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David Hall & Michael J. Rood & The MJAA

Galatians 1:6 

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

It should come as no surprise that people often do not like being written about when they have a public ministry, carry out public events and have public discussion forums. Public removes the 'hidden' quality of a ministry in many readers minds. However, what happens is that very often, those in public do not like being noticed for certain things or being in the company of certain other individuals. Such is the case of David Markel Hall. 

In the Seek God article, The Elimination of the Cross, the following was mentioned:

There is a movement taking place that wishes to eliminate the symbol of the cross from churches and public view. False prophet Michael Rood, has actually been involved in what some Messianics are calling a "circumcision ceremony" with the removal of steeples, on which there usually resides a cross, from churches. 

For example, in Rood's seminar reports, an article from January 13, 2001, the Pastor of Prince of Peace Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, Leonel Gonzalez and Messianic Rabbi David Hall of Zion Messianic Jewish Congregation held a ceremony to remove the steeple from their church building in Austin Texas.  Michael John Rood was invited as “honorary mohel” to assist in the “circumcision” ceremony. The steeple was determined to be one of the "vestiges of pagan sun god worship," which according to Rood and others,  have found their way into most of the world's religions. According to the article, the removal of the steeple symbolizes their efforts to remove paganism from their lives. 

It was rather a surprise to receive the following email from David Hall, due to that quote.

-----Original Message-----
From: David Markel Hall [mailto:rabbidavid@tzion.org]
Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2003 6:19 PM
Subject: Your article: The Elimination of the Cross

For your information:

I am in no way associated with Michael Rood. We did have him here for a light-hearted reason of "circumcising" the building as mentioned in your article but that does not substantiate any affiliation with him.

I never taught that churches should take down their crosses or steeples. As a mater of fact I judge no-one with respect to biblical observance. The Baptist minister mentioned and I were both convicted in our hearts that the steeple should go and we decided to make a ceremony out of it. That does not mean that all churches should follow suite.

It is wrong for you to slander us by drawing an association between us and Michael Rood. It does not exist.

If we judge our selves we will not be judged by the world. You should tend your own business and leave us to tend ours. HaShem will judge between you and us.

Rabbi David Hall

Part of the reason it was a surprise to hear from Hall on this matter, was that the event  had been written about in June, in the article, "The Rev. Michael Rood" and stated, 

In fact, depending on the speaking engagement, he's promoted as "Reverend", "Former Baptist Minister" or as a "Rabbi", "Rabbi Michael Rood" or "Messianic rabbi (teacher) Michael Rood", "Messianic Kairite Rabbi", "Messianic Jewish Rabbi, " and is even referred to as “honorary mohel”--all depending on the audience to be indoctrinated. 

 

For those who aren't aware, "mohel" is a person of the Jewish faith who is ordained to do circumcision under the guidelines of the Jewish religion. In the case of Michael Rood, he was attending as "honorary mohel" for the "circumcision" or the removal of a "pagan church steeple" from a church in Austin, Texas.18

Footnote:

18. 6001.com/sem_photo.htm   "01-13-01 - The Pastor of Prince of Peace Baptist Church in Austin, Texas, Leonel Gonzalez and Messianic Rabbi David Hall of Zion Messianic Jewish Congregation along with members of our respective congregations held a ceremony today at 4:00PM to remove the steeple from the church building located at 1204 Peyton Gin Road in Austin Also attending the ceremony were Messianic Teacher Michael John Rood from Duluth, Minnesota who was invited as “honorary mohel” to assist in the “circumcision” ceremony. The steeple is just one of the vestiges of pagan sun god worship, which have found their way into most of the world's religions. The removal of the steeple symbolizes our efforts to remove paganism from our lives and return to a true Biblical faith as was practiced by Yeshua (Jesus) and his disciples. This historic event unites two licit peoples under one roof in worship..."  

Since Michael Rood, of A Rood Awakening, posted the event to his 6001.com website, and he had been specifically invited to attend as "honorary mohel" by David Hall, one has to really stretch their imagination to suggest it's slandering to report what is in the articles. Then, to have Hall write and state that Rood and himself have no association, is nonsense. You don't invite someone to participate and share in that capacity, if you don't know them in some manner.

What is of more interest is that same "circumcision" announcement is found on various Yahoo discussion forums, and was posted as a Press Release from Rood's 6001.com website. Simply do an internet search for "honorary mohel." In fact, one Pastor on one of the forums wrote " Incredible!... Thank you for posting the Article...." 

The activity is influencing others.

Do, or rather, the question should now be, Did, David Hall and Michael Rood have a relationship? Is it, despite having invited Rood for the "lighthearted circumcision ceremony", as Hall states, "It is wrong for you to slander us by drawing an association between us and Michael Rood. It does not exist."

Perhaps David Hall is forgetting a few things. Like, in his Special Events page from his website in February 2001, where he advertised the "Messianic Jewish Conference" of "Messianic Teacher Michael Rood: The Prophetic Nature of God's Holy Days," which was slated for February 15 to February 17, at 7:00 p.m.

There was to be no admission fee, but an offering was to be taken, and Rabbi Hall was gracious enough to have the seminar at the same address that the "circumcision ceremony" took place a few months prior--1204 Peyton Gin Road in Austin, Texas. Rabbi David Hall's Zion Messianic "church." And Michael was invited, "back by popular demand." Rood was promoted as a way to understand the "Prophetic Nature of the Holy Days" and it was stated it would provide a chance for everyone "to get to know Michael better" and learn more about Bible Prophecy. In fact, the promotion by Hall suggested that space would be limited so people should go to the event early so they could "get a good seat." Hall made the Spanish speaking audience at home by announcing that the overflow room in Zion Messianic church Fellowship Hall would have Spanish translators and TV monitors.

The next week, February 8 specifically, the event was updated on Hall's tzion.org website with the last two days for Rood's seminar advertised at a different address. But, that was advertised on Rabbi David Hall's Zion Messianic website, under http://tzion.org/Conferences.html, from 2001. He also promoted Rood for his  subsequent speaking engagements in Corpus Christi and Rockport, Texas.

David Hall likely is taking issue with far more than trying to distance himself from false prophet Michael Rood. He is also very familiar with David Hargis's Messianic Bureau International, and links to his Messianic.com, James Trimm's nazarene.net and other kabbalist sites, both in his Messianic links and Judaic links on his web site.

On Hall's website, he lists Trimm's Beit Netzarim Congregation, with the affiliation stated as being SANJ, and the Rosh Yeshiva, being James Trimm.1 

Hall lists Trimm's website as a Messianic congregation, 2. although it's hotlinked to saltshakers website instead of directly to nazarene.net and also links to Two House advocate, Eddie Chumney's website:

M -http://www.nazarene.net > http://www.saltshakers.co.uk/olive Nazerene WEB Site (James Trimm)

M - Hebraic Heritage Ministries >http://www.hebroots.org

David Hall also promotes the Chabad-Lubavitch websites in his Messianic links under the page. 3  The "R" "Designates Rabbinic (Traditional)"source, rather than an "M," which would indicate a Messianic source. [hotlinks removed]

"R - Chabad Lubavitch Student Union @ University of Texas in Austin 

R - Chabad Lubavitch In Cyberspace "

Simply put, the Chabad Lubavitch is not merely a traditional rabbinic source. From the Seek God article, Kabbalah Connections:

"...Part VI of this series, referenced Peter Michas' statement that he received his education in the Hebrew Roots of Christianity through the Chabad-Lubavich. Dr. Eliezer Segal of the University of Calgary describes Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidism as a Kabbalist movement. The doctrines of the Lubavitch Movement are derived from the Kabbalah. The acronym for Chabad even contains the names of three sefirot--chokmah, binah and Da'at:
http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/363_Transp/Orthodoxy/Chabad.html

"The name 'Chabad' is a Hebrew acronym for the expression 'Chokmah,' 'Binah" and 'Da'at' -- Wisdom, Intelligence and Knowledge. These Kabbalistic terms are central to the distinctive intellectual theology of the movement... The name Lubavitch refers to a town in Lithuania that was the centre of the movement for a brief period during the nineteenth century...Chabad Hasidism continued to be a major force among Russian and Lithuanian Jews from its inception..."

The Encyclopedia of Religion states that the Lubavitch Hasidic system of Kabbalah is among those taught in traditional Jewish institutions:

"The dominant brand of Qabbalah in the modern Qabbalistic Yeshivot (traditional Jewish academies) is the Lurianic system. It is studied according to the interpretations offered by Mosheh Hayyim Luzzatto, by Eliyyahu ben Shelomoh Aalman, by Habad, the Lubavitch Hasidic Movement and by the Sefardic Qabbalists of the Beit El Academy in Jerusalem." 16."

In the Seek God article, Practical Kabbalah, we read again of the Chabad Lubavitch teachings, kabbalah and zohar.

We find Baal Shem Tov listed with Hillel, Shammai, Maimonides, Rashi and others who are considered the great sages or mystics of Judaism. Theirs is the ancient wisdom that encompasses the oral traditions, which many are turning to in the Hebrew Roots Movement.

Gershom Scholem also references Baal Shem Tov as the founder of the Polish Hasidic movement and relates that a "spirit guide" taught him:

"Israel Baal Shem, founder of the Hasidic movement in Poland and Russia." On another page, " Israel Ba'al Shem is the most celebrated of all the Jewish mystics of recent centuries"--the founder of Polish Hasidism." "...he had no teacher of flesh and blood to guide him on his way---the only spiritual guide he ever alluded to was the Prophet Ahijah of Shiloh, with whom he was in constant spiritual and visionary contact. In short he was a pure lay mystic..." 35.

Not only was Baal Shem Tov more than an adept peasant, but a scholar of the Talmud and Kabbalah. Tzvi Freeman relates the struggle for acceptance of kabbalah and how eventually adepts like Baal Shem Tov became famous today.

"There was a time when mysticism was considered irrational, bizarre, archaic and certainly not for the respectable, modern gentleman to be caught dead in. "Emancipated" and "Enlightened" Jews, therefore, denounced the Kaballa. They called the Zohar the "Book of Lies". They created a myth that the Kaballa was the creation of a lunatic fringe and was entirely grown from alien roots. They even went so far as to claim that Jews had never believed in Mystical union with the Ein Sof, reincarnation, life after death, meditation, etc., etc… The Baal Shem Tov and the chassidic movement was a big thorn in the side of these politically correct Jews. Too mystical. Too far off the edge. And much too popular…"

"At first they tried to deny the Baal Shem Tov had ever existed…" 36.

Freeman declares that kabbalah is central to Judaism thought and that for the past 600 years most rabbinic scholars have openly taught its doctrine. He states that the sages of the Talmud were indeed mystics of Kabbalist meaning, not merely scholars, as some would have us believe.

"…Kaballa is as central to Judaism as the sun is to the solar system, as a heart is to a body, as Human Liberty is to America…"

"The sages of the Talmud were mystics, as is clear from many of the tales told therein. Since the time of the Ramban (Nachmanides) almost every classic Jewish scholar has openly espoused the teachings of the Kaballa…."

"Every classic attempt to explain Judaism in depth has resorted to mystical terms. Every such attempt over the last 600 or so years has resorted to the language of Kaballa."

"The Baal Shem Tov was a student of the Kaballa of Rabbi Yitzchaak Luria, the "Arizal" -- as were so many of his contemporary scholars. It amazes me how so many authors could have imagined even for a moment that the teacher of so many great scholars -- such as Rabbis Yoseph Polnoye, Dov Ber of Mezritch, Levi Yitzchaak of Berdichev and others -- could have been any less a scholar himself." 37.

Freeman also affirms that there was a group of scholars of the Talmud and Kaballah, who hid their identities and their true purpose.

"He [Baal Shem Tov] was involved from his early youth with a society of "hidden tzaddikim" who were scholars of Talmud and Kaballa and travelled about incognito in an effort to resurrect the Jewish life of Eastern Europe that was still licking its wounds from the tragic pogroms of 1648-49…" 38...."

Footnotes from article:

35. Scholem, op.cit., p.26 [Gershom Scholem, "On The Kabbalah And Its Symbolism," Schocken Books, 1965/1996]
36. Tzvi Freeman, Article:Baal Shem Tov; 1991; Chabad Lubavitch in Cyberspace; www.chabad.org/shavuos/besht.html
37. Ibid.
38. Ibid.

The Chabad Lubavitch movement is a well organized and aggressive movement which is spreading worldwide. It not only focuses on adults but, has schools for children. There have been many "false Messiah's" in Judaism via kabbalah, as discussed in the above article. The most recent application of 'messiah' in the Chabad-Lubavitch Hasidic movement is found in New York City. Menacham Mendel Schneerson, through kabbalistic interpretation, was declared by many in the Chabad Lubavitch movement, to be the Messiah. When he died and did not return, many were devastated in the movement. Others have launched a campaign to 'prepare' the world for his return, using billboards and other media. Others in Orthodox Judaism reject the notion, saying the criteria for the Messiah was not met in Schneerson. 

Unfortunately, they have not recognized that the Biblical criteria for the Messiah was met by Jesus Christ. It's very noteworthy that Marshall Moshe Koniuchowsky of Your Arms to Israel, stood in support of Schneerson. In his article, Targeting Jews, he states:

"....Many of the same tendencies lie in Messianic Judaism and are identical to the ones that reside in traditional Judaism, which proudly discourages evangelism and that has become satisfied in building a wall around Torah, to keep non Jews out. In this regard the late Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson, is to be commended, because he saw the fallacy in the inward protective tendencies of modern traditional Judaism and in its place began to aggressively evangelize and proselytize from amongst both Jews and non Jews. If for no other reason than that, we as  Messianic Nazarene Yisraelites should give the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s memory, honor and respect. If we have true convictions about our movement, we will not be fearful to evangelize Jews into Messianic Nazarene Yisrael, since we have both the truth and the culture within which to disciple those Jews, Ephraimites and Gerim seeking truth!..." 4

The "secret knowledge" of kabbalah is leading and has led many to destruction. But kabbalistic interpretation will not allow one to see it. 

1 Corinthians 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

That is why it is all the more interesting to also see David Hall, after promoting the false teacher/prophet Michael Rood, also teaching the talmud and the kabbalah, and promoting the Chabad Lubavitch, particularly as part of his Messianic links. 

David Hall attempts to have people believe that the "real" zohar was merely sound Biblical mysticism, while some instituted witchcraft into it via kabbalah,  and which he discusses in his various articles like, The Zohar.

In case the articles are removed, or the Index access to them is changed, here is the listing for the kabbalah articles for David Hall's page. 

The actual links to the pages for the various articles are as follows:

http://tzion.org/zohar.htm

http://tzion.org/zohar2.htm

http://tzion.org/Tree_of_life.htm

From Google:

Zohar
The Yod is the smallest of the Hebrew letters yet no other letter
equals its significance. It always refers to YHWH. YHWH is the ...
tzion.org/Zohar.htm - 18k - Cached - Similar pages

Zohar2
More Zohar Information. Index of subjects discussed herein: ...
tzion.org/Zohar2.htm - 9k - Cached - Similar pages

Zohar - Tree of Sephiroth
The following diagram has hot spots linked to information describing the emanations
of HaShem. Return to the Zohar information page. Chart. Ayn Soph Without End. ...
tzion.org/Tree_of_life.htm - 21k - Cached - Similar pages

For reference, copies of the Google cache have been kept.

According to Hall, the real message was to convey the "secret knowledge" of the Bible, which cannot be expounded without the use of the zohar aka kabbalah. 5

Wrong. On ALL counts. See the Series To Embrace Hebrew Roots, which discusses the talmud, zohar and kabbalah in depth, and the sought after " secret knowledge." The 'hidden or secret knowledge' aka gnostic doctrine. God sees knowledge and wisdom quite differently. Biblical knowledge, wisdom and understanding comes from complete trust in God, and asking Him, will eventually provide the understanding we need---because all wisdom and knowledge comes from Him. 

Matthew 7:7  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8  For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;
3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

The things of God are hard to understand and rejected by those who do not know Christ. That is the difference. 

Mark 4:11  And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12  That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.

Luke 24:45  Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,

1 Corinthians 2:12  Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 John 2:26  These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. 27  But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.

2 Corinthians 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it....26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

If people would do their homework, they would also find that many in Hebrew Roots, including leadership, are using the kabbalah and talmud--which states within it, that it is a stepping stone to the zohar, which is the main book of the kabbalah. See:

Part II... The Bible and the Talmud; 

Part III... The Talmud and Jesus Christ; 

Part IV... The Talmud and Demonology; 

Part V... The Kabbalah; 

Part VI... Kabbalah Initiation >.Age of Initiation  Transition from Talmud to Kabbalah....

Part VII... Kabbalah Connections; 

Part VIII... Literal Kabbalah: Gematria & Numerology; 

Part IX... Practical Kabbalah: Talismans & Masters of the Name

Many simply have not known the source of their resources. God provides all we need, freely. 

1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Psalm 25:12 What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.
13 His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.
14 The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant.

In fact, it is because of being zealous in the rabbinical and oral traditions of the Jewish religion, that the Apostle Paul mercilessly persecuted the followers of Jesus Christ.  And it was those teachings that Jesus strongly condemned. 

Acts 22:3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.
4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
...22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
24 And they glorified God in me.

From the article Literal Kabbalah: Gematria & Numerology , discussing the Talmud and use of Midrash and it's promotion by Jacob Prasch and others, it is noted:

Although Jacob would have us believe that Jesus agreed with the rabbis, it is a matter of Scriptural fact that Jesus spoke often against the Rabbis who were referred to at that time as the Pharisees.

In his scathing rebuke to the Rabbis and Pharisees, Jesus warned his disciples not to follow their pernicious and hypocritical ways Matthew 23:6-8

" And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren."

Jacob's reference to the allegorical interpretation of Jonah, conveniently omits the introductory verses which are Matthew 12:38-39:

"Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.

But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:"

After responding to the Pharisees and the scribes of Jerusalem, Jesus again rebuked them for their teachings in, Matthew 15:7-9:

"Ye hypocrites, well did E-sai-as prophesy of you, saying, This people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."

The comparison to the Old Testament teaching that Jesus referred to on this issue, is found in, Isaiah 29:13-14:

"Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men. Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid."

We can see that the ancient sages either (1) understood the danger of Midrash and avoided it; (2) totally embraced its use for disseminating their esoteric beliefs; (3) rejected the New Testament and Jesus Christ; or (4) used Kabbalist definitions and applications as well as the Babylonian Talmud to reinterpret the Word of God. To which of these groups of sages are we to turn? And since there are no Jewish Midrash teachings of the New Testament in any of the oral or written works of the sages of old, whose ancient wisdom is Mr. Prasch promoting for interpreting the New Testament?..."

Probably of most importance, which David Hall avoids mentioning,  is that he has been a member of James Trimm's Beit Din and has supported him. In April 1999 he was listed as a Full Member of Trimm's Beit Din, with a link to his tzion.org. At that time, the Beit Din membership was listed as:

Full Members:

James Trimm
(SANJ president)

Rabbi Yeshayahu Heiliczer
(President of ATOM)

Rabbi David Hall
(Tzion Congregation leader)

Rav Mikael Calpino
(Beth HaKodesh Cong. Leader)

Eric Sandquist
(SANJ board of directors)

Ya'akov Hartly
(Malkeynu Shuva  Cong. Leader)

Michael Detwiler

Friend of the Court

Luana Fabry(Australia)
Avi ben Mordechai

For More on Avi ben Mordechai see: Avi ben Mordechai & Millennium 7000

By November, David Hall's name was gone from the Beit Din and replaced with Member elect--Ralph Messer. By April 2001, Trimm's "Beit Din" was comprised of himself, Eric Sandquist and Andrew Roth. By December 2002, the Beit Din was comprised of Trimm, Sandquist, Joe Vial, and Daniel Harris and continues as such.

More than all of those issues that are of deep concern, David Hall is a member of MJAA, IAMCS, and the Hargis's Messianic Friends Network. And he is also Regional Director or has been a Regional Director for MJAA. 

In 2000, he definitely was "MJAA Central Regional Director." and is still directly linked to from the MJAA site with the advertisement, "Zion Messianic Jewish Congregation of Austin, Texas - A Torah observant Messianic Jewish Congregation. Regional and local information, Messianic FAQs, Articles and Torah Parsha information. " http://mjaa.org/links.html

David Hall also, from his website, currently promotes the MJAA's South Central Regional Conference for November 14-16, 2003,  which has David Chernoff and Michael Wolf as speakers, and Joel Chernoff as music, amongst others. These are all executives to MJAA.

Looking at the MJAA historical South Central Regional Conferences, we see in Shalom 1999, held in November, that Hall spoke, as did Eddie Chumney, and Rabbi Avshalom Ben David, amongst many others. Eddie Chumney advocates Two House theology, which MJAA has taken an official stance against. 

In May 2000, when Hall was clearly the MJAA Central Regional Director, the MJAA's Central Regional Conference, which was called, "Jew and Gentile One in Messiah, Sfirot HaOmer (counting the omer)", had the speakers including MJAA leadership, Robert Solomon, David Chernoff, Robert Cohen, Joel Chernoff and others. 

David Hall was the conference chairman, and the conference was hosted at his Zion Messianic church. Robert Solomon, current MJAA executive, was also at that time, on the steering committee of the IAMCS and served on the Executive Board of the MJAA and was a speaker. Joel Chernoff was President of IMJA at that time and General Secretary of the MJAA. Speakers for that also included, "Rabbi Avshalom Ben David,  a Sephardic Orthodox rabbi", billed as being, "well versed in traditional Jewish theology and Talmudic thought."  He leads an Orthodox synagogue in McAllen Texas.

MJAA's Messiah 2000 held in July, was also promoted by Hall at that time. Some of the speakers for that event included MJAA's executive, such as: David Chernoff, Robert Cohen, Dorothy Solomon, Kevin Solomon, Robert Solomon and Michael Wolf, to name a few.

It is of note that one of the Messianic Jewish Conferences that Hall and Zion have hosted was Shavuot 2K (Pentecost) 2000 held in June and again called, "Jew and Gentile One In Messiah," and again had Hall as the conference organizer. Among the speakers was Joel Chernoff, on the executive of MJAA and IAMCS.

For some, the MJAA and similar groups and Messianic congregations are providing a place that is viewed as a possible haven for new Jewish believers, where they can go and receive fellowship. They are viewed as a possible answer for those who have been a part of Judaism most of their lives and who might find going to a "Christian" style church service too uncomfortable. If that is the purpose, continuing to teach and be immersed in the things that have been renounced upon 'seeing Jesus', is not providing a haven at all. 

Jeremiah 15: 17 "I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation."

Psalm 1:1-2 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2  But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

Some, on the other hand, view the Christian assemblies as a threat to Judaism and determine that Messianic congregations are there to stem the outflow of people from Judaism. The religion of Judaism, as it stands, rejects Jesus Christ and the New Testament. 

Some view 'Christianity' as taking Jews away from their Judaic heritage and traditions and hold strong condemnation towards 'Christians,' firmly believing the traditions and practices to be required. 

Mark 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

Hebrews 13:9 Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.

If these people believe that Yeshua is the Messiah and God come in the flesh, they are denigrating brothers and sisters in the Lord and causing division which should not be. No traditions or rituals or observance of days are required to serve our Savior. 

Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Romans 14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.

See also Romans 14: 8-15:2

In fact, that premise, while it might appear necessary to some, finds contrary evidence that there are also many people of Jewish heritage, who have accepted Jesus Christ, and have tasted of the fruit of the Hebrew Roots movement and rejected it. They have stated that serving Yeshua is not about those things. One particular correspondence with a brother in the Lord, and his brief testimony to this writer was:

"I am a fairly new Christian who has received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior after over 30 years in Judaism. I have been greatly encouraged by Christian websites like yours that clearly present the truth about heaven, hell, and the way to salvation through Jesus Christ; it was very helpful when I was searching but hesitant about talking to a pastor or visiting a church. I am now in a strong, fundamental Bible-believing church and have been baptised. I would appreciate prayer for the conversion of my unbelieving Jewish family, that they would turn away from Judaism, that their eyes will be opened (as mine were) to Jesus and realize that He is the only way to God. God bless you....I've considered returning to Judaism, but I know Jesus has freed me from the Law! I have since renounced Judaism completely and have no desire to ever return! "

We are reminded that the reality of Jesus Christ to all people comes from God removing the 'veil.'

2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished: 14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart.
16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Jesus said ...John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

If people could come to an understanding that serving Jesus Christ/Yeshua, is about HIM. The focus is to be Him and His Word. Let it not be for us, as Jesus said in Matthew 15:8 

This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Isaiah 29:13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: 

Ezekiel 33:31 And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. 32 And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.

The questions that need to be answered are these. How can a Regional Director of MJAA not only be associated with known kabbalists James Trimm and Avi ben Mordechai and many others, but also teach kabbalah in their Messianic congregation? 

What's a member of the MJAA doing on James Trimm's Beit Din, while also serving the MJAA? 

What's a member of the MJAA doing with false prophet Michael Rood, and now subsequent to the expose' on Rood, renouncing association with him? 

From the outside looking in, it seems that some in these movements do not really desire to provide all Truth or deliver from all the snares and false teaching. Rather, it appears that some are going to remain united with "belial." And some are going to allow the continued misleading of the naive and uninformed about these issues.

Isaiah 57:19 I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.
20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.
21 There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

Jude 1:12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;
13 Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

2 Peter 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

Many appear to simply want experiential and emotional events and really cannot discern that anything is wrong in that. Sound doctrine becomes whatever is fun or makes one seem to feel good, and from whatever source. What is the standard according to God's Word?

Psalm 26:4 I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.  5. I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked. 

Proverbs 12:5  The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit.

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

The question is, when are those in Messianic leadership, such as the MJAA, going to take a hard look at this information and start house cleaning? Because as far as this writer can see, sadly, the ungodly compromise is not just in the rank and file but in those claiming leadership. That is not what serving Jesus the Messiah-Yeshua HaMashiac is supposed to be about. 

Ephesians 5:8-13 

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Next Section: MJAA Inroads of The Hebrew Roots Fringe

Previous Section: The Spreading Hebrew Roots

Footnotes

1. http://tzion.org/messianic_congregations_in_texas.htm.

2. http://tzion.org/Messianics.html.

3.http://tzion.org/Messianics.html.

4. http://yourarmstoisrael.org/Editorials/?page=targeting_jews

5. http://tzion.org/Zohar.htm; The Zohar

Copyright . All articles are the sole property of SeekGod.ca and Vicky Dillen. All Scripture King James Version unless otherwise stated.

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