The twentieth day of Abib in the 2729th year of our dispersion.

I have a bit of an extended weekend and I am currently reading Scott Nelson's Yahshua (Jesus) & Judaism vs. Paul & Christianity. Of particular note is the difference between the New Earth and the New Jerusalem, and the distinction between who may enter and eat of the tree and who is left outside (but apparently not cast into hell). Also of note is the fact that grace depends on the law - if the law is not in effect, there is no such thing as grace. Also the re-establisment of a works-based eternal reward system (very different from the televangelist money hawk style eternal reward system). Also the varying degrees of laws (least and greatest). I'd like to comment more on it but if you have discernment, it's better to read it for yourself. It's good reading whether or not you happen to agree with the author's conclusions.

I have heard that extra virgin olive oil (which is healthy) will not do as a substitute for cooking oil (refined, bleached, deodorized rapeseed oil is currently of questionable status in my mind) in baked foods. I put that theory to the test today, and my lunch was very delicious. I am currently trying to find a good substitute for shortening, which is just hydrogenated oils (themselves a substitute for lard and chemically close to animal fat, which is prohibited under יהוה's law; these "trans fats" are responsible for numerous health problems, indicating to me that they are not in fact edible). It would be nice to be able to make pasties (which are kind of like pot pies).

It seems to me like there are a lot of people searching for truth, but as Mr. Nelson noted, everyone has a hobby horse. Everyone has a hang-up. Everyone has an agenda. I am hoping that I will be able to see what detestable things I am still holding on to. For a while I thought that it was presumptuous of me to have a website when I have attained so little and have so far left to go. But there are many on this path and I think it is better if we share what we are thinking about. We all still have a long ways to go but as long as we are ready to admit that, I think we are of some use. I know that I am more equipped now than I was a year ago to fight the battles that need fighting, and יהוה is allowing me to learn and grow more. I am pretty sure that at some point this thing is going to explode, in a good way. But even if not, I am happy to be part of the remnant which preaches repentance.

On capital punishment: Many say that ancient Israel rarely invoked the death penalty. They quote from the Talmud, which says, "a Sanhedrin that effects an execution once in seven years is branded 'a destructive Court.' Rabbi Elizer Ben Azariah said "once in seventy years. Rabbis Tarfon and Akiba said, "If we were members of a Sanhedrin, nobody would ever be put to death." (Makkot 7A) However, this totally negates יהוה's law. He didn't give the nation Israel the choice of whether or not to enact capital punishment. Even if it were interpreted by the Israelites in such a way that capital punishment was rarely or never enforced, this would be a violation of Torah. Those with the propensity to commit the most terrible crimes were not allowed to go on living, influencing others, and procreating.

Numbers 35 lays out the requirements for capital punishment. First, at least two witnesses are required. Second, the avenger of blood must slay the murderer whenever they next meet. (It sounds like the murderer can be tried in his absence.) Third, if it is an accident, the community steps in and rescues the offender and sends him to a city of refuge. Fourth, monetary compensation is never good enough. If murder is not avenged by shedding the blood of the murderer, bloodshed pollutes the land. Is America a polluted land? What are the ramifications of this? Is there anything in this passage or in the rest of the Torah to prevent vigilante-style justice (especially in the absence of a God-fearing justice system)?

Pesach was awesome this year. But I am wondering if we have got our months off, since it seems to be unseasonably cold everywhere. Has our Father given us an extra month of winter? I wonder what the barley is doing.