth of the canyon that leads up to Jerusalem from the Dead Sea called
“Nebi Musa,” where Moses was buried.
Got Two Chairs?
The Jews are still waiting for the prophets Moses and Elijah to return.
Two seats are traditionally and historically reserved for them in every
synagogue. At one of the early meetings of the “Bnai Shalom” group
(Jewish/Mormon cultural group), the late Apostle LeGrand Richards once
remarked that he saw two beautifully decorated chairs fastened to the
wall of a synagogue he was visiting. Knowingly, he asked the Rabbi,
“What are those two chairs for?” The reply came quickly that they were
being kept for Elijah and Moses. Elder Richards, seizing the moment and
using his wonderful sense of humor said, “Get them down, they’ve already
been here!”