From: heb_roots_chr@mail.geocities.com Sent: Tuesday, April 1, 1997 1:06 AM To: Hebraic Heritage Newsgroup Subject: The Half Shekel is a Reality
From: haydid <haydid@haydid.org> Reply-To: haydid@haydid.org Organization: Haydid To: heb_roots_chr@juno.com Subject: The Half Shekel is a Reality: An Eyewitness Account The Half Shekel is a Reality: An Eyewitness Account by Messianic Rabbi Yehoshua M. Othniel Dear Brethren: Concerning the matters that have taken place recently, many have undertaken to draw up accounts based on what was handed down to those who from the start were eyewitnesses and proclaimers of this important news. Therefore, dear friends, since I have carefully investigated all these things from the beginning, it seemed good to me that I too should write you an accurate and ordered narative, so that you might know how well-founded are the things about which you have been told. Mr. Reuven Prager is an old friend of mine. I've known Reuven for several years and we have corresponded from time to time. In the past I have undertaken the task of bringing him to Massachusetts to speak to my congregation and I have helped coordinate various speaking engagements where he was the featured guest. Such was the occassion this past Sunday evening, March 16, l997. At approximately 7:15 pm Reuven began his presentation by introducing himself and telling those assembled about his ministry of restoration in Israel. Some of the topics covered by Mr. Prager were the story behind Techelet (ritual fringers), Ketoret (the 11 spices used to make incense for the Temple, and last by not least, an update on the Half Shekel restoration project. It is this particular topic that I wish to address here. As Mr. Prager began his discussion, he removed from a small pouch authentic ancient Biblical coins and passed these coins around the room, so that those present could actually hold a piece of history in their hands. First came the Shekel, followed by a Half Shekel. Lastly came three or four tiny copper coins made familiar in the New Testament through the passage found in the Book of Mark (chapter 122:43). Mr. Prager began to quote from the Tanakh (Old Testament). He read from Sh'mot, (Exodus) 30:13-16. As he read, he held up for all to see the Half Shekel coin that had previously gone around the room and asked those present, "Why are Jewish people not fulfilling this mitzvah (Biblical Commandment)? In order to fulfill the mitzvah, one would need to have in one's possession a Half Shekel according to the official sanctuary weight, and one would have to have a collection point for this sanctified property. The problem is such coins, their point of sale and a collectoin place have not existed for the past nineteen hundred years! All of this has changed as of 18 Adar 15757 (Feb. 25, l997)! To astounded looks, Mr Prager began to hold up various papers which document the beginning steps which will make the Half Shekel a reality. As he told his audience the story behind each of the documents being displayed he then removed from a canvas sack pure Sterling Silver bars of 100 ounces each and began passing them around. "This is the first of the Silver that will go in to the first thousand Half Shekels produced. I held one of these bars in my hands! "What will these look like?" came a question from the audience. Mr Prager just smiled and held up a model of the coins. "They'll look something like this," and he prceeded to pass the model coin around the room. I held this as well and studied it. On the face of the coin is the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem. The gate is open and a stream of water is flowing outward from within. Above the gate are two hands like angel's wings extending upwards offering a flaming silver coin to Heaven. Around the edge of the coin is Hebrew writing and a date, also in Hebrew. "You are witnessing history," remarked Mr Prager as he wrapped up his presentation. I added upon his conclulding remarks, "Do any of you realize the significance of what will happen when the first of these proposed coins drops in to the special collection box?" The room became silent in anticipation of my answer. "The Holy Temple will exist again in the hearts and minds of the Jewish people. For while an actual structure may not be built right away..." Mr Prager finished my thought, "The Temple will have a bank account!" Notes: For more information on the Half Shekel and the restoration work being done by Reuven Prager and others in Isarel, go to http://www.israelvisit.co.il:80/beged-ivri/index.html Rabbi Othniel is the Lead Rabbi of the Observant Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Association and currently serves as the Senior Rabbi of Kehilat Aryeh Y'hudah synagoguge of Worcester, MA. USA. Rabbi Othniel also serves as the Religious Director of HaY'Did Learning Center.