Levite Magdalena bat Korah:
Shalom, Mitspacha!
As we enter this holy Shabbat, may the peace and presence of YHVH surround us. Shabbat Shmini marks a new beginning in holiness - a time when YHVH’s presence is keenly revealed to those who draw near with reverence.
And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is My body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of Me.
Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.
- Luke 22:19-20
As we partake of the bread and cup, we remember Yahshua HaMashiach - our eternal High Priest - who offered Himself once for all to cleanse us and make us holy before YHVH. The bread symbolizes His body broken for our redemption; the cup represents His blood that sealed the covenant of eternal life.
Blessed are You, YHVH our Elohim, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.
- Communion blessing - English
Blessed are You, YHVH our Elohim, King of the universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.
- Communion blessing - English
Baruch YHVH.
Abba YHVH,
We thank You for this Shabbat of rest and renewal. As we gather before You, cleanse our hearts from distraction, and open our understanding to receive Your Word. Let the fire of Your Ru’ach HaQodesh burn brightly within us - holy fire from Your altar, not strange fire of our own making. Set this time apart for Your glory and teach us to walk in the fear of YHVH that brings wisdom and life.
In Yahshua HaMashiach’s Name,
Baruch YHVH.
And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before YHVH, which He commanded them not.
And there went out fire from YHVH, and devoured them, and they died before YHVH.
Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that YHVH spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh Me, and before all the people I will be glorified.
- Vayikra 10:1-3
This sobering account reminds us that YHVH’s holiness cannot be approached casually. Nadab and Abihu were consecrated priests, yet they presumed to worship in a way not commanded. Their passion lacked obedience, and their offering was rejected.
And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean.
- Vayikra 10:10
We are called to discernment - to know what pleases YHVH. Holiness begins in the heart and manifests in how we serve, speak, and live.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of Elohim, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto Elohim, which is your reasonable service.
- Romans 12:1
To be a living sacrifice is to let His Spirit consume our pride, ambition, and fleshly desires. We yield our lives to His will, allowing His Ru’ach to sustain the flame within. Let this Shabbat renew your altar and let His fire purify every part of your being.
Abba YHVH,
May our hearts burn with the fire of Your holiness. Keep us from offering strange fire - worship not born of obedience. Cleanse our motives, purify our thoughts, and fill us anew with Your Ru’ach. Teach us to walk humbly, love mercy, and do justice according to Your Torah. We dedicate this Shabbat to You - may our rest honor You, and may our lives bring glory to Your Name.
In Yahshua HaMashiach’s Name,
Baruch YHVH.
Hear, O Yisrael: YHVH our Elohim, YHVH is one.
And you shall love YHVH your Elohim with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.
And these words which I command you this day shall be in your heart:
And you shall teach them diligently unto your children,
and shall talk of them when you sit in your house,
and when you walk by the way,
and when you lie down,
and when you rise up.
- Debarim 6:4-7
YHVH bless you and keep you;
YHVH make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you;
YHVH lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.
- Bamidbar 6:24-26
Baruch YHVH.
Shalom until tomorrow.