Ariel Magazine Purim Edition Cover copy - Ariel Ministries

Winter 2012 / Volume 1 / Number 3
Purim
The Feast of Lots
Program of
Messianic Jewish
Studies
An Interview
with
Ruth Wardell
A Hungarian
Purim
Testimony:
Olivier Melnick
Introducing ... Go!

In 11 memorable lessons, this unique resource involves a
biblical lesson, charts, Bible drills, memorization, suggestions
for craft projects, and competition and awards.
AD
Recommended for
children between the ages
of 10 and 13, this teacher's
manual is a study of Old
Testament/Tanak
prophecies concerning the
first coming of Israel’s
Messiah. It beautifully
reveals the redemptive
plan of God and shows
that the Messiah was
promised as early as
Genesis and that as time
progressed, the revelation
of Him did as well. He
was to be born in
Bethlehem, His mother a
virgin. He would be a
descendant of King David,
thus part of the Tribe of
Judah. His origin was
“from everlasting.” He was
to be a “child” given to the
nation of Israel, who
would someday bear the
government of the world
upon His shoulders. His
reign would never end. In
11 memorable lessons, this
unique resource involves a
biblical lesson, charts,
Bible drills,
memorization,
suggestions for craft
projects, and competition
and awards.
You can find this online:
ariel.org (click: shop > books > reference bookshelf)

Ccontents
Welcome
Arnold’s
Adventures
Testimony
News
04
07
08
The Editor’s Desk
to the winter edition of Ariel Ministries Magazine.
In this issue, we give you an inside look at the upcoming Feast
of Purim, a Jewish spring feast celebrated every March. There
are so many interesting aspects about this holiday, and we
wanted to share them all with you. Also, don't forget to sign up
for this summer's 2012 Program of Messianic Jewish Studies at
Camp Shoshanah. You will find more information on this
exciting summer program on page 13. New to Ariel Ministries
Magazine is "Go" ... and inside look at evangelism. Writer,
Jonathan Croudace will bring his heart and passion for
evangelism to the pages of this magazine on a regular basis.
We're happy to have him on board! And finally, do you know
"Ruth with the Truth"? If not, you can meet this dynamic
woman of faith on page 26. Learn about her new book, and how
she helped lead Dr. Fruchtenbaum to Messiah Jesus. Happy
Reading!
GO!
Program of Messianic
Jewish Studies
Lesson
Did You Know?
Israel
Interview:
Ruth Wardell
Cover Story:
Feast of Purim
12
13
19
23
24
26
29
03
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Purpose Statement
Ariel Ministries exists in order to evangelize Jewish people
and to disciple Jewish and Gentile believers through
intensive Bible teaching from a Jewish perspective.
Board of Directors:
Charles Barg
Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum
Jerry Gross
Guy Hoffman
Jake Hogue
Publications:
Publisher - Ariel Ministries
Executive Editor -
Denise Velarde
Managing Editor -
Emily Glisson
Copy Editors - Christiane Jurek
& Randy Gauthier
Contributing Writers -
Arnold F. Fruchtenbaum,
Olivier Melnick, Jonathan
Croudace, Emily Glisson,
Ivan Nagy L.G.,
Art Directors -
Jesse & Josh Gonzales
Home Office Administration:
President and Founder -
Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum
Executive Assistant/ Office
Manager - Denise Velarde
Communications Director -
Randy Gauthier
Publications Manager -
Emily Glisson
Shipping Manager -
Becky Hodges
Accounting - Robin Hull
Audio Editor - Gabe Francis
Receptionist - Chelsea Brickei
Office Support - Hoyle
Heinsohn
Home Office Contact:
Ariel Ministries
11926 Radium Street
San Antonio, Texas
78216 -2713
(210) 344-7707
homeoffice@ariel.org
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 792507
San Antonio, Texas
78279-2507
www.ariel.org

arnold’s adventures
04
Arnold Fruchtenbaum
with Ivan and Rita Nagy
(Ariel Hungary) in
Hofgeismar.

arnold’s adventures
Germany
The first time I came to Germany was as a
child in 1946 after escaping from Poland
with my parents.
We spent the next five years in seven different “Displaced
Persons Camps” (DPC) in the American Zone. My contact
with Germans was virtually non-existent, since I pretty well
stayed within the confines of the camps. I was too young to
know much about the Holocaust, except what I had heard
(or overheard) while listening to the discussions my parents
were having with other relatives who were also survivors.
The next time I traveled in Germany was in 1971. I had just
graduated from seminary and had been traveling with a
camper to Israel via Europe for two months. Some of this
time was spent camping in German camps where we met
many young Germans who were friendly and easy to talk to.
There were also older Germans, and I kept wondering what
they were doing during the Nazi era while the Holocaust was
taking place. But I never asked them that question.
I had not been in Germany again until Ariel Ministries was
born. When my book, The Footsteps of the Messiah, was
published in German, I began receiving invitations to speak
in Germany. This invitation grew more and more as time
went on. In the course of that time, we met with Manfred
and Hanna Künstler, whose father had a major role in giving
my mother some key information that would later lead me to
find my Messiah.
More and more meetings opened up and more and more of
my books were published in German. Eventually, Germany
proved very beneficial both to me personally and to Ariel
Ministries. In fact, last year we finally opened up a branch in
Germany in the city of Düsseldorf.
As I write this, I am in Germany again for a one-month trip
with lectures scheduled in four different places, and a fifth
one might be added by the time I leave here. It is winter,
which is never my favorite time of year to be in Germany, but
so far the winter is rather mild. There is no snow anywhere
and I pray it will stay that way until I leave.
My first conference was at a church, where one of the
members is responsible for publishing most of the German
books. I have been to this church several times, and once
again I met with people with whom I have had fellowship
05
before. I was able to enjoy both German, as well as
Russian/Polish dishes, since a number of the members have
moved to Germany after several generations of living in
Russia. Not long before my arrival here, they had published
the newest German translation, which is our Messianic
Christology book. I will be starting my second conference
tomorrow.
When I arrived, I was invited to a small home fellowship with
about 10 people. One of them told me that their son came to
faith after someone had given him the German version of
Footsteps. That book was not
intended to be evangelistic, but
God used it nevertheless.
I am looking forward
to this week and the
next two conferences
to follow. The Lord is
still using Germany to
bless me and
Ariel Ministries.
Before my
Germany tour
began, Mary
Ann and I had
just finished a
long vacation
where we were by
ourselves and very few
people knew us. The
few who did, kept our
presence a secret. We were able to
Hofgeismar
Germany
enjoy a very nice Thanksgiving dinner. Upon returning home,
Rivkah Kravitz took over the job left behind by Tovyah, who
moved to Pennsylvania to prepare for her marriage. She is
doing very well and Mary Ann and I are very happy for her.
Rivkah does not, as of yet, have her driver’s license. She is
preparing to get one in Texas. We ask for your prayers, that
Rivkah will pass all of her tests so that she can drive soon,
which is a very important part of her job description. We
continue to thank the Lord for your prayers and for your
support.

arnold’s adventures
After initially agreeing to serve on
the Ariel Board of Directors for two
years, I have finally resigned after
serving for five years! In the latter
part of my service, I stepped-up
and served as Chairman of the
Board, as a replacement for Charles
Barg who, at the time, was unable
to continue in his leadership role
due to medical restraints.
It has been a rewarding experience, and I have developed
an increased love and respect for my colleagues, who
currently serve on the board. My original mission, in 2006,
was to advise the ministry in the transition of materials
from cassette tapes and CD mail orders to web-based
downloads of PDF documents and MP3 audio messages.
Interestingly, during my first board meeting in 2006, I
recall telling the other members about the MP3 format,
specifically about iPods. Charles Barg replied, “I’ll have to
get me one of those tripods…” All I could do was chuckle.
By the next meeting, Charles had one of those iPod's in his
hand.
I am further delighted to report that there is a great sense
of brotherhood-in-purpose amongst board members. We
all share a deep love for the Lord. We begin and end each
meeting with prayer. And we all bring diverse talents to the
table, which is now composed of Charles Barg, Jake Hogue,
Jerry Gross, Guy Hoffman and Arnold Fruchtenbaum.
(Denise Velarde attends the meetings as the board’s
secretary, and the one to keep us all in check!)
Although the board has urged me to remain longer, I must
move on and permit my colleagues, especially the newest
members (Guy and Jerry), to play more significant roles as
they press on into the new year. Charles has agreed, health
permitting, to serve again as the Board’s Chairman for 2012.
Thank you so much for your prayers, for your generous
financial support, and for your standing with us during
these years. We endeavor, as a ministry family, to share the
goodness of the Lord with a needy world, and the truths of
the Scriptures from a Messianic perspective.
May the God and Father of our Messiah grant Ariel
enormous grace, and the covering of the blood of Yeshua as
the ministry builds for the future.
God bless,
Jim Tour
06
itinerary
USA
Date: February 5–8
Venue: Clay Christian Fellowship
Location: Pinson, AL 35126
Date: February 12–15
Venue: Waldron Road Baptist Church
Location: Corpus Christi, TX
Date: February 17-19
Venue: MJAA Yeshua 2012 Southwest
Conference
Location: Hyatt Regency, Irvine, CA
Date: February 25
Venue: Ben David Messianic
Congregation
Location: Orange, CA
Australia
Date: Saturday 3 March
Venue: Perth Messianic Assembly,
Dianella Church of Christ
Location: Dianella, AU
Date: Sunday 4 March AM
Venue: Perth - Nollamara Baptist Church
Location: Nollamara, AU
Date: Sunday 4 March PM
Venue: Perth - Woodvale Baptist Church,
67 Woodvale Drive, Woodvale
Location: Woodvale, AU
Date: Monday 5 March PM to Thursday 8
March PM
Venue: New Life City Church
Location: Kewdale, AU 6105
Date: Tuesday 6 March
Venue: Bethany Baptist Church (Ministry
House)
Location: Beechboro, WA
Date: Wednesday 7 March
Venue: Harvest West Bible College
(Limited to college members only)
Location: Belmont, Perth
Date: Thursday 8 March AM
Venue: Perth - Subiaco Church Youth
Centre
Location: Subiaco, AU (08) 9388 1030
Date: Saturday 10 March
Venue: Melbourne - Celebrate Messiah
Beit HaMashiach Messianic
Congregation
Location: Caulfield South VIC, AU 3162
(03) 9563 5544
Date: Sunday 11 March AM
Venue: Belmont / Highton Baptist
Church
Location: Belmont Victoria, AU 3216 (03)
5241 1453
Date: Monday 12 March PM, and
Tuesday 13 March PM
Venue: Bendigo
Location: Bendigo VIC, AU
Date: Thursday 15 March AM
Venue: Adelaide - South West Baptist
Church
Location: Seacliff, AU (08) 8377 1802
Date: Friday 16 March PM
Venue: CWMF (Christian Witness
Ministries Fellowship)
Location: Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane, AU
Date: Saturday 17 March
Venue: CWMF (Christian Witness
Ministries Fellowship)
Location: Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane,
AU
Date: Sunday 18 March AM
Venue: CWMF (Christian Witness
Ministries Fellowship)
Location: Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane,
AU
Date: Monday 19 March to Friday 23
March
Venue: Capernwray Torchbearers Bible
College
Location: Burradoo NSW, AU 2576
Date: Saturday 24 March
Venue: Tamworth Salvation Army Hope
Centre
Location: Goonno Goonoo NSW, AU
Date: Sunday 25 March AM
Venue: Tamworth Bible Baptist Church
Location: Tamworth, AU
Date: Sunday 25 March PM to Tuesday
27 March PM
Venue: Maroubra Baptist Church
Location: Maroubra/Sydney, AU (02)
9344 3355
Date: Wednesday 28 March, and
Thursday 29 March
Venue: Hobart
Location: Hobart TAS, AU
Date: Friday 30 March 5 PM - Monday 2
April 2 PM
Venue: Sydney - Meroo Camp
Location: Seven Hills NSW, AU 9624
8947
N. Zealand
Date: Friday 6 April
Venue: Good News Bible Chapel
Location: Napier, NZ
Date: Saturday 7 April
Venue: Good News Bible Chapel
Location: Napier, NZ
Date: Sunday 8 April
Venue: Good News Bible Chapel
Location: Napier, NZ
Date: Monday 9 April
Venue: Church on Vogel
Location: Palmerston North, NZ
Date: Tuesday 10 April
Venue: Church on Vogel
Location: Palmerston North, NZ
Date: Thursday 12 April
Venue: Rowley Avenue Bible Chapel
Location: Christchurch, NZ
Date: Friday 13 April
Venue: Rowley Avenue Bible Chapel
Location: Christchurch, NZ

testimony
Olivier Melnick
I always believed
that there was
something bigger
than me in the
universe that
controlled all
things, but I just
did not care what
it was.
I was born in Paris, France from a secular
Jewish family. My parents had
survived the Second World
War and were still healing
from the horrors of the
Holocaust. My upbringing
took place in a very
protected Jewish
environment, even though
our family was not
attending synagogue or
keeping any strict Jewish
lifestyle.
As a result of losing her
dad in Auschwitz at age
15, my mother had
developed a complex
about being Jewish. It had
become our secret in the
community as she
constantly reminded me
that we should keep our
Jewish identity to our
own family. Until her
recent step of faith in 2011,
my mother believed that
God died during the
Holocaust. She has now
put her trust in her
Messiah Yeshua. As for my
father, he also claimed to
be an atheist until two weeks prior to his death in 2011,
when I was able to also lead him to the Lord.
I was not raised to believe in anything, and I never felt the
need to have a connection with God. I always believed that
there was something bigger than me in the universe that
controlled all things, but I just did not care what it was.
During my early 20's, I met a young Californian girl while on
a trip to the USA. She would later become my wife and
mother of our two children. My spiritual journey had
started.
This young girl (Ellen) challenged me to search the
scriptures for answers about God and His Messiah. At first I
kindly rejected her proposal and told her that we should be
who we were, that we should accept our differences and
enjoy life.
I had never really opened a Bible before, so when she started
to challenge me with a study of Messianic Prophecies in the
Tanakh (the Jewish Scriptures), I felt lost in an ocean of text.
Additionally, since I was not looking for God, I was not too
impressed with His word. But Ellen did not lose faith. She
07
patiently continued to pray and direct me to the Word.
One day, she took a slightly different approach and handed me
a book on prophecy. As I read, I was immediately impressed
by the same prophecies about the Messiah that she had tried
to get me to read in the Bible.
As I read the book, I began to discover the incredible truths
about the Jewish Messiah and all the events of His first
coming for the sins of the world. I was amazed at how
accurate and literal these prophecies were. God was drawing
me to Him.
As the book continued, the author delved into the yet
unfulfilled prophecies regarding the Second Coming of Yeshua
and His establishment of the Kingdom on earth. I realized
that if all the predictions about His first advent had been
fulfilled literally, there was no reason for the rest of His
redemptive program to not be literal.
One day, I became very intrigued as I read about the Rapture
of the believers (the future time when all followers of Messiah
Yeshua will be caught up in the air with Him, to go to Heaven
before we all return to establish the Kingdom on earth with
Him). Was this event to also be literal? Did that mean that, as
a non-believer, I would end up being separated from Ellen?
Maybe she could stay behind with me?
Ellen kindly explained to me that she could not stay behind,
but that I could join her in this event. She proceeded one more
time in explaining to me that Messiah Yeshua was the Jewish
Messiah, God in the flesh who had come to die for all of us,
including me. She also told me that His atoning death was
followed by His powerful resurrection. He was waiting for me
to make a move. So in 1983, I made my step of faith and invited
Yeshua into my heart. A few months later, Ellen and I got
married, and two years later we moved back to the United
States.
One event led to another as we started attending a
congregation in Southern California for a few years. Later, we
moved to Washington State where both our children were
born. It is there that I started getting involved with the
Messianic Jewish movement and discovered more about my
Jewish roots.
After serving with Ariel Ministries as the Northwest
volunteer director for six years, I
was offered an opportunity to
attend Moody Bible Institute in
Chicago and pursue a degree in
Jewish Studies. I graduated in
the Spring of 2001, a few years
after our family had joined
Chosen People Ministries.
Romans 10:1
www.chosenpeople.com
www.oliviermelnick.com
twitter: @artistique59
Our family is currently serving
the Lord in Southern California
in the midst of one million
Jewish people.

news
Ariel Branches &
Representatives:
Ariel Australia
Paul Cohen
Email: pcohen@ariel.org
Ariel New Zealand
Christopher and Denise
Gannon
Website: www.ariel.org.nz
Email: info@ariel.org.nz
New Zealand
The New Zealand branch has certainly been busy
these last couple of months. "We are newbies at
running a trust like Ariel New Zealand," explained
new branch leader Christpher Gannon, "but we are
gradually getting everything up to speed. Recently,
we had a sale of all our cassette materials, as they
have now been superseded by MP3 CDs. They were
so popular that we even had one Australian
Arielnik offer to purchase them all!"
Ariel Canada
Jacques and Sharon Gabizon
Website: www.arielcanada.com
Email: arielcanada@videotron.ca
Ariel Israel
Sasha G. and Lilian G.
Email: sashag@ariel.org
Ariel Germany
Georg Hagedorn
Website: www.cmv-duesseldorf.de
Email: germany@ariel.org
Ariel Hungary
Ivan and Rita Nagy
Email: hungary@ariel.org
Partner:
Gefen Israeli Outreach International
Email: gefen@ariel.org
Ariel Missionaries:
Jackie Fierman (Ariel Canada)
Email: jackief@ariel.org
John Metzger (North Carolina)
Website:
www.promisestoisrael.org
Email: johnmetzger@ariel.org
Michael and Hannah Gabizon
(Illinois)
Email:
michaelgabizon@gmail.com
Jeff Gutterman
(Field Representative)
Email: jeffg@ariel.org
And praise God that Arnold's teachings are being spread throughout the New
Zealand area.The branch currently has a large number of study groups being held
throughout the country. You can find out more information about these study
groups on their new, refurbished website at www.areil.org.nz - click on the
"Community" tab.
In April 2012, the branch will have the first visit from Arnold under their new
management team. "This is all thanks to two special Arieniks in New Zealand
who arranged this event to happen," said Gannon."We are very blessed to have
such dedicated members here in New Zealand."
Gefen
Hundreds of Israelis have been using the Gefen
International Israeli Outreach network,
according to founder of the ministry, Yaron.
During the last two months, 852 individual
Israelis have taken the information to
use Gefen's network. "Well
over half of these Israelis are
travelling either in pairs or
as couples," explained
Yaron. " So the actual
number of Israelis who will
use Gefen will be
significantly higher."
According to Yaron, Israelis are
asking their hosts to explain
why they care for them so much
and how they are able to reach out
08

news
and express love towards strangers. "Real life testimonies of
God's faithfulness, and the gospel message of salvation in
Yeshua are being shared with these people," said Yaron. "For
most of us, it is normal to have the opportunity to meet with
other believers, but the majority of young post army Israelis
and indeed Israelis in general have not met believers before,
especially as the number of believers in Israel is currently
around 0.01 percent of the population. What is happening
through this outreach program is very encouraging and so
vitally important. Israelis have an opportunity to not only
meet with believers, but stay in their homes where a seed
may be planted, and a step may be taken toward recognizing
Yeshua as Messiah."
For more information about
Gefen International Israeli Oureach,
please visit www.ariel.org and click on the
"About Us" tab.
09
Canada
Go west young ministry!
That is the direction Ariel
Canada will be taking
very soon. The branch has
been invited to speak in
Ottawa on the Feast of
Purim. Then they're
scheduled to take their
travels across the country to Thetis Island off of Vancouver,
British Columbia. Branch leader, Jacques Gabizonwill be
doing his second series this school year, covering the Minor
Prophets. His wife Sharon will join him this year and teach
students some Israeli dancing. "We will be celebrating
Passover a little earlier than usual this year," said Sharon.
"The Capernwray students will get a taste of some ethnic
Middle Eastern cuisine put together by their very talented
and enthusiastic chef, who intends on making caramel
brittle matzah, an Israeli salad
called salatyirakot, and a host of
other delights associated with
Passover."
In other news, the Gabizons
report that they have been
blessed to see five people come
to faith in recent months, two
of which have a Moslem
background. "We are praying
that 2012 will be a revival, if not
worldwide, then at least in the
hearts of individuals," said
Sharon. "We are praying for an
increase of admissions into the
Kingdom this year."
Ariel Canada is looking forward
to a new and renovated
website,which hopefully will
incorporate four languages. The
Gabizons report that the
website is still a work in
progress,but you can visit them
at www.arielcanada.com.

news
lectures there. "We had a great time of
study and fellowship with wonderful local
believers who were Germans, Polish, and
Russians," said Rita."We also
accompanied Arnold to the DP Camp in
the city of Hofgeismar, where he lived as a
child for three years after World War II.
Michael Leister, an elder from the Hunfeld
Hungary
The newest branch to join the Ariel Ministries family is Ivan
and Rita Nagy of Hungary. The Nagys joined us as official
representatives on November 1, 2011, and we are blessed to
have them. This past year
alone, 30 studies of the Come
and See program have been
translated into the
Hungarian -1language; this
includes the Come and See
quizzes too. Ivan has
started recording the
Hungarian translations into
mp3 format to put on their
new website, which is in the final stages of completion.
One thing the Nagys are very passionate about is teaching
from a Jewish perspective. "At the end of last year, Ivan
finished teaching the first part of The Footsteps of the Messiah our
home Bible study," said Rita."He will continue this year with
the topic of Millennial Kingdom." Rita reports that her
husband has also begun the Come and See program with a
family from another city, mostly by Skype.
In other news, the Nagys recently visited Hunfeld, Germany
(a 10-hour drive from Hungary) and attended Arnold’s Bible
10
church, brought us to the local city museum and to the
Jewish Cemetery there. We certainly enjoyed our time in
Germany with Arnold."
Australia
Ariel Australia recently had
the opportunity to spend a
weekend in Tamworth,
acountry town in NSW. On
Saturday, branch leader Paul
Cohen reports that the men
enjoyed breakfast, while he
gave an overview on the
Tabernacle, a subject very
near and dear to him. “It
remains one of the studies,
which is close to my heart,” said Cohen.“There are so many
foundational truths within this study. It was great to get
toknow some of the Ariel supporters, and we are looking
forward toseeing them again when Arnold visits in March.”

news
SHOSHANAH
Camp News
THREE PEOPLE HAVE REGISTERED! As of Jan 15th, Gary
and Missy Demers report that they have had three
registrations come in for Ariel's Program of Messianic Jewish
Studies 2012 at Camp Shoshanah. Don’t miss out on this
exciting opportunity. Send in your application today and
participate in an intensive Bible study with great fellowship.
Scholarship money is also available to help pastors
and missionaries attend the program. Please
contact the Camp office if you would like to donate to
their scholarship fund, or you can place your gift on
the application.
This summer is shaping up to be a great year at Camp
Shoshanah. While you are there, you will be able to
tour the building that will soon be the new kitchen,
dining room, bathrooms and classrooms. Work is still
progressing, but soon the new building will be
completed and ready for future use. Please pray for
the completion of this building and the permit to use it.
Ariel Ministries
welcomes
Jeffrey
Gutterman
Ariel Ministries welcomes Jeffrey Gutterman as our new
field representative. Gutterman's goal is to help believers in
Messiah, Yeshua recognize the richness of their spiritual
inheritance through education and to make them aware of
their relationship and responsibility to the Jewish people.
Gutterman is a Bible teacher and speaker, as well as a writer.
He has spoken at Conservative Theological Society
Conferences and Scofield Prophecies Studies Conferences, as
11
well as many churches and Bible Study groups. Jeffrey has
also taught summer courses at The Program of Messianic
Jewish Studies at Camp Shoshanah, and he recently
co-authored Biography of "Ruth with the Truth" Wardell: Missionary
to the Jewish People.
Jeffrey holds a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Long
Island University, a Masters of Science in Education from
Fordham University, a Masters of Theological Studies from
Tyndale Theological Seminary, and is currently completing a
Doctor of Ministry degree with Scofield Graduate School
and Seminary.
Book
Acts
of
Seminar
Steven Ger Seminar
Messianic writer and author Steven Ger recently visited the Ariel
Ministries Home Office in San Antonio, where he taught a 3-day
intensive Bible study on the Book of Acts. "Steven was so
knowledgeable and engaging," said Denise Velarde, Home Office
manager and executive assistant. "I felt like I was experiencing
the birth of the church right beside Paul and everyone else! I
can't wait to see the finished DVD series of his teaching." The
Home Office hopes to continue hosting a variety of Messianic
teachers in the near future. Keep checking for updates on
upcoming events at www.ariel.org.

go!
Go!
By Jonathan Croudace
Welcome to our new section entitled ... Go!
Our aim in this section is to talk about the
Great Commission given to us by our Lord
(Matthew 28:18-20), and specifically,
evangelism. We read and hear a lot about
discipling believers and getting them into
the Word with biblical teaching so they are
grounded in Christ. But evangelism is also a
part of discipleship. How can we "make a
disciple" if we don’t preach the gospel to them
first? We preach/teach the Gospel to unbelievers;
by the grace of God they hear, believe, and then call on
the name of the Lord to be saved (Romans 10:13-15, 17).
After their salvation, we baptize them and teach them the
truths of the Word of God. That’s the process of discipling. But
we can't teach someone to walk in the Lord, until we tell that
person about the Lord.
So let’s look at a definition of evangelism.
Definition:
Evangelism is the proclamation of a divine message
(Gospel) concerning the Person and work of Jesus the
Messiah in the power and authority of the Spirit of God
that seeks a response from the hearer.
Within this definition are six brief points:
1. Proclamation
We are to proclaim the Gospel message. People are saved by
hearing the Word. Unfortunately, a lot of emphasis is placed on
lifestyle evangelism. Our lifestyle can be a good testimony, but it
is not a means of evangelism. We have no record of anyone being
saved through the lifestyle of another in the Scriptures. The
Lord’s siblings didn’t believe He was the Messiah. They lived
with Him and witnessed a sinless law-fulfilling lifestyle, but
they were not believers. Belief came after His resurrection.
People who got saved were either curious about His works first
(Nicodemus) or saved by His Word (woman at the well).
Throughout the book of Acts, all conversions resulted from the
proclaimed Word. Examples include the following: believers at
Pentecost (Acts 2), Philip preaching in Samaria and witnessing
to the eunuch (Acts 8), Cornelius (Acts 10), Lydia - the
Philippian jailor (both Acts 16), and Crispus (Acts 18). In each
case, like today, the servant of the Lord fulfills his calling of "Go"
and initiates the opportunity to witness. We are to proclaim the
Gospel.
12
2. Divine Message
The Gospel is from God. It is not
according to man, neither received by
man nor taught of man (Galatians
1:11-12). We are entrusted with a message
that comes right from the heart of God.
3. Person of Jesus the Messiah
The divine message concerns the Person of
Messiah (Romans 1:3-4); the One who is the eternal
Son of God, who became the God-Man when He was
made of the seed of David, according to the flesh. His divine
Personage was declared through His resurrection from the
dead.
4. Work of Jesus the Messiah
We are to proclaim the work of the Messiah. This work is:
a) Substitutionary – Christ died for OUR sins. He is the
propitiation for OUR sins, and the Lord has laid on Him the
iniquity of US all. He died on our behalf; therefore, His work
is substitutionary.
b) Finished – Upon the cross, just before He yielded up His
Spirit He said, "it is finished." The Messiah’s work is a
finished work proven by His resurrection.
c) Saving –1 Cor. 15:2 says we are saved by the Gospel.
Christ’s work is a saving work.
5. Power and authority of the Spirit of God
The apostles "preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit
sent from heaven". We are to preach in the same power and
let the Spirit of God have free course in the work of the
hearer to convict of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
6. Seeks a response
At Pentecost, the hearers said, "What shall we do?" The
Philippian jailor said, "what must I do to be saved?" We
must faithfully proclaim the Word and trust the Lord to stir
the hearer to respond and be attentive to their responses.
That is a brief definition and summary of evangelism. Are we
evangelizing? Are we making the effort to "Go" and proclaim
the Gospel?
“The …Go!... Challenge” – share the Gospel with at
least one Jewish person within the next month.
Send any questions or witnessing testimonies to
jonathanc@ariel.org

Program of
Messianic Jewish
Studies
SHOSHANAH
CAMP SHOSHANAH
July 8 - August 18, 2012
Arnold G.
Fruchtenbaum,Th.M, Ph.D.
Founder & Director
Ariel Ministries
San Antonio, TX
Sam Nadler
Founder & Director
Word of Messiah
Ministries
Charlotte, NC
Michael Gabizon
Missionary
Ariel
Ministries
Chicago, IL
Jeffrey Johnson, Ph.D.
Founder & President,
Israel Today
Ministries
Arlington, TX
Mottel Baleston
Associate
Messianic Rabbi
Beth Messiah Cong.
Livingston, NJ

SHOSHANAH
Every summer for the past
38 years, Ariel Ministries
has welcomed students of
all ages from many
countries to join us for our
Messianic discipleship
program held at Camp
Shoshanah. It is nestled in
the beautiful Adirondack
Mountains of Upstate New
York, and provides the
perfect setting for our
newly expanded six-week
program of rich Bible
study, fellowship, and fun.
You can attend from 1 to 6
weeks of the Program
depending on your
schedule. Our program
centers on the grounding
and growth of believers
through in-depth study
of the Scriptures from
a Jewish perspective.
The time of Bible
study combined with
worship, fellowship,
and the beautiful
surroundings,
makes Shoshanah
School the perfect
retreat for
refreshment
and renewal
of your faith.
The Book of Genesis
Jewish Evangelism
The Book of Daniel
The Holocaust
Camp Shoshanah
CAMP
CAMP
CAMP
SHOSHANAH
2012 CAMP
SHOSHANAH CAMP
SHOSHANA
SHOSHANAH
2012
SHOSHANAH
2012
2012
2012
Throughout the years, we have
formed relationships with many
believers around the world. We
value their opinions and input
about our summer program. In
response to the suggestions of
many returnees, we are now
including two shorter programs.
A two-week program teaching
Genesis and Jewish Evangelism
and a one week program teaching
the Life of the Messiah. This
opportunity will be available on
the irst, second, and sixth week.
You may attend for 1 to 6 weeks,
depending on your schedule.
Students are encouraged to attend
all six weeks of the program if their
schedule allows.
THE PROGRAM BREAKDOWN
Classes begin on Monday morning
and end on Friday evening. During
the irst two weeks, the program will
run four hours per day. During the
remaining four weeks, the program
will run ive hours per day. The
structure of the program will include
four classes, each an hour long per day
for both two and three week programs.
The three week program has a required
ifth session for irst-time attendees: The
Highlights of the Life of Messiah, which
runs for 75 minutes each day. The sixth
week program will also run for ive
hours per day.
A youth program is provided during the
adult sessions. We have designed our
schedule for the maximum teaching time
during the day, while allowing ample
time for fun and fellowship. The
afternoons and weekends allow plenty of
free time for worship, fellowship, hiking,
and recreation at Trout Pond, as well as
various other activities located nearby.
Each Friday evening, we have a special
Shabbat dinner. Saturday is a free day
for students who will continue their
study and a departure day for those who
are leaving. On Sunday mornings, we
gather for a time of worship led by Ariel
staff members and students. If you play
a musical instrument, please bring it
along to share with us. Saturday and
Sunday evenings are reserved for
lakeside cookouts with music, dance, and
fellowship.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH:
(AGES 2-17)
Serious Bible education is required for
our youth. While opportunities for good
fun abound, irst and foremost the
Shoshanah facility is a Discipleship
Program. During adult classes, we will
conduct Bible teaching and recreation
program for children ages 2-17. Topics
will mirror the adult program topics.
We regret that pending completion of
the Dining Hall, no children under 2 can
be taken care of. You are welcome to
bring a babysitter for them.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Accommodations include cabins for
married couples and families, separate
dorms for single men and single women,
and camp grounds (tent, camper, or RV).
All accommodations are available on a
irst-come, irst-served basis, giving
early registrants preference regarding
dates of attendance. You may also
commute from one of the local motels
(contact Camp Shoshanah for a list).
Pets are NOT permitted.
MEALS AT FACILITY:
Meals include breakfast, lunch and
dinner. Please plan to arrive after noon
on Sunday, July 8. The irst meal for new
arrivals will be the evening cookout.
Please Note: Attendees are not
permitted to prepare their own meals
nor is food allowed in the cabins, nor use
of the kitchen facilities for any purpose.
MEDICATION STORAGE:
A refrigerator is provided in the dining
hall for those attendees who have
special needs, such as insulin storage,
etc. Any medicines that will be stored in
the refrigerator in the Dining Hall
designated “Student Fridge” MUST be
put in a covered plastic box and
CLEARLY labeled.
CAMP
SHOSHANAH
2012 CAMP
SHOSHANAH
2012
he Messianic-Jewish Epistles
The Life of Messiah
CAMP
SHOSHANAH
CAMP
2012 SHOSHANAH
CAMP
SHOSHANAH 2012
2012
The bbinic Book and Messianic of Genesis Views
wish Evangelism
Spiritual Life
CAMP
SHOSHANAH
CAMP
SHOSHANAH 2012
CAMP
2012
SHOSHANAH
2012
he Book Camp Shoshanah
of Daniel
The Holocaust
CAMP
SHOSHANAH
2012
Camp Shoshanah

Week 1 & Week 2
July 8 – July 21
C O U R S E
S Y L L A B U S
CAMP
SHOSHANAH
2012 CAMP
SHOSHANAH
2012
The Messianic-Jewish Epistles
The Life of Messiah
CAMP
SHOSHANAH
2012
Rabbinic and Messianic Views
CAMP
SHOSHANAH
2012
Spiritual Life
CAMP
SHOSHANAH
2012
Camp Shoshanah
The Book of Genesis
A verse-by-verse study through the Book of Genesis; the
“book of beginnings”. This class will give students a irm
foundation for future study.
Jewish Evangelism
This course will focus on evangelism to Jewish people
on an individual level. Topics will include: Why to
Witness, How to Witness, Appreciation of Jewish People,
and Our Approach to Jewish People.
Week 3 - July 22 – July 28
Highlights of the Book of Daniel
This class is a verse-by-verse study through the Book of
Daniel, surveying the history and uncovering the
symbolism that is demonstrated in the prophecies and
the visions. This class will take a look at the times of the
Gentiles, and the future of Israel and of all believers.
The Holocaust:
Its History and Theological Implications
This course will cover the history of the Holocaust and
interpret it from a biblical perspective.
The Messianic-Jewish Epistles
An exposition of the Books of Hebrews, James, I & II
Peter, and Jude. The focus will be to show how these
books were addressed speciically to deal with
Messianic Jewish issues in the irst century and how
they are relevant today.
Rabbinic and Messianic Views
of Messianic Prophecy
This course focuses on irst coming prophecies and
presents the rabbinic view, both past and present, as
well as the Messianic view.
Highlights of the Life of the Messiah
Based on the book Harmony of the Gospels, this class
walks you through the four Gospels. It highlights the
events in the life of the Messiah from a Jewish
perspective, shedding light on the Jewish customs that
surrounded our Messiah.
Week 4
July 29 – August 4
The Book of Daniel (continued)
The Holocaust: Its History and
Theological Implications (continued)
The Messianic-Jewish Epistles (continued)
Rabbinic and Messianic Views of Messianic
Prophecy (continued)
Highlights of The Life of the Messiah (continued)
Week 5
August 5 – August 11
The Book of Daniel (continued)
Spiritual Life
A study of the principles of the spiritual life and spiritual
warfare, together with the role of the Holy Spirit, the new
nature, the world, the lesh, and the devil.
The Messianic-Jewish Epistles (continued)
The History of Messianic Jews
This class addresses the history of Messianic Jews from
the irst to the 21st century. It clears up many
misconceptions about our history and teaches what the
modern Messianic Jewish movement can learn from
history.
The Highlights of the Life of the Messiah (continued)
Week 6 – August 12 – August 18
The Life of Messiah from a Jewish Perspective
Complete teaching in one week more extensive than
what is covered in the three week program.

CAMP
SHOSHANAH
ACCOMMODATION,
CONFERENCE FEE & MEALS COSTS
ACCOMODATIONS 1 WEEK 2 WEEKS 3 WEEKS 4 WEEKS 5 WEEKS 6 WEEKS
Room/Cabin $550 $900 $1,250 $1,400 $1,550 $1,650
RV Site 475 750 1,025 1,175 1,400 1,500
Dormitory 425 650 875 1,025 1,175 1,275
Tent Site 375 550 725 875 1,025 1,125
Commuter 200 300 400 550 700 800
Commuter w/ Meals 300 400 500 650 875 1,025
Children (Ages 2 - 17) 325 500 675 825 975 1,075
CANCELLATION FEE: 50% of total amount due if cancelling in the arriving month of your reservation.
SHOSHANAH
2012 CAMP
SHOSHANAH
2012
CAMP
CAMP
CAMP
CAMP
CAMP
SHOSHANAH
SHOSHANAH CAMP
SHOSHANAH
2012 CAMP
SHOSHANAH CAMP
SHOSHANAH
2012
SHOSHANAH
2012 SHOSHANAH
2012
SHOSHANAH
2012
2012
2012
2012
The Book of Genesis
Jewish Evangelism
The Book of Daniel
The Holocaust
The Messianic-Jewish Epistles
Camp Shoshanah
The Life of Messiah
Rabbinic and Messianic Views
Spiritual Life
Camp Shoshanah
CLASS SCHEDULES
W E E K 1* W E E K 2
TIME JULY 8 - 14 JULY 15 - 21
9:00 - 10:00 am Book of Genesis (Fruchtenbaum) Book of Genesis (continued) (Fruchtenbaum)
10:30 - 11:30 am Book of Genesis (Fruchtenbaum) Book of Genesis (continued) (Fruchtenbaum)
6:30 - 7:30 pm Book of Genesis (Fruchtenbaum) Book of Genesis (continued) (Fruchtenbaum)
8:00 - 9:00 pm Jewish Evangelism (Nadler) Jewish Evangelism (continued) (Nadler)
TIME JULY 22 - JULY 28 JULY 29 - AUG 4 AUG 5 - AUG 11 AUG 12 - AUG 18
8:30 - 9:30 am Book of Daniel
(Fruchtenbaum)
9:45 - 10:45 am The Holocaust
(Baleston)
11:15 - 12:30 pm Highlights of the Life of
Messiah (Fruchtenbaum)
6:30 - 7:30 pm Messianic-Jewish Epistles
(Fruchtenbaum)
8:00 - 9:00 pm Messianic Prophecy
(Johnson)
W E E K 3 W E E K 4 W E E K 5 W E E K 6
Book of Daniel (cont'd)
(Fruchtenbaum)
The Holocaust (cont'd)
(Baleston)
Highlights of the Life of
Messiah (cont'd)
Messianic-Jewish Epistles
(cont'd) (Fruchtenbaum)
Messianic Prophecy (cont'd)
(Johnson)
* Please Note: Week 1 arrival for camp must be after July 7
Book of Daniel (cont'd)
(Fruchtenbaum)
History of Messianic Jews
(Baleston)
Highlights of the Life of Messiah
(cont'd) (Fruchtenbaum)
Messianic-Jewish Epistles
(cont'd) (Fruchtenbaum)
Spiritual Life
(Gabizon)
Life of Messiah
(Fruchtenbaum)
Life of Messiah
(Fruchtenbaum)
Life of Messiah
(Fruchtenbaum)
Life of Messiah
(Fruchtenbaum)
Life of Messiah
(Fruchtenbaum)
TYNDALE SEMINARY or Bible School Course Credit: You can receive Bible school or seminary credit for classes taken at Shoshanah.
Shoshanah Discipleship Program, up to three credit hours.
FOR INFORMATION ON OBTAINING CREDIT, PLEASE CONTACT: Dr. Patrick Belville at: (800) 866-1415, or by EMAIL at: registrar@Tyndale.edu
You may send your course completion information to Dr. Belville at: Tyndale Seminary - 6800 Manhattan Blvd Ste 200 - Ft. Worth, TX 7612

Please fill out one application for each attendee.
Please print legibly.
Last Name _____________________________,
First Name __________________________________________
Child #1
Child #2
Child #3
Name________________________________________________ Age _____________ Birthdate _______________
Name________________________________________________ Age _____________ Birthdate _______________
Name________________________________________________ Age _____________ Birthdate _______________
Male / Female Jew / Gentile Age: ____ Birth Date: ______________ How long have you been a believer? ______________
Address ________________________________
________________________________
Email: _____________________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________ Fax: _____________________
City ________________________________ State /Province ___________________ Country__________________
Zip / Postal Code _________________________
Occupation: _____________________________
SHOSHANAH
APPLICATION
FORM
Congregation/Church: ________________________________________
Have you attended Camp Shoshanah before? ____________________ If so, what years? ______________________________
How much Bible background do you have? ____________________________________________________________________
Please week or weeks you will attend: (Please Note: Week 1 arrival for camp must be after July 7)
2 Week Programs 3 Week Program Week Six Program
July 8-14 July 15 – July 21 July 22 - 28 July 29 - Aug. 4 Aug. 5 - 11 Aug. 12-18
ACCOMMODATIONS, CONFERENCE FEE & MEALS PER PERSON
(Arrival time is Saturday after noon. First meal is Saturday evening cookout)
1 Week 2 Weeks 3 Weeks 4 Weeks 5 Weeks 6 Weeks TOTAL
Room/Cabin $550 $900 $1,250 $1,400 $1,550 $1,650 ____________
RV Site $475 $750 $1,025 $1,175 $1,400 $1,500 ____________
Dormitory $425 $650 $ 875 $ 1,025 $1,175 $1,275 ____________
Tent Site $375 $550 $ 725 $ 875 $1,025 $1,125 ____________
Commuter $200 $300 $ 400 $ 550 $ 700 $ 800 ____________
Commuter w/ Meals $300 $400 $ 500 $ 650 $ 875 $1,025 ____________
Children (2-17) $325 $500 $ 675 $ 825 $ 975 $1,075 ____________
CANCELLATION FEE:
50% of total amount due if cancelling in the arriving month of your reservation.
PLEASE CHARGE MY CREDIT CARD (check one) Scholarship Fund (optional) $ ___________
MasterCard VISA Discover
Amount $ _____________
Card number ________ ________ ________ ________ ________
Expiration Date __ __ / __ __
CSV ____ ____ ____ ____
Signature: _______________________________________________
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE:
Mail or fax with payment to:
Ariel‘s Program
of Messianic Studies
838 Trout Pond Road
Keeseville, NY 12944
(518) 834-6057 Fax (518) 834-7598
Email: campshoshanah@ariel.org
$ ___________

Available
02.29.12
$15
18

fruit from the frucht
PURIM: THE FEAST OF LOTS (ESTHER)
T 9
oday, there
are nine major
feasts or holy seasons
of Israel. Seven of these
were inaugurated by
Moses in Leviticus 23.
Of the two which were
inaugurated after the
Mosaic feasts, one is
Hanukkah, the Feast of
the Dedication or the
Feast of Lights; and the
other is the Feast of
Purim, a feast
inaugurated in the
Book of Esther.
19

fruit from the frucht
THE NAMES OF THE FEAST
There are three basic names for this particular feast. By far
the most common name today is Purim, and this is the
biblical name according to Esther 9:26. Purim is the plural
form of the singular word Pur meaning “lot,” so Purim means
“lots.” Purim is the Feast of Lots, and the reason this name
was given is spelled out in Esther 9:24: because Haman had cast
Pur, the lot, to destroy the Jews (Esth. 3:7; 9:24).
A second name is “Mordecai’s Day.” This is a name given to
the feast in early Jewish writings between the testaments
and is found in one of the apocryphal books, II Maccabees
15:36. It was given this name, because it was actually
Mordecai who inaugurated this feast (Esth. 9:20 21).
The third name is Id El Sukar. This is Arabic, meaning “the
sweet festival.” This name was given by the Arabs of
Jerusalem during the Turkish period (1517 1917). It became
the Jewish custom in Jerusalem to give sugar candies to
Moslem authorities on this day, thus, the Arabs began
calling this feast the “Sweet Festival.”
PURIM IN THE SCRIPTURES:
ESTHER 9:17 32
This is the only passage that actually deals with this feast.
A. The Exposition
1. The Origin of the Feast: Esther 9:17 19
The observance of this feast in the provinces outside the city
of Shushan is stated in verse 17:
This was done on the thirteenth day of the month Adar;
and on the fourteenth day of the same they rested, and made
it a day of feasting and gladness.
This was the day that was originally set for the slaughter of
the Jews, according to verse 16.
What was done in the city of Shushan is recorded in verse 18:
But the Jews that were in Shushan assembled together
on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof;
and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made
it a day of feasting and gladness.
20
How this feast was observed in the villages and unwalled
towns is found in verse 19:
Therefore do the Jews of the villages, that dwell in the
unwalled towns, make the fourteenth day of the month Adar
a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day,
and of sending portions one to another.
They made the fourteenth of the month a day of feasting and
gladness. The word "therefore" falls back to verse 17; because
of the events in verse 17, the Jews of the villages and they that dwell
in the unwalled towns make this feast on the fourteenth day of Adar,
and then they explain what this day was like and they give
it four titles: first, it was a day of gladness, in contrast to
becoming a day of sorrow; secondly, it was a day of feasting,
in contrast to fasting; thirdly, it was a good day, in contrast to
a day of mourning; and, fourthly, it was a day of sending
portions one to another, in contrast to having things taken away
from them.
2. The Letters of Mordecai: Esther 9:20 22
Verse 20 deals with the writing itself:
And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters
unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces
of the king Ahasuerus, both near and far, . . .
The phrase "these things" refers to the things concerning the
observance of Purim. By way of destination, he sent the
letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the King
Ahasuerus, both near and far.
The admonition in verse 21:
. . . to enjoin them that they should keep the
fourteenth day of the month Adar,
and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly, . . .
The admonition was to keep the feast, to enjoin them that they
should keep; that is, to observe the feast. This was to
reconfirm the practice on a yearly basis and the dates were
given specifically as the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and the
fifteenth day of the same [month]. The frequency was that it
should be observed on a yearly basis.
The reason is given in verse 22a:
. . . as the days wherein the Jews had rest from their enemies,
and the month which was turned unto them from
sorrow to gladness, and from mourning into a good day; . . .

fruit from the frucht
On that day, they had rest from fear and rest from war, and the
month which was turned unto them from sorrow to gladness, and from
mourning into a good day.
Finally, he spelled out the manner of observance in verse 22b:
. . . that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and
of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.
The observance included three things: first, they should
make these days of feasting and gladness, not fasting and sorrow;
secondly, they should make these days of sending portions one to
another, in place of having their possessions taken away; and
thirdly, it should be a day of sending gifts to the poor.
3. The Observance by the Jews: Esther 9:23 25
Verse 23 records the obedience of the Jews:
And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun,
and as Mordecai had written unto them; . . .
The first observance was a spontaneous one, but now they
commit themselves to continue this observance on a yearly
basis.
Verses 24-25 provide the historical background, beginning
with the plot of Haman in verse 24:
. . . because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite,
the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews
to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is the lot,
to consume them, and to destroy them; . . .
This is followed by the historical record of the failure of the
plot as Haman and his wicked sons were hanged in verse 25:
. . . but when the matter came before the king, he commanded
by letters that his wicked device, which he had devised
against the Jews, should return upon his own head,
and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
4. The Naming of the Feast: Esther 9:26a
Wherefore they called these days Purim, after the name of Pur.
Wherefore, meaning because of verse 24, they called these days
Purim, which is the plural form of a word that means “lot”,
after the name of Pur. Since Haman cast the lot (v. 24) to
determine on what day the Jews should be destroyed, and
since that day came down upon his own head, and upon the
heads of the enemies, the name chosen for this feast was the
Feast of Purim or the Feast of Lots.
21
5. The Observance of the Feast: Esther 9:26b 28
Verse 26b gives the background:
Therefore because of all the words of this letter,
and of that which they had seen concerning this matter,
and that which had come unto them, . . .
This is signaled by the word "therefore": that is, because of all
the words of this letter - the letter of Mordecai of verses 20 22;
and because of that which they had seen concerning this matter - the
deliverance of the Jews from Haman and his followers; and
because of that which had come unto them - the threat of
destruction; because of all that - came the commitment in
verse 27:
. . . the Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon
all such as joined themselves unto them, so that it should not fail, that
they would keep these two days according to the writing thereof, and
according to the appointed time thereof, every year; . . .
This commitment involved three things. First, they took upon
them, meaning the generation that was delivered committed
themselves to keep this feast on a yearly basis. Secondly, they
also made this commitment upon their seed, the Jewish
descendants of the generation that was delivered from the
hand of Haman. And, thirdly, and unto all such as joined
themselves unto them, meaning Gentile converts to Judaism
would also be bound to keep this feast.
The purpose was: that it should not fail, meaning it should not
fail to be observed.
The content was: that they would keep these two days according to
the writing thereof, according to Mordecai’s letter, and according
to the appointed time thereof, meaning on the fourteenth day and
the fifteenth day of the month of Adar.
The frequency was: every year; it was to be observed on a
yearly basis.
6. The Letters of Mordecai and Esther: Esther 9:29 32
Verse 29 deals with the writing and the writers:
Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail,
and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority to
confirm this second letter of Purim.
This time there were two authors. The first author was Esther,
who is described in two ways: first, she was the queen; and
secondly, she was the daughter of Abihail. The other author was
Mordecai the Jew, who wrote with all authority. This was the second

fruit from the frucht
letter of Purim. The first was written by Mordecai alone (vv.
20 22), but this was written by both Mordecai and Esther.
Verse 30 reveals who the recipients of the letter were:
And he sent letters unto all the Jews, to the
hundred twenty and seven provinces of the
kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth, . . .
They were sent them unto all the Jews; in other words, copies
of the letter were sent to all the hundred twenty and seven
provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, the Persian Empire. The
letter was introduced by words of peace and truth.
The second letter provided the confirmation of the feast
according to verse 31:
. . . to confirm these days of Purim in their appointed times,
according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had
enjoined them, and as they had ordained for themselves and
for their seed, in the matter of the fastings and their cry.
This confirmation was on the basis of two traditions. The
first tradition was on the basis that it had enjoined them; that
is, it was commanded to them by Mordecai the Jew and Esther
the queen. The second tradition was that they had ordained,
meaning that the subjects ordained or committed themselves
and their seed concerning the matter of the fastings and their cry,
based upon Esther 4:3 and 16.
Finally in verse 32, there is confirmation:
And the commandment of Esther confirmed these matters
of Purim; and it was written in the book.
Esther confirmed all that Mordecai said and wrote about
the observance of Purim. The observance of Purim was now
given royal authority by the hand of Esther; with Esther, it
took on the status of Persian law. Furthermore, it was written
in the book. It is not clear which book this refers to. It might
be the Book of Esther, which is the book where this feast is
found, or it might be a reference to a book of records of the
chronicles of the Kingdom of Persia mentioned in Esther 6:1.
B. Observations and Conclusions
From this passage, we can deduce a total of eight
observations and conclusions.
The second observation is that in Shushan, the first
observance took place on the fifteenth day of Adar.
The third observation is that this set the stage for a
differential in later Jewish observances. To this day, in
villages and unwalled towns, the Jews celebrate this feast on
the fourteenth day of the month, but inside walled cities,
they celebrate it on the fifteenth day of the month of Adar.
The fourth observation is that there are five elements in
observing the Feast of Purim. First, this was to be a time of
feasting in place of fasting, which would have been the case
had the Jews been slaughtered. Secondly, it was to be a day
of gladness, in place of being a day of sorrow, which would
have been the case if the Jews were slaughtered. Thirdly, it
was to be a good day in place of a day of mourning, which
would have been the case if Haman’s plot had succeeded.
Fourthly, it was to be a day of giving portions one to another in
place of their own possessions becoming a spoil. For, in
order to motivate people to kill Jews, Haman said that those
who killed the Jews would then have the right to take over
their possessions, thus the Jews would then have had their
possessions taken away. And, fifth, it was to be a day of
giving gifts to the poor, in contrast to having nothing to give
had Haman’s plot succeeded.
The fifth observation is that the name for the feast was based
on Haman’s actions: he cast the Pur, or he cast the lot, to
determine on which day he would try to destroy the Jews.
The sixth observation is that the Feast of Purim is observed
because of Haman’s failure.
The seventh observation is that the first observance of the
Feast of Purim was purely spontaneous as a sign of relief
because they had rest from their enemies.
And the eighth observation is that the practice of the yearly
observance was initiated by Mordecai. It was his letters that
encouraged the Jews to do so, and it was given the status of
law by Queen Esther. The Jewish people then made a
commitment to keep it yearly.
The first observation is that outside the capital city of
Shushan, the first observance took place on the fourteenth
day of the month of Adar.
22

did you know?
Interesting Facts
about the Book of Esther
The rabbis raised a question, “Why is God’s
name not found in the Book of Esther?” One
rabbi answered, “The reason is that Mordecai
knew the Persians would copy it and he did
not want God’s name to be used for idolatrous
purposes.”
The Book of Esther contains words found only
in the Book of Esther, and nowhere else in the
Hebrew Bible. There are six such words:
1. Tebeth, which is the tenth Hebrew month
(Esth. 2:16);
2. Kasher (Esth. 8:5)
3. Patshegn which is a Persian word for a
“copy of the writings”
(Esth. 3:14; 4:8; 8:13);
4. Pur, the Persian word for “lot”
(Esth. 3:7; 9:24);
5. Krpas, which is the Persian word
for cotton (Esth. 1:6);
6. Ahashteranim, which is the Persian word
for the “king’s servants” (Esth. 8:10, 14).
All the letters of the Hebrew alphabet are found
in verse 3:13.
The longest verse in the Bible is Esther 8:9. In
Hebrew, it contains 43 words, but in English it
contains a total of 90 words.
The Samaritans observed this feast a month
earlier, in the month of Sh’vat.
Hadassah, the Jewish women’s Zionist
organization, was founded on Purim in the year
1912.
The Nazis banned Purim observances. Hitler, on
January 31, 1944, said that if the Nazis went
down in defeat, the Jews would celebrate a
second triumphal Purim. How right he was! On
October 16, 1946, ten Nazis were hung in
Nuremberg like the ten sons of Haman. One of
them was Julius Streicher, who said as he was
hung, “Purim, 1946.”
23

israel
Report from Israel
Essays and Subjective Notes ...
Taken in the Shadow of my Savior
By L.G.
We praise
God that ...
Every good
and perfect
gift is from
above,
coming
down from
the father of
the heavenly
lights ...
James 1:17
NIV
We've come to realize that we want you to know us better. Even if you
regularly receive our newsletter, you might not realize the essence of
what we do. We want to share with you the fact that whatever
we do, wherever we serve, and whenever we get in touch with
a person, deep within us beats a passionate heart for listening
and helping people. We listen to what they say and feel, we
pray with them, and we have compassion for struggling men
and women. To put it in simpler terms, we care. We always
have; we always will. We want you to care as well.
It happened at the dentist office. Our entire family has been
going to this dentist for the past 15 years. Only a year ago, God
had opened the opportunity to share who our Savior and Messiah
truly is. We'll call him "David". He is a dentist. He is also a Jewish immigrant
originally from Brazil, and he is an atheist to the very core. He initiated the
conversation by asking me whether she believes in some sort of "god".
“Thank you for asking,” I thought. Though it is not as convenient to talk when your mouth
is being worked on, she accepted the challenge and started to share. David was completely
shocked by what I was sharing with him. It was, as always, divine timing for that sharing of
the Gospel. A month later our firstborn son was diagnosed with leukemia, and David was
witnessing our journey with God in the middle of that “storm”.
The conversation about faith was initiated by David, once again, a year later.
I asked David if he, as a physician, knew anything about stem cell treatment for all kinds of
diseases, in particular for autism. He said he didn't. Our conversation then progressed and went a
little something like this:
David - “Have you become a Messianic Jew? Did it all start when you learned about your daughter
suffering from autism? Was it a desperate need that pushed you to that? And why in the world have you
become Christians?”
He, once again, started to become heated. And not because he was angry with me, but with his lack of ability
to understand, “Why an intelligent family can believe in such a nonsense!”
L.G. - “Because every other religion is dead. They are based on works. Our faith is alive. It is only because of God's
grace, pure grace, that we are saved.”
He exploded with fury.
24

israel
David - “You want to tell me that Judaism is a dead religion?
(Remember, only few minutes ago he declared himself as
finished atheist!) And Catholicism is not dead???!!!”
L.G. - “I am not a Catholic. You are right, Catholic religion is
as dead as Judaism. I am a Messianic Jew - a Jew who
believes that Yeshua is my Messiah - because of what He has
done for me, for you, and for all sinners. I am saved, and I
have an eternal relationship with God.”
David - “How can you believe that God exists? Do you need
someone there? I believe in nature and beauty. I don't need
any figure of some kind of father, a God sitting somewhere
out there.”
L.G. - “Well, I do need someone who is bigger than me, who
can save me, who can help me out, and who can do things I
certainly cannot do myself. If you worship the nature and
are amused with its beauty and wisdom, why wouldn't you
want to accept and worship its Creator? Nature is only a
creation. I would be looking for the Creator.”
David - “Nonsense! Buddhists say that God is in us, that we
are all gods!” (Once again, David forgets his claim to
atheism, but he keeps forgetting when he is emotionally
involved in apologetic conversations.)
L.G. - “If they are gods, why can't they create something like
God? The god they find in themselves cannot save and
cannot create."
David - “I grew up in Brazil. We lived in one small, Jewish
community there. I always felt that I was not like others. I
didn't want to be different, chosen, or special. I immigrated
to Israel, mostly because of that. I wanted to feel similar to
others. Do you think I have found similarity here? No, I am
still alone. You say that you always seeking, and that you
wanted to have the figure of a father. Well, I do not want
such a Father! I am angry with Him! He chose us to be His
nation and to suffer continuously through all these ages. If
He is a Father, then why would He allow the Holocaust?
My family ran from Russia to Brazil to escape the Holocaust,
where a majority of them were wiped out and killed. I am
better off worshipping nature, as nature is more merciful
than He is and more protecting than He is!"
I was listening and praying during his monologue. I felt his
pain. I felt his anger, and I asked God to be there with me,
for him. I did not know what to say at that point. His heart
was aching, not his mind.
25
As an answer to my prayer, he finally asked me, “If you
believe that He is such wonderful Father, then why would
He allow your daughter to be autistic, and for your firstborn
son to be attacked by leukemia? Aren't you angry at Him?”
L.G. - “No, I am not.”
David - “How come?”
L.G. - “When I believed, He did not promise me that my life
would be sunny, bright, and easy. He did promise, though,
that in whatever challenges I face, I won't be alone. He will
be my ground, my wings, my strength, my shoulder ... my
everything. He has never broken that promise. Even in the
midst of disappointment, surprise, and mystery, I always
discover an amazing thing - how very reliable and trustworthy
God is, and how secure I am in His hands. We ALL need
that in this day of relativism and vacillation, filled with
empty talk and hidden behind a lot of semantic footwork. It
is ONLY the Lord who talks straight. It is the Lord who has
preserved truth in His Word, and it is the Lord who has the
right to do as He wishes around us, to us, and in us. There is
no need for us to know all the reasons, and He certainly
doesn't need to explain Himself. If we're going to let God be
God, then we're forced to say He has the right to take us
through whatever process He chooses.”
David - “Well, the difference between us is that you have the
organ called, "faith”, and I don't.”
My last words to David were quoted from my morning
devotional. “Let Him have His way with your life, for nothing
is worse than resisting and resenting the One who is at work
in you.”
Eventually we lost track of time and had to stop our conversation,
as other patients were waiting for him in the clinic.
Now, why would I share this story with you?
From day one, when we stepped into full-time ministry, we
knew that our hearts were called by His care for others. He
will, forever, be our model for ministry. We love what we do,
because it helps people become acquainted with their Lord,
and to be a further light to this world and specifically to
Israel.
We would really like for you to become impassioned to
partner with us in touching the hearts of those in need. Why?
Because that's what it means to be like Messiah.

spotlight
Meet Ruth Wardell ...
Better Known as "Ruth with the Truth"
By Emily Glisson
When I was young, the only thing that I wanted to do
was the will of God. I said, "When I get old, I want to
be able to look back and say I've done the will
of God." I was passionate about that, almost
obsessed with it to a certain extent. Now I
can look back and truly say, with all of my
heart and with all of my soul, that my entire
life, I strove to do the will of God. I'm still
working on it, and I think that is the most
important thing.
The day that I was born was really the day
that I began my ministry to the Jewish people.
My father, a Baptist minister, chose the name
Ruth for his daughter. In the
Bible, Ruth said to Naomi,
her Jewish mother-in-law,
"Your people shall be my
people, and your God, my
God." My father never
imagined how prophetic
my name would become.~
Ruth Wardell
26
The above is an excerpt taken
from Ruth Wardell's book,
Biography of Ruth with the Truth
Wardell. I spoke with Ruth
recently about her new book,
her loyal friendship with Arnold
Fruchtenbaum, and her passion
for Jewish people. Here's what
she had to say...

Emily Glisson: Why did you write this book?
Ruth Wardell: It actually wasn't my idea to write this
book. Jeff Gutterman's wife, Ana, was in a class I was
teaching. She took my course and was enthralled with
everything she was learning. She went back and
mentioned to Jeff that I should write a book about my
life. Jeff ended up co-writing it with me. The rest is
history.
Emily: In your book, you mention a young man by the
name of Louis Wineke. Can you tell me a little bit
about him?
Ruth: Louis was a
Jewish student from
Germany. He came
to the United States
by a woman who
was rescuing people
from the Holocaust.
She was a believer in
Jesus who would
preach to Louis.
Eventually, he
accepted Jesus as his
Lord and savior. But
Louis had lost contact with his parents and sister after
fleeing Germany. He didn't know if they had survived
or not. Anyway, we attended the London Bible
Institute together, and he was the first saved Jew I
became good friends with. When school was over, he
went back to Germany and miraculously found his
entire family. I was so excited when I found out his
family was still alive. It was remarkable to see what
God did in Louis' life. I believe his sister eventually
became a believer as well. That was my introduction to
becoming friends with a Jewish believer.
Emily: What or who initially prompted your desire to
minister to the Jews?
Ruth: It came from a call from God, specifically in
Matthew 10: 5-6. These twelve Jesus sent forth, and charged
them, saying, Go not into any way of the Gentiles, and enter not
into any city of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of
the house of Israel. I had heard about a school in Dallas
called The Child Evangelism Center. I was interested
in this school because I had such a love for children,
27
spotlight
the tuition was $500. So one day I asked the Lord, "If
you give me $500, I will know that you want me to go
to this school." I wanted that confirmation from God.
Well, the answer to that prayer came through Isabel
Smith. She was an older woman who was serving as a
missionary to the Jews in Ontario. One day, Isabel
asked me to visit her and something miraculous
happened. She had saved up exactly $700, but she said
the Lord had been prompting her to give me $500. It
was so clear. The call always came back. God knows
everything we need and He supplies it.
Emily: Whom do you credit for your strong faith in
God?
Ruth: I credit the spirit of the Lord. I have always had a
close relationship with Jesus, for as long as I can
remember. He was always my friend. My father was a
great example too. He believed in the power of prayer.
But whenever God said something to me, I believed
Him and went on. I didn't question it. When God
called me, it was such a marvelous call that
automatically I had faith in God. He gave me all of the
training I needed. If God can do all of that, He will see
you through everything. God is so great because He
knows our future. He opens doors for us.
Emily: You talk about doing the will of God in your
book, and there are many examples of you doing just
that. Some Christians struggle in discovering the true
will of God. What would your advice be for them?
Ruth: We have to know and believe that God is
faithful. If He has a plan for your life, then He will
direct you. But most importantly, you have to be open
and willing to follow His plan, no matter what that
plan is. You have to surrender and listen for whatever
He's asking you to do. He will supply those answers. I
had to have faith to know that He was the one leading
me. We trust in God's faithfulness. People are not
always willing to submit. Start by asking the Lord,
"Did I do your will today?" That's what I always ask
Him.
Emily: You have a very special relationship with Arnold
Fruchtenbaum, and your book describes you as being
his "spiritual mom". Can you tell me how you first met
Arnold?

spotlight
Ruth: I first met Arnold on his doorstep. He was 12
years old. I remember talking to his mother, but she did
not speak or really understand English. She gave me
permission to take Arnold and his brother and sister to
a mission center for activities. In her mind, she thought
we were strictly a Jewish organization. She had no idea
we were
giving Jews
the gospel.
So I picked
Arnold up
and took
him to
these
meetings.
Arnold
Back then, I
didn't realize how into the Bible he was. He had read
the entire Old Testament. But when he found out that
we were teaching that Jesus was the Jewish Messiah,
he wasn't too happy about that. The first week he
came, he was determined to prove us wrong. We gave
him a New Testament Bible to read. So he went home
and read it. He ended up reading a lot about Jesus
Emily: Did you ever imagine that Arnold would become
the teacher that he is today?
Ruth: No. Back then, he was just Arnold. He loved
going on our retreats. Mr. Haynie helped him. I was
there to help him socially. My job was to help him have
friends. He went to a Christian college, and every time
we went to speak in a church, he wanted to give his
testimony. I think that's how he learned to speak in
churches. He loved giving his
testimony back then, and he
never wanted to miss an
opportunity to share his story
with people. He loved
spending time with his friends
too. I used to take him to
youth groups. His heart
longed for Jewish fellowship.
It shows how much Jewish
people like to be with other
Jewish people. My role was to help him have friends
and grow in the Lord. But never did I imagine he would
become the teacher he is today.
Emily: You mention in your book that Jewish missions
are the hardest work. What is your advice for
Christians who want to share the Word of God with
Jews?
Arnold
before he came to the second meeting, so I think he was
more susceptible. After that first meeting, I went
home and found a copy of Isaac Leeser's Bible. He was a
famous rabbi who translated the Old Testament from
Hebrew to English. So I shared this book with Arnold
at the second meeting. I said, "This is your book
Arnold, and I would like to show you Jesus in this
book." We went through many of those scriptures
together. The Lord finally opened his eyes and he
became a believer by the second meeting, just by
showing him Jesus in the Old Testament. It was God's
plan for Arnold to be a believer. I just happen to be
there at the right time.
28
Ruth: You need to go to where they are in their
thinking patterns of Jewishness. They need to be
taught from a Jewish perspective. You have to love
them as individuals. I always thank them for their
Scriptures. I'll ask them if they know that the
Scriptures they have are the exact same as the ones I
have. You have to meet them where they're at. They
believe in Moses, and so do I. They believe in Abraham,
and so do I. So I try to share with them the Messianic
Scriptures. It's very important that you establish a
common ground with them. The Bible you have is the
same as theirs, except we believe in Jesus. You need to
go to their Bible and express what their Bible means to
you. And that's exactly what I did with Arnold.
You can find Ruth Wardell's book online
at www.ariel.org. Or place your book
order over the phone at (210) 344-7707.
Order your copy today!

An Inside Look at the Story of Esther
by Emily Glisson
cover story
P
urim is one of the most interesting and
entertaining Jewish holidays of the year,
but behind the celebrating of this feast
lies a fascinating story that can be found in the book of
Esther. Like any other dramatic story, this one has the
hero and the villain. There are plot twists, secrets, and
dramatic turns, but in the end ... the protagonists win.
Purim tells the story of a beautiful, young Jewish woman
named Esther and her cousin Mordecai, who was more of a
father figure than anything else.
Ahasuerus was the King of Persia, and he had his eye on Esther. So
one day, she was taken to the king's house where she would join his
harem. It was there that King Ahasuerus fell deeply in love with Esther.
There was just one problem; Esther was a Jew. At the urging of
Mordecai, he persuaded young Esther not to reveal her true nationality to
the king. Doing so could result in grave circumstances. She took her loyal
cousin's advice. Soon, King Ahasuerus made Esther his queen, because he
loved her more than any other woman in his harem. But Esther held on to
her deep, dark secret.
The antagonist of this story is Haman. He was a cruel, narcissistic,
manipulative advisor to King Ahasuerus. He had an intense hatred for the
Jews. Because of this hatred, Haman's greatest rival was Mordecai, who
refused to bow down and worship the arrogant advisor. This angered Haman
so much, that he set out to destroy the Jewish people. Haman convinced the
king that the Jewish people refused to keep his laws, and unfortunately
Ahasuerus placed a great deal of his faith and trust in his advisor. With that,
the king gave Haman permission to annihilate the Jews.
Esther heard of Haman's wicked plot, and the deadly fate of her people. She
sought out Mordecai, who later convinced Esther to speak to the king on
behalf of the Jewish people. Esther was terrified. She knew the result of
speaking truth to the king could potentially lead to her death. Not only
was it dangerous for Esther to approach the king without being
beckoned, but she was frightened to reveal her true nationality. She
decided to fast and pray for three days. Upon the ending of her
fast, she approached the king with boldness, and he received her.
Esther told King Ahasuerus about Haman's plot to destroy her
people. Because the king loved Esther, he listened intently
to her and decided to spare the Jews. The irony of this
story is that Haman was hanged on the gallows that
were arranged for Mordecai's death. It was Esther's
boldness and faith that eventually saved her
people from Haman's hand.
29

cover story
Purim and the End Times
By Ivan Nagy - Ariel Hungary
Let me start with a personal experience. I
once celebrated a Jewish biblical Sabbath
in 1998 while visiting Camp Shoshanah.
Actually, I have been a Gentile believer
since 1989, but I didn't know much about
the Jewish feasts in the Bible. This was the
very first time for me and my wife to
partake with other believers in a biblical
celebration. We were deeply touched. For
us, it was very different than other
Christian and even Pagan traditions. I
personally have no problems, for example,
with Christmas and all of the non-biblical
traditions celebrated during the holiday
season. We certainly have our freedom to
enjoy and celebrate religious and
non-religious things. But as time passed,
my wife and I learned more and more about
the meaning of the Jewish biblical feasts,
and it has helped us to understand God’s
program concerning Jews and Gentiles.
Among the nine major feasts of Israel, there
are two that were inaugurated after the
Mosaic feasts. One is Hanukkah, the Feast of
Dedication or the Feast of Lights; the other
is the Feast of Purim in the Book of Esther.
The Book of Esther is the only book in the
Scriptures where God’s name is nowhere
to be found. There is no prayer, and there is
no reference to God. But if so, why is this
book and this feast of Purim in the Bible?
The story of Esther shows us God’s
faithfulness to His Covenants, especially
to the Abrahamic Covenant. There is a
principle in the Abrahamic Covenant that
is important to understand, not only for
Jews, but also to for Gentiles: the one who
curses you, I will curse (Gen. 12:3).
Jews learn from the Book of Esther all
about God’s providence toward them. Even
in dispersion or in captivity, there is
providence, and such will be the case until
all of Israel is saved. Gentiles will learn
from this book that they have a great
responsibility toward the Jews. After the
Great Tribulation, the judgment of the
Gentiles will be on the basis of
anti-Semitism or pro-Semitism. All the
Gentiles will be divided into two camps:
the pro-Semitic sheep camp or the
anti-Semitic goat camp. Those Gentiles,
who will support the Jews during the
Tribulation, will show their faith through
their works (James 2:14-17). They will be
Although there is no direct reference to the Messianic person or program in this
book, we see some similarities with the End Times and the Tribulation period.
The Jews are scattered in the whole Persian Empire – The Jews are scattered in
the world (though the first re-gathering in unbelief happens with the
establishing of the State of Israel).
Haman wants to kill all Jews – The Antichrist wants to kill all Jews.
At the end, Haman (and his sons) will be killed – The Antichrist (and his entire
family, according to Isaiah 14:21) will be killed.
The Jews destroy their enemies – The judgment of the Gentiles.
The Feast of Purim – The Marriage Feast of the Lamb.
The Abrahamic Covenant guarantees that the Jews will survive as a nation
during the times of the Gentiles – The Abrahamic Covenant (and the three other
unconditional Jewish covenants guarantees that there will be a Messianic
Kingdom.
blessed as they enter into the Messianic
Kingdom. The other Gentile group, the
goats, will aid the Antichrist in the
program of Jewish destruction, and they
will be killed. In this sense, they will be
cursed and sent to hell. Once again, the
Book of Esther is a great warning to
Gentiles who are anti-Semitic.
The most common name of the feast is
Purim. This is the biblical name, as
represented in Esther 9:26. Pur means
“lot”, so Purim (the plural form) means
“lots”. The reason this name is in Esther
9:24 is because Haman had cast Pur, the
lot, to destroy the Jews (Esther 3:7; 9:24).
This event happened in the 4th century BC
30
in the Persian Empire, when Xerxes (or
Ahasuerus) was king. The conspiracy of
Haman against the Jews was not successful,
and thanks to the leading of Mordecai and
the intercession of Esther the Queen, the
Jews destroyed their enemies, who wanted
to annihilate them. To celebrate this event,
Mordecai and Esther the Queen ordered the
Feast of Purim.
The passage which describes the feast is
Esther 9:17-32. The feast was observed on
the 13th day of the month of Adar in the
provinces. On the next day the people
rested and made it a day of feasting and
gladness (v. 17). The Jews in Shushan
assembled on the 13th and 14th day, and on
the 15th day they rested and made it a day of
feasting and gladness (v. 18). The day
became a day of gladness in contrast to
becoming a day of sorrow, and it was a day
of feasting and not fasting; it was a good
day, not a day of mourning. They sent
portions one to another, instead of having
things taken away from them. They kept the
feast on a yearly basis.

cover story
A Hungarian Purim
GERMANY
AUSTRIA
CROATIA
SLOVAKIA
POLAND
HUNGARY
In our country
of Hungary, which is a
small country in Central-Europe
with 10 million inhabitants, today there are
between 80,000 and 150,000 people who have at least
one Jewish parent. Almost all of the country’s Jews live in the
capital city of Budapest. In 1941, there were 400,000 Jews “of
the Israelite persuasion,” meaning they were religious, as well
as between 50,000 and 90,000 "baptized Jews" living in the
territory that constitutes Hungary today. There were 800,000
Jews in the bigger Hungary (including, at that time, parts of
today’s Slovakia, Romania, Serbia). Much of that community
was murdered during the Holocaust: the number is estimated
to have been more than half a million. However, between
190,000 and 260,000 Hungarian Jews survived.
BOSNIA
HERZEGOVINA
SERBIA
UKRAINE
ROMANIA
What does Purim mean today for Jews in Hungary? To
celebrate Purim today means that they are to read Megillah
Esther, to give presents (misloach manot), to play Purim Spil (Spil
is a Yiddish word for the Purim drama-play), to wear costumes
and masks, to give to the poor, compulsory food (seudat Purim),
and thinking of the Haman(s) of today. When they read the
Book of Esther at the synagogues and when they hear the name
of Haman, everybody says "fie" and shakes a rattle. According
to the tradition, Jews can drink until they mix the name of
Haman and Mordecai, which means it is permissible to drink,
but usually not to be drunk. Young Israelis, who study at
Hungarian universities in Budapest, organize big parties with
Hungarian Jewish youngsters. At the beginning of the party,
they always read Megillah Esther.
Traditional foods among the Hungarian Jews look like
triangular cookies filled with poppy seed or chocolate or jam,
also called "Haman’s Ear" (Homentas originally called
Mohntasche, which means poppy-seed bag). In addition there
are the Kindle, (a cookie filled with poppy seed or walnut) and
the Flodni (also a cookie with thick
portion of poppy seed, walnut
and some apricot jam).
Interesting
fact: The
Askhenazi
Jews
introduced
poppy-seed to
the Hungarian
cuisine.
Finally, the Kreplach is a
triangular pasta filled with chopped beef or chicken (the
hidden fillings symbolize that God’s providence was hidden
from the people).
Most of the Jewish
population in Hungary is
secular today. After the
collapse of communism in
1989, and after the taboo of
Jewish identity, a revival
happened among the Jews.
Young Jews began to seek
their roots. Numerous
religious, cultural, and
Zionist organizations were
set up or revived.
31
All biblical feasts contain a great deal of teaching. The seven
feasts in the Mosaic Law clarify the Messianic timetable. The
four feasts during the spring are the Passover, the Unleavened
Bread, the Firstfruits and the Feast of Weeks. They all have
their fulfillment with the first coming of the Messiah, Yeshua.
The fall feasts include: the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of
Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. They are connected
to the second coming of the Messiah and to the Messianic
Kingdom. Hanukkah and Purim give us a great lesson about
God’s providence and His covenant keeping. My prayer is that
Jews and Gentiles will fully understand their portion in the
message of these biblical feasts.

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