Ely
New Member
Posts: 34
|
Post by Ely on Oct 29, 2007 8:36:06 GMT -8
Shalom guys, I'm wandering if anyone knows how the second century "Judaisms" dealt with those who were in the diaspora. Specifically, I'm wandering concerning whether or not it was incumbent upon them to come to Jerusalem to keep the feasts three times a year. The reason I'm asking concerns Paul andhis missionary journeys. We all know of the occasions where Paul would be rushing to try and get to Jerusalem to keep a feast. But I'm wandering about the times when he may not have been able to get there in time for a feast. For example, he stayed in Corinth for 18 months ( Acts 18:11) and at least 2 years in Ephesus ( Acts 19:10). How would this be seen in light of the fact that Paul kept ? As far as I can tell, the doesn't explicitly cover this question. However, there is something concerning the bringing of the tihe to the place YHVH chooses that would perhaps quide us: "And if the way is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, when the LORD your God blesses you, because the place is too far from you, which the LORD your God chooses, to set his name there, then you shall turn it into money and bind up the money in your hand and go to the place that the LORD your God chooses." Deuteronomy 14:24-25So, there isn't an exemption given on bringing the tithes due to the journey being too far. Would this perhaps also apply to attending the three feasts? Thoughts and insights greatly coveted.
|
|
Ely
New Member
Posts: 34
|
Post by Ely on Oct 29, 2007 10:11:30 GMT -8
I should probably do some research before asking such questions. I've managed to find the following information: During the Second Temple period these verses were not understood to mean that one was obliged to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem three times a year, but rather that pilgrimage was associated with these festivals. Pilgrimage was considered a commandment that “has no measure,” as stated in Peah 1:1: “The following are the things for which no definite quantity is prescribed…appearing [before the LORD]….” From Pilgrimage in the time of Jesus", by Shmuel Safraijerusalemperspective.org/default.aspx?&tabid=27&ArticleID=1446A follow-up question though, do you guys think this is actually a valid interpretation of the texts? The texts ( Exodus 23:17, 34:23, Deut 16:16) seem to command all males to appear three times a year.
|
|
|
Post by R' Y'hoshua Moshe on Nov 1, 2007 15:53:20 GMT -8
I believe the Biblical text indeed commands all able-bodied men to make the trip three times a year. The only Biblical exception would be for Pesach (Passover) if someone was on a trip or do to sickness would not be able to make it they could celebrate it a month later. But, this exception was only made for Pesach. We do have Biblical proof that those in the diaspora did regularly make the trips…
Act 2:1 Now when the day of Shavu`ot had come, they were all with one accord in one place. Act 2:2 Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. Act 2:3 Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them. Act 2:4 They were all filled with the Ruach HaKodesh, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak. Act 2:5 Now there were dwelling in Yerushalayim Yehudim, devout men, from every nation under the sky. Act 2:6 When this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language. Act 2:7 They were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Behold, aren't all these who speak from the Galil? Act 2:8 How do we hear, everyone in our own native language? Act 2:9 Parthians, Madai, Elamites, and people from Aram-Naharayim, Yehudah, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Act 2:10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Mitzrayim, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Yehudim and proselytes, Act 2:11 Cretans and `Aravi'im: we hear them speaking in our languages the mighty works of God!"
Shalom,
Reuel
|
|
|
Post by David Ben Yosef on Jan 17, 2010 23:24:17 GMT -8
I believe the Biblical text indeed commands all able-bodied men to make the trip three times a year. The only Biblical exception would be for Pesach (Passover) if someone was on a trip or do to sickness would not be able to make it they could celebrate it a month later. But, this exception was only made for Pesach. We do have Biblical proof that those in the diaspora did regularly make the trips… I would like to also add that the Hellenized Jews of the diaspora did indeed observe Pesach as well... (John 12:1 & 12:20 Complete Jewish Bible) Six days before Pesach, Yeshua came to Beit-Anyah, where El`azar lived, the man Yeshua had raised from the dead. Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greek-speaking Jews. I find that a most interesting text when we consider that Sha'ul was almost killed over the accusation of bringing Hellenists into the Temple (Acts 21:28-31). Anyway, I thought I would throw that in there.
|
|