To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Pakistan bishop buried
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
Date: Sun, 10 May 1998 15:27:04 -0500
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: <owner-bpr@annoDomini.net>
BBC News
Sunday, May 10, 1998 Published at 15:48 GMT 16:48 UK
Thousands of Christians attended the funeral of the city's Roman
Catholic bishop, John Joseph, amid high security in the Pakistani city
of Faisalabad. Bishop Joseph, a human rights campaigner, committed
suicide on Wednesday in protest over the country's blasphemy law,
which he argued discriminates against Christians and other minorities.
Armoured cars have been patrolling the streets of Faisalabad and the
area around the cathedral was been cordoned off, with only Christians
allowed through. As Owen Bennett-Jones reports from Faisalabad, there
were scenes of great grief as Pakistani Christians paid their last
respects to an outspoken champion of their rights:
Bishop John Joseph was buried amid scenes of high emotion. Nuns
dressed in white sang and cried at the site of the grave.
Church leaders said that the authorities had blocked roads leading
into Faisalabad, but, even so, the grounds of the cathedral were
packed.
Christian women sat on the floor of the cathedral itself; the men
remained outside, sitting under huge red awnings which had been
erected to protect people from the sweltering heat.
Through the day, the mourners sang religious psalms and chanted
slogans calling for an end to Pakistan's blasphemy laws.
The mood was one of grief, but also of anger. But while the Christian
community in Pakistan is unanimous in its demand that the law be
repealed, some hard-line Islamic groups in Faisalabad are insisting
that the legislation remain in place and that people found guilty of
blasphemy should be punished.
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - GOP urges passage of religious sanctions bill
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
Date: Sun, 10 May 1998 15:44:07 -0500
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: <owner-bpr@annoDomini.net>
Saturday May 9 3:56 PM EDT
GOP urges passage of religious sanctions bill
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Congress is set to pass legislation imposing
sanctions on countries that persecute religious minorities, despite
opposition from President Clinton, a Republican lawmaker said
Saturday.
Rep. Frank Wolf of Virginia, one of the sponsors of the bill, said he
expected the House to take it up on Thursday. "This bill will set up a
system to monitor religious persecution around the world," he said in
the Republican response to Clinton's weekly radio address.
"When egregious acts are found, limited sanctions will be imposed,
unless waived by the president," Wolf said.
The measure does not target specific countries, but Wolf and
co-sponsor Republican Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, have named
China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Tibet and the Sudan as among those that
persecuted religious minorities.
"Today in China, in Tibet, in Sudan and elsewhere, men, women and
children are being persecuted, tortured, imprisoned and enslaved --
simply for their faith," Wolf said.
Clinton has stressed that strict laws requiring the president to
impose sanctions harm U.S. diplomatic efforts, run counter to national
security interests and deprive the administration of flexibility.
"We consider certain restrictions Congress is considering in pending
foreign policy legislation to be infringements on the president's
ability to conduct foreign policy because they lead to situations in
which Congress mandates certain approaches on handling problems that
require deft diplomacy," White House spokesman Mike McCurry said last
month.
But Wolf and others in Congress believe a religious persecution bill
will be passed this year. Political analysts said it would be
difficult for lawmakers to go on record as opposing such legislation.
"If we don't stand up for the religious rights of people around the
world, who will?" Wolf asked.
The measure is also opposed by business executives and industry
representatives who see sanctions benefiting foreign companies at the
expense of U.S. firms.
There are already laws requiring the president to impose economic
sanctions on countries that violate U.S. policies on drug trafficking,
human rights and weapons sales.
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - 'tis a good day...
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 07:37:40 -0500
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: owner-bpr@annoDomini.net
Good morning everyone...
I woke up this morning with a purpose renewed. So I thought I would
take a moment to explain once again the principles and ideas behind
this list and how you can contribute. We have some new subscribers
that will benefit from this. I'm sure the "old-timers" will too. <g>
First, visit our web site if you haven't (it's been reorganized
lately) and take a look at the various articles that we do. They are
nothing fancy -- just some simple ideas and thoughts put down on
paper that are mostly gathered from other sources. They simply show
the path that our research or interests took us at the time. They are
not meant to be our personal beliefs carved in stone. We, of course,
will agree with most of what is put online, but our opinions change
as we learn more about the Word of God.
Secondly, the list studies a particular area of the bible that may
last for a month or however long is needed. These are private
studies that each member is encouraged to do at home, at their own
pace, using their own methods. You of course don't have to
participate. These areas of study are set up so that the list can
keep some focus on our research and study. Please feel free to
contribute however. If you read something that you find interesting,
send it in. If you have questions about the study, send them in. We
actually treat questions as "research requests." In other words,
we'll try to find you references or material that you can read that
will hopefully help you in your own studies.
Thirdly, news items are sent in that we, for whatever reason, found
interesting. As list-owner, I'm trying to keep the number of
messages down per day (<10/day) (which hasn't been a problem lately
<g>), so I may hold some news items back and send them a day late.
Our purpose is to be studying, not to be spending too much time
reading our incoming mail. <g>
Finally, we are simple folk, with simple methods, so don't be too shy
in sending in your material. We may or may not use it <g>, but we
will always appreciate your thoughts on the topic. Remember that
this list is not a debate list. We're not going to hash our personal
differences in public. If you have something that you just absolutely
have to get off your chest, then feel free to send whatever you want
to me in private. My trashcan really is a good listener. <g>
This list is for you, use it however you want. The research members
and myself are enjoying ourselves immensely in the study of the Word
of God.
You are more than welcome to participate as little or as much as you
want.
Yep, I be feelin' good in the Lord this morning! (Or maybe its the
caffeine...<tee hee>)
Have a good day guys and love God with all your heart....
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - 5/11/98 TV Programs
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
8:00 PM EASTERN
HIST - IN SEARCH OF HISTORY - "The Odessa File" - A
shadowy organization allegedly helped Germans convicted of
war crimes escape.(CC)(TVG)
9:00 PM
DISC - SCI-TREK - "Deep Sea, Deep Secrets" -
Scientists investigate the ecosystems of deep-sea
hydrothermal vents.(CC)
HIST - HITLER'S HENCHMEN - "Goering: The Marshall" -
Hermann Goering is one of several men who help Adolf Hitler
attain power.(CC)(TVPG)
10:00 PM
DISC - TOP SECRET - "National Security Agency" - Film crews
get a glimpse of the high-tech inner workings of the National
Security Agency at Fort Meade, Md.(CC)
TLC - FORCES OF NATURE - Volcanic eruptions; tornados;
hurricanes; earthquakes.(CC)(TVG)
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Netanyahu & Occupied Territory
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
Conference for Middle East Peace
Israeli & Global News
The most widely seen Mideast WEB site: http://www.cmep.com
Serving the public with the most in depth news available,
with professional translations from over 20 languages
[News-Speeches-Interviews-Intelligence-Reports-Polls-Jihad-Editorials]
Note: All releases are copyrighted and cannot be used without permission
**************************************************************************
Netanyahu Said Reluctant To Part With Occupied Territory
Rome La Repubblica in Italian 6 May 98 p 11
Report by Enrico Franceschini on conversation with Israeli Prime
Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in London on 4 May: "Spaghetti at
Midnight with Bibi the 'Unbending'"
London A red stain suddenly spread over Binyamin Netanyahu's chest.
Luckily it was not blood but the tomato sauce atop the dish of spaghetti
with which the Israeli prime minister had been fighting a losing battle for
several minutes: Getting those slippery strings of pasta to stick to his
fork was no less complicated than making peace with 'Arafat. And sure
enough, Bibi, as everyone calls him in Israel, lost his battle and was run
through by a squirt of tomato sauce that hit him right on the tie. Mario
the waiter rushed up to clean it with a napkin dipped in Vodka. "Well
done," Sara, the Jewish state's first lady sitting next to her husband
said, and the dinner party continued.
It was late on Monday night [4 May] at the Italian restaurant in the
Grosvenor House Hotel, the hotel in which Netanyahu was staying in London
where, after seven murderous hours of talks with US Secretary of State
Madeleine Albright, the prime minister decided to allow himself the luxury
of a "midnight spaghetti party" along with his wife Sara, with half a dozen
or so of his aides and spokesmen, with about a dozen members of his
bodyguard, and by the purest of coincidences with two customers who
happened to still be hanging around late in the restaurant, namely the
London correspondents of La Repubblica and of Il Messaggero. [passage
omitted]
Between one course and the next Netanyahu talked and joked with his
entourage, but when the ice cream course arrived he turned his attention to
politics once more. The prime minister took a piece of paper out of his
pocket, drew something on it, and then scribbled something else, as his
aides gathered round him and started discussing what needed to be done.
Then, apparently, a decision was reached and the piece of paper made its
way back into Bibi's pocket. He rose to his feet. Did you like the Italian
dinner? "Very much," he answered, "but I like him even better," he added
pointing to a rather kitsch bust of Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar standing
on the table to commemorate the glory of ancient Rome. "The Caesars of
Rome knew how to deal with conquered lands." Do you plan to treat the
Palestinians the way the barbarians were treated? Netanyahu got round that
question with an anecdote: "Japan wants the Kurili islands back from
Russia. They are about the same size as a village on the West Bank. Tokyo
asks itself: What on earth can Russia, the biggest country in the world,
want with such a minuscule archipelago? Moscow answers: How do you think
we got so big?"
Well, his meaning was clear: Like Augustus Caesar, like Russia,
Netanyahu is certainly not dying to give any land either a lot or a
little back to the Palestinians. But will he end up doing so sooner or
later? "All that I can tell you is what will certainly happen tomorrow:
The sun will rise, the cock will crow, and the grass will grow. As for all
the rest, those who live will see. Good night!" Good night, Mr. Prime
Minister, and next time stick to macaroni.
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - History-Part I & II
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
The 70 week prophecy of Daniel 9:23-27 that is "determined upon thy people
and upon thy holy city" is split up into 7 weeks, 62 weeks and 1 week.
It is split into 3 distinct pieces, so I have tried to split the prophecy of
Daniel 11-12 into 3 distinct pieces--1. Antiochus Epiphanes, 2. Herod the
Great and 3. King Hussein of Jordan.
A greatly expaned history of Daniel chapter 11:1-45 has been put up on the
BPR web site at http://bpr.annoDomini.net/files/List_Studies/dan-1-1.htm
(92k) which deals with the Antiochus period.
The history of Herod has been put up at
http://bpr.annoDomini.net/files/List_Studies/dan-1-2.htm (59k).
I am now in the process of pulling together information on King Hussein. The
reason he was picked is that since the formation of the state of Israel in
1948, it is he who has had rule over the Temple Mount. Even now, it is the
Jordanian Waqf who have official jurisdiction over the Mount which is the
heart of the "holy city."
The third section (Hussein) will not follow the pattern of the first two
sections; it will not be a verse by verse narrative. This will just be a
general outline.
If anyone has any information they would like to add regarding King
Hussein's authority in Jerusalem, please email me.
Thank you.
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Pentecost/Shavuot
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
This year Pentecost/Shavuot falls on May 31, 1998. From now until then, I
would like to send out a piece of info on this festival every day. A file
containing all portions will be added to the BPR site. All of the info is
taken from "Virtual Jerusalem Holiday Pages"
at http://www.virtual.co.il/depts/torah/holidays.htm. Please keep in mind
that these are written from a Jewish perspective.
-----begin-----
Shavuot is compared to a wedding, for it was on Shavout that the covenant
between God and the Jewish people was sealed at Mount Sinai.
Just as the two partners in a marriage give freely to each other that which
they most cherish, this exchanging of love is symbolized by the dual nature
of the holiday: Shavuot is both agricultural festival, when the first fruits
of the people are offered in the Temple, and spiritual climax, when God offers
his Holy Torah to the Jewish Nation.
=============================
How did Shavuot get to be the festival of Matan Torah, the Giving of the Torah?
Nowhere in the Bible is there a reference to Shavuot as the commemoration of
the Giving of the Torah. The Sages arrive at it purely from counting the
chronology given in the Bible: "Seven weeks shall you count . . . and you
shall keep the Feast of Weeks. . . ." (Deuteronomy 16:9-10)
Seven weeks after Passover comes Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks. Yet in other
places, it is clear that the day when Moses offered the tablets with the Ten
Commandments on them was the 6th or 7th of Sivan -- that makes it the 50th
day after the Exodus, after the counting of the seven weeks.
=============================
As the day when the Jewish people embraced the Torah, Shavuot customs
include reading the Ten Commandments and the Book of Ruth in the Synagogue,
studying Torah throughout the night, and learning as much Torah as possible.
=============================
When you look forward to something very much, when you fix your gaze on a
special moment in the future, you count the days to that event. When the
Jewish People left Egypt, even though their new-found freedom was very sweet
to them, their gaze was fixed on a moment that Moshe told them would arrive
seven weeks later - the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.
[When the people left Egypt (world) at Passover, their gaze was fixed
on a moment that would arrive seven weeks (years) later. Those left behind
will be looking forward to something very much, fixing their gaze on a
special moment in the future and counting the days??--my comments]
From the second night of Pesach, every night for seven weeks, we count the
days that have passed on this spiritual journey from Egypt to Sinai. We call
this process 'The counting of the Omer.'
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - 666 foot "Millennium Tower"
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
11:57 AM ET 05/11/98
Millennium Tower will dominate old Vienna skyline
VIENNA (Reuters) - Better known for baroque palaces and
church spires, Vienna's skyline is getting a decidedly modern
addition -- a 666-foot tower to mark the millennium.
The 50-storey skyscraper will be Austria's tallest building
but take just eight months to complete, with work scheduled to
start in December.
Costing some 1.5 billion schillings ($120 million), or less
than a tenth of London's controversial dome, the ``Millennium
Tower'' will be built on the banks of the Danube using nearly
4,000 metric tons of steel and 19,650 cubic yards of concrete.
Austria's Voest-Alpine MCE, a subsidiary of engineering
group VA Technologie, and construction firm Habau won the
contract from Vienna property developer Georg Stumpf.
The tower will be used as an office block.
^REUTERS@
(Infobeat)
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - May 14th & Violence?
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
al-Barghuthi -- Violence 'a Matter of Time'
IDF Radio in Hebrew 0400 GMT 6 May 98
When Yasir 'Arafat and the Palestinian team left London last night,
Palestinian spokesmen were still saying they are pessimistic. The
hopes that had been pinned on London are now pinned on next week's
talks in Washington.
As for the mood in the Palestinian street, it appears that when
'Arafat, who is in Morocco at the moment, returns home, Palestinian
Legislative Council [PLC] members will demand to be told the truth
about the process. Marwan al-Barghuthi, a PLC member and secretary
general of Fatah in the West Bank, made the following passionate
appeal to 'Arafat and the Palestinian leadership:
[Begin al-Barghuthi recording] We are calling on the Palestinian
leadership to stop the talks with the Israelis. I do not think
anything will be gained by continuing the peace process in this way.
[end recording]
The rally of millions -- this is how the Palestinians refer to the
demonstration that will be held on 14 May in Ramallah -- will mark the
50th anniversary of al-Nakbah, the Palestinian catastrophe. A siren
will mark a moment of silence, after which, al-Barghuthi says, 'Arafat
should make a statement admitting that he has failed to achieve
anything in the peace process, and the masses should decide.
[Begin al-Barghuthi recording] I think on 14 May, 50 years after
al-Nakbah, the Palestinian people will have their say about the peace
process, about where they are and where they are headed. If the peace
process deteriorates and fails, the alternative is violence. That much
is certain. [end recording]
Israeli & Global News
May 11, 1998
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Israeli Separation of Religion & State
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
Knesset Rejects Bill on Separation of Religion, State
Kol Yisra'el in English 1400 GMT 6 May 98
The Knesset has rejected a bill for a separation of religion and
state presented by Knesset Member [MK] No'omi Hazan of Meretz.
Forty-six MK's voted against, with only 22 supporting the bill.
Most of Labor decided to vote against the legislation, sparking
angry criticism from Meretz. David Essing reports:
[Essing] Look to your conscience, MK's, No'omi Hazan appealed to
secular members in the House. Hazan called on the Knesset to support
the bill, which would legalize civil marriage and divorce and separate
synagogue from state.
Replying for the government, Justice Minister Tzahi Hanegbi argued
there was no need for such a controversial bill. There was a need for
consensus on such a delicate issue, and the bill would only sow
greater dissension between the secular and religious.
Then came the vote. Prime Minister Netanyahu showed up to vote
against. Labor Party leader Ehud Baraq was absent. Labor had decided
to vote against, but members were given a free choice. [passage
omitted with Hazan's remarks]
Israeli & Global News
May 11, 1998
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - "Electronic Wallets" in Israel
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 21:32:10 -0500
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: <owner-bpr@annoDomini.net>
Israel: "electronic wallet" to appear soon
Weekend News Today
Source: Ha'aretz
Mon May 11 , 1998 -- A marketing trial of Israel's first "electronic
wallet," a new technique meant to reduce the use of cash, will begin
in the next few weeks. The "wallet" enables people to make
instantaneous electronic transfers from their account. It consists of
a magnetic card with which users can "withdraw" up to NIS 300 at one
time by passing it through a scanner installed at a place of business.
The wallet is manufactured by Mondex, a joint venture between
Discount Investments and Paz. The company is a franchisee of the
international Mondex company. So far, the Postal Authority, the Paz
gas station network and the Burger Ranch chain in Rehovot have all
agreed to participate in the experiment. Mondex is also negotiating
with another fast food chain and several supermarket chains. Once the
businesses have joined and the equipment has been installed, the
process of marketing the wallet to customers will begin.
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - 11% vs 13%
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 21:32:10 -0500
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: <owner-bpr@annoDomini.net>
Third Way: Netanyahu promised an 11% withdrawal
Weekend News Today
Source: Arutz-7
Mon May 11 , 1998 -- Sources in Jerusalem and Washington feel that it
is likely that the Washington summit will convene, in the final
analysis, and that Israel will commit itself to a large-scale
withdrawal from Judea and Samaria. Cabinet Secretary Danny Naveh and
Prime Minister Netanyahu's political advisor Uzi Arad said today that
Israel seeks cordial relations with the U.S., but will not surrender
to dictates, nor will it compromise on its security. Leaders of the
Third Way party said today that Netanyahu called Third Way leader
Minister Avigdor Kahalani and promised him that within two weeks he
would sign an agreement in Washington to withdraw from 11% of Yesha.
[Weekend: According to some endtimes sources, Yasser Arafat already
has 38%, and if they got 13% more they would then have 51% of the
land in Israel giving them the right under international law to claim
the whole thing. But now with 11% they will only get 49% of the
land.]
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Famine Research
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 22:16:49 -0500
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: owner-bpr@annoDomini.net
Hi guys..
I have a small project for someone should they want it. As I read
the online news, I'm struck with the number of reports of famine
or near famine conditions throughout the world. I quite frankly
have lost track of the number of countries that are now experiencing
these types of conditions. What I would like is for someone to
draw up a list of countries, the number of people involved, the
general conditions in each case (a paragraph or so), and any other
pertinent information related to famine or drought conditions with
possible famine pending.
If you are interested in doing this, please contact me before you
begin.
Thank you!
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Head Transplants?
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 23:19:11 -0500
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: <owner-bpr@annoDomini.net>
EARTH-CHANGES WEEKLY
May 3 - 9, 1998
MONKEY'S HEAD LIVES TO BITE THE SCIENTIST'S HAND
Viewers of ABC's evening news watched something that raised the
spectre of Frankenstein last week: a rhesus monkey's severed head,
connected by tubes and sutures to the trunk of another monkey, and
showing unmistakable signs of consciousness.
In the televised presentation of his surgical handiwork, Dr. Robert
J. White, 72, a professor of neurosurgery at Case Western Reserve
University School of Medicine in Cleveland, demonstrated the grafting
of the trunk of one monkey to the head of another.
Most of the experiments on monkeys, cats and dogs described in the
broadcast were first conducted in the 1960s, but White believes the
time is ripe for similiar transplants on humans. In a 'New York
Times' interview, he acknowledged that reconnecting the millions of
neurons bridging the brain with the spinal column is as yet
impossible, and that a person (or, rather, a head) who aquired a new
body in this way would be paralyzed from the neck down. But the brain
would retain its memory, its intellect, its perception of sight and
sound, and its sense of self.
"For a quadriplegic who is already paralyzed, the main cause of
death is generally the eventual failure of several organs," White
said. "If such a person were to be given a new body, it would be a
new lease on life, even though he or she would still be paralyzed."
The transplanted heads of experimental monkeys evince little
tolerance of their executioners.
"You now have, as these animals showed, total capability of seeing,
hearing and tasting. And if you get your finger too near the mouth
of one of these animals, it will bite it off," White said.
Perhaps human suffering will one day be reduced by the suffering of
a legion of animals that lost their heads to science. The balance
sheet has yet to be made out. (New York Times)
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Box #12 Vision
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 23:19:11 -0500
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: <owner-bpr@annoDomini.net>
IS DANNION BRINKLEY'S "BOX #12" VISION COMING TO PASS?
by Peter P. (ptp@primenet.com)
A recent technological breakthrough by two Israeli physicists and a
chemist, in which strands of DNA were incorporated into a working
electronic component, is eerily similar to a prophesied event seen
by psychic and author Dannion Brinkley.
Brinkley, after being struck by lightning in the mid 70s, reported
having a near-death experience in which he was shown a series of
prophetic visions by what he termed "light beings".
Each vision, or set of visions, was seen in a so-called "box", which
Brinkley wrote about in his 1994 bestseller "Saved By The Light".
The "Box #12" vision read, in part, "I watched as a biological
engineer from the Middle East found a way to alter DNA and create a
biological virus that would be used in the manufacture of computer
chips."
According to Brinkley, this breakthrough would lead to the oft
prophesied miniature data-storing computer chip, placed under the
skin of each human being and containing their entire life-history.
The so-called "Mark of the Beast".
The nanoelectronic breakthrough, by Technion-Israel Institute of
Technology researchers, is described as a nanowire prototype. It
consists of two gold electrodes, linked by a chemically-bound
synthesized DNA strand 'scaffolding' with attached silver grains used
to pass a current.
It is an almost threefold improvement over existing technology used
to make computer chips, and the researchers speculate this can be
used to make computer memories.
Brinkley's "Box 12" vision was prophesied for the late 1990s.
=============================
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: 18 FEBRUARY 1998 AT 14:00:00 ET US
Contact: Martha Molnar
martha@ats.org
212 307-2595
American Society for Technion, Israel Institute of Technology
DNA Used To Create Self Assembling Conducting Wire: Breakthrough Will
Lead To Next Leap In Emerging Nanoelectronics
NEW YORK, N.Y., and HAIFA, Israel, February 13, 1998 DResearchers at
the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have used strands of DNA,
the biological molecule that makes up genes, to assemble t
y particles of silver into a conductive wire 1,000 times thinner than
a human hair. The research, reported in the February 19, 1998 issue
of Nature, is an important step toward the next quantum lea
in electronics miniaturization. Making that leap is the ultimate goal
of researchers in the emerging field of nanoelectronics.
The nanocircuits of the future will consist of wires, transistors and
other components with dimensions measured in billionths of a meter.
(One nanometer or a billionth of a meter, is about the leng
of five carbon atoms laid end to end.) By packing many more
components closer together, scientists could produce computer chips
that are much faster than today's, and far more sophisticate
=============================
DNA Used to Build Tiny Circuits Big Hopes for Tiny Tech
by Dina Kraft
The Associated Press
H A I F A, Israel, March 27 One day, Israeli physicist Uri
Sivan hopes to meet a colleague's 40-year-old challenge to store all
the texts of the Library of Congress 17 million books along 50
miles of shelves on a space the size of a speck of dust.
Sivan says while that day is still far off, he and two fellow
researchers have made progress by mixing biology and electronics for
the first time letting DNA molecules build electronic circuit
"We are using the same machinery used in biology. We are taking
advantage of 4.5 billion years of evolution and letting the DNA do
most of the work," Sivan said as he fiddled with the espresso
ma
e in his office at the Technion, one of Israel's premier research
institutes located in the hills above Haifa Bay.
In a first step, the research team Sivan, chemist Yoav Eichen and
biophysicist Erez Braun has produced a conductive wire that is
one-thousandth the width of a hair, or less than half the size of
wires in use today.
The Technion team hopes to build a wire that is 250 times smaller
than the existing ones.
The implications are as far reaching as the proportions are
microscopic. A microchip assembled with DNA could create faster,
cheaper and more complex computers and electronic products. A
computer lt with DNA-made microchips could store 100,000 times as
much information as a current model.
-- rest of article omitted --
=============================
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Chocolate Supply in Danger
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 23:19:11 -0500
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: <owner-bpr@annoDomini.net>
EARTH-CHANGES WEEKLY
May 3 - 9, 1998
WORLD CHOCOLATE SUPPLIES THREATENED
A new strain of black pod disease is threatening more than a million
tons of cocoa in the Ivory Coast, the world's largest cocoa producer.
In Brazil, another major producer, a fungus known as 'Witches Broom'
has been attacking cacao trees. In fact, diseases are threatening to
wipe out much of the industry in South America.
The global situation is so grave that in an unusual display of
corporate co-operation, executives from manufacturers Nestle,
Cadbury, M&M/Mars, and Hershey hold urgent talks on the problem.
While worldwide demand for chocolate increases, the rainforest, in
whose shade cacao trees thrive, is being decimated.
All this may soon result in chocolate becoming a luxury only the
rich can afford. (N.Y. Times)
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Malaysia Mulls Mystic Options
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
Date: Mon, 11 May 1998 23:19:11 -0500
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: <owner-bpr@annoDomini.net>
EARTH-CHANGES WEEKLY
May 3 - 9, 1998
MALAYSIA MULLS MYSTIC OPTIONS
A local bomoh has sent a proposal to the Works Ministry, offering to
use "mystic powers" to create rain over catchment areas in Klang
Valley, local officials say.
The Work Minister says his officials are looking into the proposal,
and that the unidentified bomoh claimed to have been successful in
several other areas.
The Semenyih and Langat dams are likely to reach critical levels
soon as the water level in these two dams has dropped tremendously.
The dams will have to be closed when the water level hits the
critical mark; water will have to be supplied by tankers because the
water pressure will be too low to continue piping it to customers.
Also today, an American company, which tested "technology" that
could purportedly "guide" rain clouds to water catchment areas in
Klang Valley, claims a test conducted yesterday was a success.
The man behind the company - Trevor James Constable - declines,
however, to say how his "technology" works or how success of the
experiment was measured, saying proof of the results had been
submitted to authorities, and that he is busy packing to leave for
America tomorrow.
Constable, chief operating officer of the Singapore-registered TJC
Atmos Engineering, was dubbed a "high-tech bomoh" in 1991 when he
claimed he could solve the Malacca drought by creating rain through
manipulation of 'chi' and ether.
The Government, however, did not pay Constable then because he
failed to raise the water level at the Durian Tunggal dam.
Constable is described as a pioneer in "etheric weather engineering"
and has written several books, including ''The Cosmic Pulse of Life:
The Revolutionary Biological Power Behind UFOs''. (The Star -
Malaysia)
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - 2 Killed in Palestinian March
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 08:06:57 -0500
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: owner-bpr@annoDomini.net
2 KILLED IN CLASHES DURING PALESTINIAN MARCH
Raising black flags of mourning and keys to homes long gone,
Palestinians streamed into the streets Thursday for a "March
of One Million" in remembrance of their uprooting by Israel's
creation 50 years ago. A boy, 8, and protestor, 20, were shot
to death by Israeli gunfire when hundreds of Palestinian
stone-throwers gathered near a small Israeli army outpost and
Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip. At least a dozen other
Palestinians were injured in clashes with Israeli troops
throughout the West Bank.
-->"We are not guests in this world"
....
http://cnn.com/WORLD/meast/9805/14/palestinian.march.violence.ap/index
htm
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Pentecost 3
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
Date: Thu, 14 May 1998 13:33:10 -0500
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: <owner-bpr@annoDomini.net>
> We told our children: It would have been enough even if we had not received
> the gift of Torah from the Almighty. We
> would have settled for the massive national assembly at the foot of Mount
> Sinai, even without the crowning Revelation.
Interesting! Wasn't the Church "born" during The Feast of Weeks
(Pentecost)? Seems another massive assembly was beginning as
well. <g>
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Pentecost 3
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
Today's item was interesting to me because Pentecost is always alluded to as
the "Revelation."
-----begin-----
(From the Arachim Torah Journal)
"If G-d had brought us to Mount Sinai, but had not given us the Torah,
it would have been enough. Dayenu!" (From the Passover Haggadah)
As we get ready to conclude the 50-day countdown from Passover to Shavu'os,
let us reconsider this rather curious statement that we ourselves made at the
Seder (at Passover).
We told our children: It would have been enough even if we had not received
the gift of Torah from the Almighty. We
would have settled for the massive national assembly at the foot of Mount
Sinai, even without the crowning Revelation.
...[the] Festival of Shavu'os, the anniversary of the Revelation at Sinai.
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Biblical Events Associated with May 31
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
Date: Sat, 16 May 1998 11:40:19 -0500
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: <owner-bpr@annoDomini.net>
Since we're looking at Shavuot/Pentecost, we thought it may be
interesting to view significant biblical events regarding the
date May 31.
This info comes from: http://members.aol.com/gkilli3/home/next.html
-----------------------
May 31, 1998
Sivan 6, 5758
Shavuot. Sunday.
Hag Shavuot Leviticus 23:15-16
Penticost Acts 2:1
The Day of the Firstfruits / Yom HaBikkurim Numbers 28:26
The Day of the Congregation / Yom HaKahal Deuteronomy 18:16
Feast of Harvest / Hag HaKazir Exodus 23:16
Feast of Weeks / Hag Shavuot Exodus 34:22
The Omer, day 50, week 7 plus 1 days.
New Year for trees - Trees are judged. Meggilah 31b
Enoch ascended to heaven. Ginzberg, Legends of the Jews 1:137
[Day 19 of God's rain in Noah's day.] Genesis 7:4
The Tower of Babel is built. Genesis 11
Abraham defeats the 5 kings and gives tithes to Melchizedek. Genesis
14
Moses is drawn out of the water (Nile) by Pharaoh's daughter. Sefer
Matamim
The Torah was given at Sinai. Exodus 19:1-11, Exodus 24:1-8
People prepare to meet God at Mt. Sinai, day 3.
The ketubah was "signed" at Sinai (2448 BCE). Exodus 19:1-11
This is the day for the priests to draw near to teach the Torah.
Numbers 17:12 - 18:24
All males to appear before the Lord in Jerusalem. Deuteronomy 16:16
The tribe of Benyamim gets wives. Judges 21
David was born on Shavuot and died on Shavuot'. Bechor Shor
King David dies. Jerusalem Talmud - Chagigah 2,3.
The wedding of King Solomon allegorically refers to Messiah and
Israel. Song of Songs 3:11
Asa renewed the covenant. II Chrinicles 15:8-15
John the Baptist preaches preparation, in those days, w/judgement for
the trees. Matthew 3:1-12
Yeshua prays all night. Luke 6:12
The sermon on the mount is given. Matthew 5,6,7
Yeshua chooses his apostles ("one of those days", ie. Omer days). Luke
6:12-17
Yeshua delivers the sermon on the mount ("one of those days", ie. Omer
days). Luke 6:12-49
Yeshua heals the centurian's servant because he has not seen such
great faith in Israel. Luke 7:1-10
Yeshua keeps the feast. John 7:37
The Holy Spirit comes (Babel is reversed)! Acts 2:1
Paul reaffirms the law. Acts 20:16 + Acts 21:17 - 22:1
James reaffirms the law for gentiles. Acts 20:16 + Acts 21:17 - 22:1
Paul stays in Ephesus until today because he has an open door and
opposition. 1 Corinthians 16:8
The convenant made at Sinai will be "renewed". Jeremiah 31:31-40
God is betrothed to Israel. Hosea 2:14-23, Jeremiah 2, Jeremiah
31:31-32
Torah section, in the annual cycle, is Exodus 19:1 - 20:23; Numbers
28:26-31. Haftorah is Ezekiel 1:1-28; 3:12.
Torah section, in the triennial cycle, is year 1: Genesis 11:1-32.
Haftorah is Isaiah 28:1-12, Matthew 3:1-12
Torah section, in the triennial cycle, is year 2: Exodus 24:1-18.
Haftorah is Isaiah 60:17-61:9, Matthew 15:12-20
Torah section, in the triennial cycle, is year 3: Numbers
17:12-18:24. Haftorah is Ezekiel 44:15, Matthew 25:1-13
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Pentecost 2
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
Ruth and Shavuot
by Shlomo Riskin
Fifty days after the Jews left Egypt, the Torah was given on Mount Sinai.
And even if we can't imagine the transcendent majesty of that moment, no one
would deny the influence of this document translated into more than a
thousand languages, serving as the source of the entire monotheistic
tradition. Wherever the consciousness of one Gd exists, the ripples of Sinai
are still being felt. Sinai is Torah, Sinai is Shavuot, Sinai is Judaism. A
Jewishness without Torah is a conceptual and historical impossibility, a
term devoid of content or meaning.
But Shavuot does not only celebrate the giving of the Torah. Indeed, the
Torah itself refers to Shavuot, not as the day of the Receiving of the Torah
but rather as the Harvest Festival (Hag HaKatzir) (Ex. 23:16) or the 'day of
the firstfruits' ('U'vyom HaBikurim') [Num. 28:26], which refer to the
agricultural expressions of the celebration.
The choice of reading the Scroll of Ruth on Shavuot is usually understood in
terms of its theme -- Ruth's conversion to Judaism. Her acceptance of the Gd
of Israel is seen as paralleling the Israelites' acceptance of the Torah on
Mt. Sinai.
Elimelekh, a leading Bethelemite, had left the Land of Israel because of a
famine. He dreams of acquiring riches -- or at least maintaining his own
wealth -- in the foreign land of Moab. The very words of the Bible reflect
the ironic failure of the fantasy that a Jew can better himself outside of
his national homeland. Elimelekh leaves the "House of (his) bread (Bet-lehem)"
for an (empty) field of Moab. His two sons ('banim' -- from the verb form "to
build," since one's children enable one to grow into an "eternal building")
become children ('yeladim' Ruth 1:1-5) upon their marriages to Moabite women,
since they are now unable to provide their father with any real continuity.
Indeed, the very names of these 'children' are 'Mahlon' (Disease)and 'Kilion'
(Destruction).
Ruth is truly a re-incarnated Abraham, the discoverer of the religion of
ethical monotheism. Boaz explains his special consideration for and
admiration of Ruth as emanating from the fact that: "...you left your father
and your mother, and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom
you did not know before." [Ruth 2:11]
These words resonate Gd's opening words to the man from Ur who also went on
a similar odyssey: "Get you out from your country, and from your kindred,
and from your father's house, to the land that I will show you." [Gen. 12:1]
Abraham as well as Ruth can only realize Jewish destiny on the soil of Israel.
Reading the book of Ruth on Shavuot expresses a two-dimensional, religio-nationality
Judaism, which is the necessary prerequisite of eventual redemption. And Shavuot
serves as the yearly culmination of all of our festivals, linking our celebration of
the Torah of Gd with the first fruits of the land. Only when these two merge as one
will Abraham, Ruth and David's ultimate destiny be fulfilled in the Messiah, redeemer
of Israel and the world.
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - EuroVision/Bat Sheva Controversies
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
This is a letter from another email list regarding the Euro Vision Song
Festival and Bat Sheva controversies.
-----begin-----
Dearest Brethren,
You may have heard that three nights ago, Israel took first place in
the yearly Euro-Vision song festival, which was held this year in
England. To the great excitement of some, Israel won. However, the
singer who brought triumph to Israel is a transextual (male to
female?), called "Dana International," previously known as Yaron Cohen.
When the results of the contest were announced, there were celebrations
that went on throughout the night, mostly by homosexual and lesbian
groups and organizations. Oh, yes, there were non-homosexuals
celebrating as well, but Israeli television focused in on men kissing
men and women kissing women and some who took off most of their clothes
in the course of their celebrations.
The weather here has been quite weird over the past few weeks, but
today's weather was the strangest of all. One third into the month of
May and Israel had rain and a desert heat wave, as well as fog, which
descended from the mountains throughout most of the day. It gives one
an eery feeling. It is almost as though the G-d of the universe, who
chose Israel to be a praise and a glory to His great Name, put a
literal "cloud" over the celebrations and was saddened as His Chosen
People, the Apple of His eye, once again defiled themselves, once again
exalted themselves and once again took pride in an abomination, rather
than in the G-d who loves them with an everlasting love and Who longs
to be gracious unto them. The enemy of our souls stirred the perverse
minds of the world community (the voters of the contest), as different
nations voted for Israel and encouraged her in her uncaring
indifference to her G-d and Maker. And G-d, for His part, will allow
Israel to run the course of her harlotry and perversion, before
bringing judgment upon her, to cleanse her of her filth and sin.
Brethren, pray for us. As the expression "Next year in Jerusalem" was
pronounced at the end of the Euro-Vision song contest, almost
immediately the orthodox community took a contrary stand to oppose any
effort to hold such a contest in the Holy City of G-d.
You probably heard about the fiasco with the dance troup "Bat Sheva",
which was supposed to perform at Israel's 50th year celebrations, when
V.P. Al Gore was in town. When it was discovered that part of their
"cultural expression" was to sing a song about G-d and in the process
strip off the tops of their clothes, the President of Israel, orthodox
groups and others vehemently objected to such a performance. As a
result, the group decided to cancel their performance. Thus began a
week to 10 days of demonstrations, objections, proclamations, etc., by
the so-called "enlightened liberals", who saw nothing wrong with
defiling Jerusalem (and the people of Israel as well) by a lewd and
mocking performance hiding behind the guise of "cultural expression".
Now, with what appears to be the latest perversion brought about by the
prince of the power of the air and accuser of the brethren, the nation
will probably become even more divided than before. The holding of the
Euro-Vision contest in Jerusalem could well bring down the government,
as if it didn't have enough political earthquakes to be concerned
about.
We need your prayers. Not only as a nation, but as believers as well.
Some of the brethren here saw nothing wrong with allowing their
children to watch the song-fest, because the kids were "taken" with the
Israeli representative. Sometimes I feel that the Body of Messiah needs
to be evangelized all over again.
With love and remembrance of you all before the Throne of Grace,
Marvin & Orit"
-----edit----
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Oslo Agreement Info
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
The information below is translated and prepared by:
Israel Government Press Office
<gponews@netvision.net.il
---------------------------------------------------
The Prime Minister's Report
Volume 2, Number 14
May 12, 1998
--------------------------------------------------
- - The Agreement - -
Under the Oslo Accords, the Palestinian Authority (PA) is obligated
to negotiate with Israel the permanent status of Judea, Samaria and
Gaza.
The September 28, 1995 Interim Agreement ("Oslo 2") states that
"Neither side shall initiate or take any step that will change the
status of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip pending the outcome of the
permanent status negotiations" (Article XXXI(7)). The intention of this
article is to ensure that neither side takes unilateral measures to
alter the legal status of the areas (such as annexation or declaration
of statehood).
The accord also states that the issues to be covered in the final
status talks are to include "Jerusalem, refugees, settlements, security
arrangements, borders, relations and cooperation with other neighbors,
and other issues of common interest" (Article XXXI(6)). Thus, the PA is
obligated to negotiate these issues with Israel.
- - The Violation - -
PA Chairman Arafat and other senior Palestinian leaders have
repeatedly stated their intention to unilaterally declare the
establishment of a Palestinian state in May 1999. This would render the
Oslo Accords null and void.
If Chairman Arafat unilaterally declares the establishment of a
Palestinian state without negotiating the matter with Israel, it would
scuttle the Oslo Accords and compel Israel to consider taking unilateral
measures of its own.
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Israel Alone
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
Palestinians May Be 'Forced' To Declare State
London Al-Sharq al-Awsat in Arabic 6 May 98 p 8
Article by Mahmud 'Atallah "The Time Has Come To Declare a
Palestinian State"
Not many people expected the London meetings between the Palestinians
and the Israelis, hosted by British Prime Minister Tony Blair, to end the
way they did, that is without a minimal agreement that could have broken
the paralysis that has prevailed in the peace process since Binyamin
Netanyahu became Israeli prime minister.
These people had entertained a great deal of hope that some
development was in the offing, given the looming signs and indications such
as the consecutive waves of political and diplomatic moves witnessed by the
region over the past few weeks in the form of bilateral summits, meetings,
and contacts.
-----edit-----
In fact, what prompted many people to believe that matters were about
to be resolved and that there was a great deal of hope that an
Israeli-Palestinian agreement would be reached, was Blair's announcement
that he would be hosting the London meetings, the invitations for which
were issued by U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. These meetings,
during which Blair and Albright met separately with Yasir 'Arafat and
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, coincided with the 50th
anniversary of the foundation of Israeli and the catastrophe of the loss of
the land of Palestine.
The timing here is important, because the declaration of the
foundation of Israel was based on a promise made by Britain -- which had no
ownership rights -- to the Zionist movement -- which did not deserve it --
in the form of the Balfour Declaration. Hence Blair seemed to be hoping to
be able to solve in London the problem that Britain caused, and that the
timing of the solution would coincide with the anniversary of the
catastrophe.
This, it seemed, was what Britain was hoping to achieve in order to
get rid of something that might give it a complex similar to the complex of
the persecution of the Jews for which the Germans have paid and are still
paying a high price, in addition to the price the Europeans in general are
paying as compensation for the Jews' suffering at the hands of the Nazi
regime before and during World War II.
In addition to the belief held by these optimists, there are also the
realists who did not think for one moment that the London meetings would
produce an agreement that would lead to a final and comprehensive solution
to the Palestinian issue, as long as Netanyahu remains in power in Israel.
-----edit-----
...public statement made
by Palestinian envoy to London 'Afif Safiyah who, describing the atmosphere
of the meetings that preceded the end of the talks that will now continue
in Washington, said "It was clear that there was a closeness of views
between the Americans, the Europeans, the Arabs, and the Palestinians, and
the only discordant voice was Netanyahu's."
One does not imagine that the post-London meetings, whether they are
held in Washington or elsewhere, will achieve a just and permanent
settlement to the Palestinian issue, because the solution that Israel wants
is totally unjust and calls for more and more Palestinian concessions at a
time when no one can exert any more pressure on the Palestinians to provide
further concessions after they gave all they could give to move the peace
process forward and guarantee what is referred to as "Israel's security" in
the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The question here is, what will the
solution be if Netanyahu remains in power in Israel and continues in his
intransigence and in his insistence on imposing conditions that the
Palestinians are certain to reject? What is certain is that if the
situation remains as it is, this will cause a conflagration that will be
extremely difficult to contain. The only thing that, thus far, has
prevented the Palestinians from rebelling is the hope that an agreement can
be reached that would at least give some of their rights back to the
Palestinians and enable them to achieve some security, peace, and
stability.
The Palestinians in the Palestinian Authority [PA] areas are suffering
from severe economic hardship which has made the situation reach a boiling
point that can only be defused by serious action aimed at easing their
burden. Otherwise there is a fear, and a real one, that there will be a
conflagration whose consequences will not be limited to the PA areas, but
will certainly extend to inside the occupied Palestinian areas, that is
inside Israel.
Faced with this escalating threat and with the feelings of anger and
depression prevailing among Palestinians, the PA leadership may find that
its only way out is to adopt unilateral positions without waiting for the
outcome of the series of successive negotiations. Here one cannot rule out
that the only solution left to the Palestinian problem now lies in
declaring a Palestinian state.
It is clear that if the situation continues as it is, the Palestinian
leadership will be forced to calm public opinion and absorb its anger by
declaring a [Palestinian] state when the deadline stated in the previous
agreements with regard to the final status talks, which is the current
month of May, runs out. Then, there will be nothing to stop the torrential
flood.
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - US-PLO Friendship
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
Conference for Middle East Peace
Israeli & Global News
The most widely seen Mideast WEB site: http://www.cmep.com
Serving the public with the most in depth news available,
with professional translations from over 20 languages
[News-Speeches-Interviews-Intelligence-Reports-Polls-Jihad-Editorials]
Note: All releases are copyrighted and cannot be used without permission
****************************************************************************
Israel Threatened by New US-PLO 'Friendship'
Rome La Repubblica (Internet version) in Italian 8 May 98
Editorial: "US-PLO Friendship"
The Mideast negotiations have not yet produced peace, and it is not
clear whether they will succeed in the attempt. Meanwhile, however, they
have produced an unquestionably historic and unprecedented result --
friendship between the United States and Yasir 'Arafat. Washington, the
traditional ally, godfather, protector, and generous funder of Israel, has
in recent weeks established relations of complete trust and mutual
understanding with the Palestinian Authority, Israel's "enemy."
'Arafat has accepted the compromise proposed by the United States to
get the negotiations moving again (a withdrawal from 13 percent of the
territories still occupied by Israel on the West Bank); he has agreed to go
to the White House on Monday to launch the final phase of the negotiations;
he has accepted the conditions, formalities, and measures that should mark
the often postponed step forward in the peace process. In short, for some
time 'Arafat has been saying nothing but "yes" to the United States, and
this is happening just as, at the same time, Israeli Prime Minister
Binyamin Netanyahu has been saying nothing but "no, maybe, perhaps, could
be, let's talk about it some other time, tomorrow's another day, and we'll
see."
For the Palestinians this sharing of opinions with the United States
itself constitutes a success, whatever happens in the negotiations: To
have gained Clinton's respect and solidarity constitutes a political asset
that will prove useful to them sooner or later. For the White House, too,
improved relations with the Palestinians are an advantage: Until not long
ago it had to strive to persuade them that it was an impartial mediator,
not openly pro- Israeli; and if 'Arafat gets along with the United States,
the whole Arab world could follow him.
But for Israel the friendship between the PLO and the State Department
should sound an alarm bell, as the Jewish daily, Ma'ariv, noted yesterday:
To cause a crisis in the special relations with the United States, at a
time when the Palestinians are walking arm- in-arm with Madeleine Albright,
is a threat to Israeli security, potentially no less serious than to
relinquish 1-2 percent more territory. By Monday, the date set for a
possible summit in Washington, we will know whether this danger worries
Netanyahu and whether it will cause him to sign an agreement with 'Arafat.
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Resolutions 242 & 338
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
[Please note date of this News Conference]
Two excerpts from: Secretary of State Madeleine Albright News Conference
Re: The Middle East Peace Process, Tuesday, May 12, 1998
"America's interest and goal is a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace
based on U.N. Security Council resolutions 242 and 338, including the
principle of land for peace. That will require decisive progress on
all tracks, including the Israel-Lebanon track and the Israel-Syria
track."
[Please note reference to "as long as the sun shall rise."]
"And let me add that our commitment to Israel's security does not
come with a time limit. There is no expiration date. It will
continue today, tomorrow, and for long as the sun shall rise. I said
that in Israel last year, and I meant it. And that's true whether
there is progress in the Middle East peace process or not, or whether
we have differences with Israel at a particular moment or not."
=======================
(Israel Information Service Gopher)
U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 242
NOVEMBER 22, 1967
--[Following the June '67, 6-Day War, the situation in the Middle
--East was discussed by the UN General Assembly, which referred
--the issue to the Security Council. After lengthy discussion, a
--final draft for a Security Council resolution was
--presented by the British Ambassador, Lord Caradon, on November
--22, 1967. It was adopted on the same day.
--This resolution, numbered 242, established provisions and
--principles which, it was hoped, would lead to a solution of
--the conflict. Resolution 242 was to become the cornerstone of
--Middle East diplomatic efforts in the coming decades.]
The Security Council,
Expressing its continuing concern with the grave situation in the Middle
East,
Emphasizing the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war
and the need to work for a just and lasting peace in which every State
in the area can live in security,
Emphasizing further that all Member States in their acceptance of the
Charter of the United Nations have undertaken a commitment to act in
accordance with Article 2 of the Charter,
1. Affirms that the fulfillment of Charter principles requires the
establishment of a just and lasting peace in the Middle East which
should include the application of both the following principles:
(i) Withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in the
recent conflict;
(ii) Termination of all claims or states of belligerency and respect for
and acknowledgement of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and
political independence of every State in the area and their right to
live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats
or acts of force;
2. Affirms further the necessity
(a) For guaranteeing freedom of navigation through international
waterways in the area;
(b) For achieving a just settlement of the refugee problem;
(c) For guaranteeing the territorial inviolability and political
independence of every State in the area, through measures including the
establishment of demilitarized zones;
3. Requests the Secretary General to designate a Special Representative
to proceed to the Middle East to establish and maintain contacts with
the States concerned in order to promote agreement and assist efforts to
achieve a peaceful and accepted settlement in accordance with the
provisions and principles in this resolution;
4. Requests the Secretary-General to report to the Security Council on
the progress of the efforts of the Special Representative as soon as
possible.
=======================
...After the 1967 Six-Day War, no longer were Israeli farmers and
fishermen in the Galilee threatened by Syrian gunners on the Golan
Heights; no longer were holy sites in Jerusalem's old city and on the
west bank of the Jordan denied to Jews, and, most importantly, no
longer would Israelis have to fear for the very existence of their
state...
(Wall Street Journal editorial of Friday, May 1, 1998)
=======================
(Israel Information Service Gopher)
U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 338
OCTOBER 22, 1973
--[In the later stages of the Yom Kippur War -- after Israel
--repulsed the Syrian attack on the Golan Heights and
--established a bridgehead on the Egyptian side of the Suez
--Canal -- international efforts to stop the fighting were
--intensified. US Secretary of State Kissinger flew to
--Moscow on October 20, and, together with the Soviet
--Government, the US proposed a cease-fire resolution in
--the UN Security Council. The Council met on 21 October at
--the urgent request of both the US and the USSR, and by 14
--votes to none, adopted the following resolution:]
The Security Council,
1. Calls upon all parties to present fighting to cease all firing and
terminate all military activity immediately, no later than 12 hours
after the moment of the adoption of this decision, in the positions
after the moment of the adoption of this decision, in the positions they
now occupy;
2. Calls upon all parties concerned to start immediately after the
cease-fire the implementation of Security Council Resolution 242 (1967)
in all of its parts;
3. Decides that, immediately and concurrently with the cease-fire,
negotiations start between the parties concerned under appropriate
auspices aimed at establishing a just and durable peace in the Middle
East.
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Pentecost 4
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
Countdown to Shavuot
by Yerachmiel Tilles of Ascent Seminars
THE FIRST SHAVUOT took place on Shabbat, fifty days after the Exodus from
Egypt, on the sixth day of the month of Sivan, 2448 years after the creation
of the world (May 9, 1313 BCE), 3308 years ago.
That day, at the break of dawn, G-d spoke the Ten Declarations. 1. Although
the entire fifty-day period was a time of purification, 2. the most
intensive preparations were started on the first day of Sivan, when the
entire Jewish nation arrived at
Mt Sinai.
[Sivan 1-5 Events omitted]
SIVAN 6 EVENTS
1.Evening: We all go to sleep, mistakenly assuming that the best preparation
is to be fresh for the big event, instead of staying up late and readying
ourselves.
2.Dawn: Thunder, lightning, thick clouds, rain, and unceasing shofar blasts
increasing in volume.
We tremble, the mountain smokes, G-d bends the heavens down to the mountain
top; His presence accompanied by 22,000 angels descends on fire. Birds stop
flying and chirping, all animals are silent, the seas are still. The world
holds its breath.
Moshe ascends and descends at G-d's word. G-d begins the Ten Declarations,
first saying all of them simultaneously, then repeating them one at a time.
Our souls depart from bodies as we hear the first two; G-d revives us but we
retreat in fear, requesting Moshe to listen for us. G-d calls Moshe back to
the top of the mountain and tells him the last eight, and Moshe repeats them
to us.
The holiday begins.
Effects accumulate.
The shofar is blowing!
The mountain is smoking!
Revelation is imminent!
BE READY!
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Aging Monarchs
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
RUMOURS GROW OF ARAFAT'S ILL-HEALTH
By Ohad Gozani in Tel Aviv - London Telegraph 5/5/98
YASSER Arafat appeared frail and shaky as he entered 10 Downing
Street yesterday, adding to persistent reports about his failing
health. In recent months, the 68-year-old Palestinian president
has appeared haggard, with his lower lip trembling
uncontrollably.
Mr Arafat's close collaborators have persistently denied any
rumours about ill health, attributing the symptoms to advancing
age, exhaustion and head injuries received in a 1992 aircraft
crash in the Libyan desert. Last year, however, Professor Avinoam
Reches, an Israeli neurologist, suggested the Palestinian leader may
be showing early symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
======================
The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason
of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and
sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away--Psalm 90:10
======================
[these ages may be off by a year or two]
Egypt - Hosni Mubarak - 58
Iraq - Saddam Hussein - 60
Jordan - King Hussein - 63
PLO - Yasser Arafat - 68
Saudi Arabia - King Fahd - 75
Syria - Hafiz al Asad - 66
Pope John Paul II - 78
Dalai Lama - 63
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - 5/15/98 TV Programs
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
9:00 PM Eastern
HIST - MODERN MARVELS - "Stealth Technology" - Stealth
technology keeps F-17s and B-2s from being
detected.(CC)(TVG)
10:00 PM
DISC - SECRETS OF THE PHARAOHS - DNA tests give clues about
genetic traits and family relationships of the
pharaohs.(CC)(TVG)
HIST - MODERN MARVELS - "NORAD: The War Game Fortress"
- Deterring Soviet sneak attacks; early warning system; U.S.
missile warning center.(CC)(TVG)
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - "Made in Israel"
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
Gush Shalom welcomes European move to exclude settlement products
from customs benefits
The Israeli Gush Shalom (Peace Bloc) movement sent a letter to the
European Commission at Bruxelles - welcoming its decision to exclude the
products of settlements in the Occupied territories from
the benefits of the Israeli-European trade treaty: "The settlements
constitute the main obstacle to peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and
may soon become the direct cause of a new war. As Israelis, we regard the
settlements as a direct threat to ourselves and our children. Until now,
Europe took a verbal position against the settlements in the Occupied
Territories - but in practice heavily subsidised the same settlements, by
granting customs exemptions to the industrial and agricultural products
produced there, thus facilitating the extention of the settlements and the
broadening of their econonomic base. At last, an end is now being put to
this absurd situation.
The citizens of Israel, who in increasing numbers boycott the settlement
products offered for sale in our own supermarkets, welcome this European
step".
Gush Shalom further noted that the sending to Europe of products
marked "Made in Israel", while knowing that in fact they originate in
occupied territory which is not part of the state of Israel, is an act of
fraud, perpetrated for years on an enormous scale, which is manifestly
illegal and which must be terminated. The European step sends a clear
message to Prime Minister Netanyahu and other settler-supporting
politicians: at the threshold of the Twenty-First Century, it is no longer
possible for a state to grab chunks of occupied territory with impunity and
make them into settlement sites; those who pursue such a policy may expect
severe consequences.
Gush Shalom calls upon the United States and other states having
trade agreements with Israel to follow the European example. Such a move
would greatly increase the chances of reviving the moribund Middle East
Peace Process.
For more details: Adam Keller 03-5565804, Uri Avnery 03-5244553
Israeli & Global News, 5/15/98
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Pentecost 5
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
Shavuot
by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin
When the Torah was given 3300 years ago from Mt. Sinai, the entire nation
was gathered around the mountain. A tiny glimpse of what that experience may
have been like can be gotten on the night of Shavuot in Jerusalem, when tens
of thousands of people who have been up all night studying Torah begin to
stream toward the Western Wall from all directions, shortly before dawn. The
crowds, the steady movement of Jews, the anticipation of reaching the Wall
for the festive prayers, is one of the most inspiring sights of the entire
year.
But does this night of Torah really have anything to do with Sinai? The very
fact that we ask the question only means that in our own minds the Festival
of Shavuot and the giving of the Torah are synonymous. Shavuot IS Torah,
Shavuot IS Sinai.
But if that's true, doesn't it seem odd that the name of Shavuot (literally
'weeks') hardly does justice to the central motif of the festival,
emphasizing instead the period of time which we are enjoined to count
between Passover and Shavuot? Of
course, this passage of time leads up to Shavuot, but it hardly seems to be
the essential part of our experience. And if indeed it is not, why call the
festival Shavuot?
After all, the Biblical names of the other Festivals certainly reflect their
essence: the name 'Pesach' tells us to think of the paschal lamb, (korban
pesach), sacrificed on the 14th of Nisan, as the central motif of Passover,
just as the name Sukkot
focuses our attention on the commandment to leave our permanent homes and to
live in a temporary sukkah for seven days. Each of these holidays contain
other prohibitive and ritual features, but their names express their
essence. Moreover, the Bible never identifies 'Shavuot' as the day of the
Sinai revelation!
And indeed, if counting is a significant aspect of Shavuot, notes the
illustrious Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch, there is something about the numbers
which just doesn't add up.
"And you shall count for yourselves from the morrow after the day of rest,
from the day that you brought the omer of the wave offering; seven complete
sabbaths shall there be: to the morrow after the seventh complete sabbath
shall you number fifty days and you shall offer a new meal offering to G-d."
[22 Lev. 23:15-16]
These verses refer to the festival of Shavuot. After completing a seven week
count, forty-nine days, we bring the meal offering to G-d on the fiftieth
day, which is the festival of Shavuot.
This is simple enough until we compare actual dates, and a discrepancy seems
to emerge regarding the giving of the Torah on Sinai and the count of the
fiftieth day.
The Bible tells us that the Jews took the Paschal lamb on the 10th day of
Nisan, and the Midrash records that it fell on the Sabbath, which is why we
call the Sabbath before the festival of Pesach the Great Sabbath (Shabbat
Hagadol). Since the Israelites left Egypt on the 15th of Nisan (the Biblical
date of the festival itself), they had to have left that first year on a
Thursday, the fifth day after the Shabbat.
Since the fifty-day count begins the day after the first day of the festival
("..count for yourselves from the morrow after the day of rest.."), it turns
out that the first day of the count that first year was on a Friday, and
upon counting seven complete
weeks, the fiftieth day must likewise fall out on a Friday, seemingly the
day of the festival that the verse in Leviticus refers to as Shavuot. But
the Midrash insists that the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai took place on
the Sabbath! Well, the Sabbath
that year was obviously the fifty-first day after the start of the count.
Then according to the actual chronology, the fiftieth day was the day before
the Israelites received the Torah from G-d?!
One of the ironic inconsistencies of life is that the excitement of
anticipation generally exceeds the ongoing joy of achievement; we anxiously
await the acquisition of a material object, a degree or promotion, even a
spouse -- but then when we have attained the longed- for prize, it often
loses its allure.
And as it is with so many aspects of life, so it was with Torah. Once the
Israelites received the Torah, they often lost sight of its significance,
remaining apathetic to its content and disregarding its laws. Indeed, only
forty days after the Revelation itself, the Israelites are found worshipping
a golden calf!
Hence, the historical aspect of our Shavuot celebration is not the day we
received the Torah, but is rather the climax of our anticipation, the moment
of the dream and the longing. How often do jaded married couples look back
with nostalgic yearning to the period of their courtship, when their hearts
were filled with love and their only thought was how best to fulfill the
needs of the other. Yes, the Torah may have been given on Shabbat, the
fifty-first day, but in celebrating Shavuot on the fiftieth day we seek to
recapture our initial desire for Torah with the very fiber of our entire
being, the breathless anticipation for G-d's word which made us initially
worthy to receive His message/gift.
Now it makes sense why we call this festival Shavuot. Our festival
celebrates the counting, waiting, wanting of a people dedicated to hearing
the eternal word of the Divine. G-d's bestowal of His gift is less
significant, because a gift can be
rejected or spurned in the final analysis; our desire to receive the Torah,
our preparations to make ourselves worthy of Torah is of far greater
significance - and is the emotion we must endeavor to retain if we are truly
to remain a "Kingdom of
priest-teachers and a holy nation". Shavuot is a celebration of our sacred
preparation and anticipation rather than of the often disappointing and
anti-climactic realization and achievement.
In sum, Shavuot celebrates the Israelites desire and choice to embrace
Torah; therefore it is so fitting to read the story of Ruth on that
Festival, the odyssey of a Moabite daughter-in-law who, as a Jew-by-choice
rather than a Jew-by-birth, merited to become the mother of the Messiah.
Ruth's overwhelming desire for and commitment to the faith and land of Naomi
makes her one of the great heroines of our history. Only when every
Jew-by-birth recaptures the excitement, anticipation and preparation of a
Jew-by-choice, will the true Messiah bring redemption to Israel and the world.
========
To: bpr-list@annoDomini.net (BPR Mailing List)
Subject: [BPR] - Arutz 7 News
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
Arutz Sheva News Service
Friday, May 15, 1998 / Iyar 19, 5758 / 34 days to the Omer
ISRAEL AS BRIDGE BETWEEN PAST AND FUTURE
"You don't have to be religious person to see the State of Israel as the
realization of prophetic dreams." So said Prime Minister Netanyahu in a
speech in Washington yesterday afternoon. "You do not have to be a
religious person," he continued, "to see the ingathering of the exiles as
one of the great miracles of history, and not only of Jewish history." He
described Israel as "a state that is transforming itself faster than any
other country and any other society on Earth to the information economy."
PA PROUD OF RIOTS
Arab riots continued again today in Gush Katif and Hevron, though on a
lesser scale than yesterday. Following today's Moslem prayer service on
the Temple Mount, Arabs threw stones at Jewish worshipers at the Western
Wall. No injuries were reported, and the police did not enter the Temple
Mount, leaving the Waqf officials to restore order. 1600 Israeli police
officers were deployed in eastern Jerusalem today.
Sheikh Hamad Albitawi, known as the Chairman of the Islamic Sages in
Palestine, called upon the Palestinians to choose "only the military
option against Israel." In a speech today in Ramallah, he announced that the
"time has come to put an end to these humiliating talks with Israel and to
begin a jihad." Following yesterday's Palestinian Authority-organized
riots, in which 8 Palestinians were killed and six others were in grave
condition, the PA released the following announcement: "The Palestinian
people have proved that all of the options are open before it, and that it
will confront the failure of the peace efforts with strength..."
========
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Subject: [BPR] - Pentecost 6
From: bpr-list@annoDomini.net(BPR)
---------------------------------------------------------------
Bible Prophecy Research and Study List
Study Subject: Daniel 11-12
---------------------------------------------------------------
From: research-bpr <research-bpr@annoDomini.net>
Master and Beloved
by HaRav Aharon Lichtenstein SHLIT"A
"'And Moshe led the people out' (Shemot 19:17)- R. Yose said R. Yehuda would
teach as follows: "'Hashem mi-sinai ba' (Devarim 33:2) - God came from
Sinai. Do not read it so but rather 'Hashem le-sinai ba' - God came TO Sinai
to give the Torah to Israel." However, I disagree, and rather teach - 'God
came from Sinai' to greet Israel, like a groom who goes out to greet his
bride." (Mekhilta Yitro, 3)
R. Yose, however, disagrees - he reads the verse literally: 'God came FROM
Sinai.' There is a dimension in which God comes from Sinai, as an equal, as
it were, of Israel: 'like a groom who goes out to meet his bride.' In Shir
Hashirim, when Israel is called by God "My dove, My pure one (tamati)," the
midrash expounds, "Do not read 'tamati' but rather 'te'omati' - my perfect
match." Here we have a relationship between a lover and a beloved, a bride
and groom, nothing remotely resembling the master-slave relationship
described above by R. Yehuda. The revelation at Sinai is described here as
the climax of the period of engagement, 'your love as a bride' (Yirmiyahu
2:2). God set up a rendezvous with his beloved, the Nation of Israel, in the
desert at the foot of Mt. Sinai. He said, as it were, "You agreed - you did
not say 'Let us meet somewhere more convenient;' you agreed to go out to the
desert!" In R. Yose's scenario, God is seen as immanent; He comes from Sinai
into the desert to meet His bride Israel.
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