The Jerusalem Prayer List – 16 May, 2025

The reading for Shabbat May 17, 2025, is Emor – Leviticus 21:1-24:23.   

From the Prophets (The Haftarah), the reading is from Ezekiel 44:15-31. 

From the Gospel, we will read from Matthew 26:59-66. 

I will do something I seldom do in these teachings gathered from the traditional Torah and prophet readings that all synagogues worldwide read every Shabbat. The custom goes back way before Yeshua and started with Ezra and Nehemiah after the Jews returned from the 70 years of exile in Babylon. We can read in the book of Nehemiah, chapter 8, and see the very beginning of this custom of public reading from the Torah and the prophets.  Here is the text that starts reading the Word of God on Shabbat every week.

"Now all the people gathered as one man in the open square that was in front of the WaterGate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law."   (Nehemiah 8:1-3 NKJV)

This is the very beginning of this custom and command of the Apostles in Acts 15 for all, the Jewish disciples of Yeshua and the Gentile Disciples of Yeshua on every Shabbat.

Now, let us turn to this Shabbat's Torah portion, which is read in every synagogue worldwide. I know several examples of normative Protestant churches that have restored this ancient custom hundreds of years before Yeshua was born in Bethlehem.

Let's explore the practical aspects of Leviticus 21:1- 24:23 more thoroughly, referencing related readings from the prophetic texts and the New Testament. 

1.        Holiness is a command in our reading this Shabbat. The first thing the Torah says about holiness is that it always requires Sacrifice.  People today seldom know what HOLY means.  The High Churches, like the Catholic and Orthodox, and some of the western Protestant churches, have pushed the concept of HOLY into the limbo of the undefinable, the unexplainable, and distant from our daily life as disciples of Yeshua.  Holy is something mystical and far from our daily, mundane lives.  

2.     The command of God for all of us in the book of Leviticus in our reading of this Shabbat commands and frames the sacred nature of life as a command, not a recommendation. Leviticus calls the people to be holy. Leviticus 20:26 - "You shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy."

3.     In the reading from the prophets,  we find this statement that is also used in many Christian and one Jewish hymn that are sung in both Jewish synagogues and many churches:  Isaiah 6:3 - "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory."

4.     The New Testament doesn't emphasize the same principle as the Torah and the Prophets, making this command from Leviticus even more powerful and essential. Read 1 Peter 1:15-16. - "But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct." 

5.     The big elephant in this room is summarised with one simple but tough word : "HOW"!  The Evangelical churches seldom ask this important question: HOW?

6.     That's a profound and essential question. Striving to fulfill divine commands from ancient texts like Leviticus, Isaiah, and the letters of Peter in a practical way can indeed feel challenging, especially for those of us navigating life in a complex, often conflicting world. Here are some useful steps individuals can take to embody these values of holiness, integrity, and compassion, both in friendships and even towards adversaries. 

Practical Actions that will make you holy//different from the world around you:

1. Be willing and strive to be different from the "normal" social order and fashion of this world that surrounds you from the minute you open your eyes in the morning to the minute you put your head on the pillow and fall asleep, the prerequisite for all positive achievements in your life.  If you worry about how others view you, you will never have the strength and determination to be holy and different for God's sake.

2.  Find or create from those close to you a Community and Fellowship of people who are like you and are willing to be different from the culture of the place and the fashion of your surroundings.

To be Holy alone is to be different from the world around you.  You need people who, like you, are willing to be different and have different values that direct their lives. Togetherness is a shared obligation. Putting your shoulders under the stretcher to carry those of your community who are weak and need your help, to stay with your community, and be a part of the togetherness.  For this reason, God gave us the feasts of the Lord. Leviticus 23:2-3- 

"These are the appointed feasts of the Lord, the holy convocations which you shall proclaim at the times appointed for them."

If the disciples of Yeshua around the world were willing to be different and Holy, this prophecy of Zechariah 8:23 will be fulfilled. Our world will change and be prepared for the return of Yeshua, our Messiah – The savior of Jews and Gentiles and Arabs and every nation and colour will be Holy.

Here is the future we expect to see, God willing, soon and in our 

days. -

 "In those days, ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"

For the  New Testament Reading: Acts 2:42 - "

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."

These action items are necessities for being different / even strange, in the eyes of the world around us.  It could be that we will be seen as stupid fools who turn the other cheek, walk the second mile, and give our shirts and coats to the needy stranger.

The book of Leviticus 19:18 - 

"You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbour as yourself."

Amos 5:24 - 

"But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."

From the New Testament Reading, Matthew 25:40 -

 "And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'"

Respect and Honour are essential ingredients for being different.  

Leviticus 22:32 - 

"You shall not profane My holy name, that I may be sanctified among the people of Israel; I am the Lord who sanctifies you."

From the Prophets: Malachi 1:6 - 

"A son honours his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is My honour?"

 Philippians 2:3 - 

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."

Of course, living a holy life includes, first and foremost, being moral and honest, and speaking the truth with love toward each other, and as Jeremiah the prophet tells us:

Jeremiah 9:24 - "But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness."

In my opinion, our emphasis in teaching, home groups, and special lectures has to be on this kind of paradigm change in our communities and meetings. We don't need to teach God who HE IS! We don't have to tell him how great HE is! We need to tell each other what GOD and YESHUA expect us to be and how we ought to do more of that which is Godly and HOLY and blessed and blessing the stranger and the needy. 

To conclude this teaching based on the readings of this Shabbat, I will use one verse from the beginning of Isaiah, which the prophet prescribed to his generation. Our generation needs it like air for breathing and fresh water for our souls.

Isaiah 1:18:

"Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow."

https://www.netivyahinternational.org/blueheart The Prayer List

If you just need one prayer reminder today - pray for your enemies.

- Barry Shulam

Pray for the following brothers and sisters who need divine grace and the gentle touch of the hand of God for healing and strength.

In Jerusalem: 

update Joseph & Marcia Shulam 

Dad has signed a contract with a medical flight company for transporting them both to Tennessee. Please pray that flights are not canceled and that both their health stays the same or improves.  We are mostly focusing on getting mom here and getting the best health care possible.  Dad will return to Israel at a later date to address all that comes with moving to the USA.  Our immediate challenges are the medical flights, getting the shower remodeled in the house in the next two months to make it wheelchair accessible.  Please reach out to me personally if you have additional questions  - Barry Shulam - barry@netivyahinternational.org 

Ilana Ahijervie is a dear sister who is 99 years old and suffering from memory problems.

Please pray for our dear sister, Lea Kurkey.

Pray for Adam's father and mother, Barry and Dalia. They have some health problems and challenges.

Pray for Miriam a dear sister old age dementia.

Pray for Um Mahmud Abu-Eid, Jimmy Abu-Eid, and all of the family. This is a dear family of old friends that needs healing and wisdom for the children and for their work.

Please pray for the Romero family, who live deep in the Negev desert. It is hot there, and they are far from our congregation, and we miss them.

In Poland:

update Granddaughter of Pastor Jozef (Jagodka) is still in intensive care recovering from surgery to address sepsis.  She was in an induced coma and today is off the ventilator she just woke up in the last hour.  Please pray for this young child whose parents are not permitted to stay over night in the hospital ward for healing and for peace and comfort.

In the U.K.:

Pray for Deborah Isaiah. I pray for the Lord to find Deborah Isaiah and lead her to a blessed life, family, and a solution to her problems.

In Finland: 

Mauno Lemponen has been diagnosed with cancer in advanced stages. We are asking for God's Will to be done, giving him healthy days with family—prayers for Hilka, Miika, and Ester, who support each other. 

Pray for Keijo and Salme, our dear partners and fellow workers in God's flock. Both Keijo and Salme have some challenging heart issues.

Pray for Satu-Maria, Sinni Tuuli, Anne Mirjami, our dear sisters

Pray for Eva H., Patty, Andrea, Julia, Victor, Aaron Tani, and Hillel.

In Italy:

Roberto has reached out on behalf of his friend Nicoletta B whose father has passed way recently.  Please pray for her spirit as she struggles with such loss.

in Denmark:

Cynthia M asked that you for praying for her health. She has neutropenia and chronic asthma and I has been undergoing biological treatment with injections every two weeks since 2021 so I ask you to pray for better results and better health conditions as the symptoms, respiratory infections, medications and injections make me very tired every day. 

In Ethiopia:

Diu G. has been sick with meningitis and he and his family are all in need of prayers for strength and healing to help him.

In Brazil:

 Ismael V ask for prayers for his parents: Ismael V 80 years old (Father) & Margarida Feliciana V, 75 years old (Mother)

The mother has been suffering due to medical errors since 2008, and only a miracle can solve the situation. The father has prostate and vision problems.

Max is anxious waiting for a court decision regarding documentation on his families jewish roots. Please keep Max and the courts outcome in your prayers.

Pray for a dear young man, Paulo, from Curitiba, Brazil, who seriously needs our prayers for sanity and mental health.

Pray for a dear sister named Claudia Rita Souze Arau. She has cancer and needs God's healing hands to touch her with healing. 

Pray for Fatima Maria Docarmo Guimararaes - pray for her health and her granddaughters' twin babies.

Guilherme Antonio Nothen Becker is suffering from back problems.

Aratuza de Oliveira and his wife. Pray for their 3-year-old child, Caique de Oliveira Becker, who has severe problems with his eyes, and ask the Lord to give healing to his eyes. 

In Asia:

Pray for Pastor TJ in Taiwan.

Pray for Deborah Ruth, a dear sister from China.

Pray for Sister Yoko Nagumo in Japan.

Tony Tam, his wife Luisa, and his son Marco need special prayers for their situation.

We continue to pray for Zhou Wenrian, the Abe family, Toru San, Yumi Ohara, and her family: Deborah Ruth, Ayla, Daniel, and their daughter. 

Pray for Dr. Song and his wife, Sister Harriet Kim and the KIBI Ministry.

In the United States of America:

update Paul S is in the market looking for his next job.  It's frustrating to not hear back from companies. We pray for an opportunity and for a calm sprit to guide Paul through this effort.

Karl is need of prayers to deal with changes in his family relationships.  Pray for calm and strength in making the best choices.

update Chris W  has victory in starting a new job yesterday.  Please thank HaShem for his kindness and favor in granting him a job.

Adam B, is asking for prayers for job security. The hatchet job cutting that is taking place in the USA is not without families that are impacted.  Please keep Adam and his family in prayers for job security.

Manny is asking for prayers for his father's health that is in decline.

update Jenny is Shirleyann's to find a different neurologist that will accept her insurance.

update Shirleyann tomorrow she has an EKG test. the doctor yesterday stated that the need for surgery was not needed at this time.  

Pete and Marge.  Marge is undergoing test for Brest cancer and they are in the process of trying to get legal guardianship of their grandkids. They are both in the mid 80s.  Please pray for strength and longevity to get these kids past college age.

Jose needs your prayers for a blessing on his marriage to grow stronger and prayers for the birth of a Son.

Aida Ramirez, turned 99 yrs old, this past December. Her dementia has progressed  some, but slowly. Now her audiologist said that she has lost almost all her hearing in her left ear. And that by the speed it has happened, in just one year, she suspect maybe a cyst, or tumor. I'm taking her for her Doctor's appointment on the 23rd of this month. I'll be asking her Doctor for either a CAT Scan, or an MRI, to see what exactly is in her ear or brain.  Let's pray is nothing major. .

Aida Gonzalez very bad lower back problems due to scoliosis. I'm in some kind of pain almost constantly. But I have to keep going, for my mom Aida Ramirez

Pat S needs prayers for the pains she is experiencing from a pinched nerve. We are praying for a better treatment for the pain management.

Jerry Rogers - a long time prayer warrior and supporter in Dallas has been diagnosed with cancer.  has returned home after being in the hospital for an extended period of time for treatments.

Larry is asking for prayers for his grandchildren.  I would say most of us that have grandchildren are concerned about the states of the world.  The state of intolerance.  The temptations out there.  Please pray for the holy sprit to guide them in making good choices.

update Juli got a good report on her last scan and she is also in remission.  So praise God both Bill and Jill are in remission. Give thanks to the Lord for he is Good.

Barbra and  Angie in Alaska. Barbra has some pains and discomfort related to old age. Please lift them in prayer for strength and reduction in pain.

Please pray for Danah, my daughter's health issues. I pray for the Lord to give Danah wisdom, peace, and calm in life and her work.

Aaron Hook, Nancy Hook's oldest son, needs our prayers for wisdom and healing from past life issues.

Lift for blessing and healing Jonathan B., his wife Aviva, their new baby, his mother, and his brother Daniel. 

Pray for these important men of God: Rabbi Salt, his family, and Rabbi Hasselblad. They are both older and need protection and blessings.

pray for Ilana Avramov, who is married to my cousin Nissim and lives in New York City. Ilana is home now. We pray for her full recovery. She and Nissim both need our prayers. 

Pray for Steve Mock - His cognitive condition has declined, and we ask for the grace of God and His Healing and strength.   Steve and Josie's son Joseph has received a wonderful and glorious report. After the last bone marrow transplant, the report is that the doctors didn't find any leukemia in his body! Praise the Lord!