Ten Tribes Studies (7 January, 2014, 6 Shevet 5774)
Contents:
1. Question about the Levites and Modern Occupations
2. Search for Jewish heritage of Migrant to the USA from Friesland
4. Advice from Diane on Appeals
5. Question on Edom and the Redemption of Judah
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1. Question about the Levites and Modern Occupations
Tom wrote:
Mr. Davidiy,
After reading of some of the roles and positions that the Levite's and Priest played in the Bible, it resembles the civil service sector of city and municipal government. If there is some truth to this could you elaborate on the comparisons of this to modern civil servants in government today?, i.e. police dept. ,justice system, ,health dept. ,social welfare dept. , and so on, also civil service ( of my experience ) is full of nepotism just like the Levite's occupations naturally were.
Thanks,
Tom
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Brit-Am Reply:
Shalom, Go to our commentary to
BeHe-aloteca: An Overview
http://britam.org/numbers/3behaaloteca.html
Scroll down and see our comments to:
Numbers 8:13, 14
There was a distinction between ordinary Levites and Cohens who were also from the Tribe of Levi but had an elevated status.
Levites served in the Temple which played an important role in the national existence not only spiritually but also socially and economically.
One analysis (quoted in Daat Mikra) of Levite settlements indicated that they were placed in border areas possibly to help strengthen the Israelite hold on those places.
Levites are often teachers, policemen, Rabbinical Scholars, and so on.
My grandfather (on my mother's side) was known in Hebrew as Yoseph Levi and may therefore have been a Levite.
He was born in Denmark but as a child the family moved to England. He became a successful silk merchant. In WW1 he served as liaison officer between the French and British forces at Gallipoli, Turkey.
His father had been a well-known musician at one time appointed to the King of Denmark.
In the Temple Service there was a special choir of Levites as well as instrumental musical accompaniment by a Levite orchestra.
Even today Levites are often accomplished singers and musicians.
[I myself am not musical.]
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2. Search for Jewish heritage of Migrant to the USA from Friesland
My grandparents migrated from Friesland in 1907. They came through Ellis Island and settled on a homestead in Montana. His surname was Mink. He went back to visit after WWII but was unable to find family. My guess is that they were caught up in the holocaust. My Dutch friends say that "Mink" doesn't sound Dutch. He was Calvinist and very devout. Family lore has it that my grandmother brought him into the fold as a condition of their going forward in the relationship. Who knows? I would love to find some Jewish heritage in my family tree.
Best Regards,
William
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4. Advice from Diane on Appeals
Diane wrote:
Yair shalom,
May I suggest you re word your appeal for support?
"Please consider GIVING (not making ) an offering to support the work of Brit-Am. Thank you for your help."
It is not necessary for you to go into a lengthy explanation to justify your request. People are so busy and not likely to read it.
You are doing the work assigned to you by G-d . He will not fail you.
Humbly ask Him what changes in your life would He like to see. His love for you is great. Mercy triumphs over judgement .
Shalom,
Diane
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5. Question on Edom and the Redemption of Judah
Zions Heritage wrote:
Hello Yair,
Could you point me to any prophetic passage where Joseph destroys Edom
having to do with the redemption of the land of Judah?
Thank you,
Sis Hawkins
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Shalom,
The passage below may be relevant even though, to our mind, it refers primarily to a yet future happening.
See the Brit-Am Commentary to Obadiah:
http://britam.org/obadiah.html
[Obadiah 1:17] BUT UPON MOUNT ZION SHALL BE DELIVERANCE, AND THERE SHALL BE HOLINESS; AND THE HOUSE OF JACOB SHALL POSSESS THEIR POSSESSIONS.
[Obadiah 1:18] AND THE HOUSE OF JACOB SHALL BE A FIRE, AND THE HOUSE OF JOSEPH A FLAME, AND THE HOUSE OF ESAU FOR STUBBLE, AND THEY SHALL KINDLE IN THEM, AND DEVOUR THEM; AND THERE SHALL NOT BE ANY REMAINING OF THE HOUSE OF ESAU; FOR THE LORD HATH SPOKEN IT.
[Obadiah 1:19] AND THEY OF THE SOUTH SHALL POSSESS THE MOUNT OF ESAU; AND THEY OF THE PLAIN THE PHILISTINES: AND THEY SHALL POSSESS THE FIELDS OF EPHRAIM, AND THE FIELDS OF SAMARIA: AND BENJAMIN SHALL POSSESS GILEAD.
[Obadiah 1:20] AND THE CAPTIVITY OF THIS HOST OF THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL SHALL POSSESS THAT OF THE CANAANITES, EVEN UNTO ZAREPHATH; AND THE CAPTIVITY OF JERUSALEM, WHICH IS IN SEPHARAD, SHALL POSSESS THE CITIES OF THE SOUTH.