Rundown from the Rabbi
As I was thinking about a title for this article, I was reminded of this verse. “For by You I can run through a troop; by my God I leap over a wall.” It is David’s song of deliverance from his enemies in II Samuel 22. Read it for yourself. What a songwriter! What a Deliverer! David knew if God was on his side, no one and no thing - nothing - could stand in his way. Can you sing this song?
As I write to you today I am excited about what the LORD is doing at Beit Tikvah. Our sanctuary is full and sometimes overflowing. Lately our young people can be seen lining the stairs to the prayer room while others congregate in the foyer. We have too many children for our classrooms, not enough teachers, and our Fellowship Hall is packed for onegs. Our parking lot is full. Oy! What wonderful problems! What shall we do?
So I’m singing David’s song and trusting our God who supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory. Our modular building project continues, which will provide 4000 sq.ft. of usable space. What we originally thought would cost around $100,000 is now estimated over $200,000. At the same time, we are discussing expanding our sanctuary. No estimates yet, but we know it will be expensive. “I can run through a troop…” May God gain glory from everything we do.
One more piece of exciting BT news is that we just hired our first official Youth Leader. Joey Suyat recently graduated from Israel College of the Bible in Jerusalem with a degree in Bible and Judaic Studies. He is a worshipper, plays guitar, has a joyful spirit and has a vision to makes disciples of our young people. His wife, Beth, of just one month, wants to work with children and will be a wonderful addition to our Children’s Education program. Their zeal for the LORD is contagious.
On a personal note… WE’RE GRANDPARENTS! Zion Max Lethabo was born to Natanel and Eliza Latimer July 30th… in our home. I held him as he entered into the covenant of Abraham through brit milah, the covenant of circumcision, on the 8th day. He is beautiful and Bubbie is spoiling him already. I’m told that’s what we’re supposed to do by experienced grandparents.
Two other BT couples became parents. That makes three babies in sixteen days. So we are also growing internally. Each child is precious and a joy to behold.
My ministry plate is full. I officiated at a wedding on Maui in July, then did another wedding six days later in WA. I’m also doing Israel and Carolina’s wedding in September. Yes, our son is getting married to a beautiful young woman from Columbia. Hahnna and Evan joined us In August as we flew to Los Angeles for the unveiling of my parents’ headstones, a long-time Jewish tradition. Also in August we enjoyed our second biennial Community Camp with over 140 people. In October Rita and I fly to New York for a family wedding. Life is rich and full; challenging and rewarding.
Our calendar of Fall Festivals is included with this newsletter. Each of these Biblical holidays is connected to the Second Coming of Yeshua and we get very excited about the celebrations. Knowing His return is imminent causes us to live in a sense of urgency, which in turn creates more intimacy with God. May you enjoy the presence of the LORD as you learn to put Him first in all you do.
Hylan Slobodkin
Messianic Rabbi
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