Messianic Customs That Are Not From Scripture

Many of us who have wound up in the Messianic or Hebrew faith movements have been quick to point out to family and friends many of the unbiblical customs that are prevalent in the Christian church. I have done this myself, pointing out that Christmas is not in the Bible. But if someone asked me if I celebrated Hanukkah I would say yes, and make the argument that that was okay since it was "Biblically based." Talk about confusing! It is a poor testimony when we criticize others for participating in traditions and customs that are not found in the Bible, while we participate in different traditions and customs that are also not found in the Bible.

It can also be incredibly confusing for others to hear me say things like, "I just do what the Bible says," while doing quite a few things that are not even suggested in Scripture, let alone commanded...and what's worse is if I act like doing those things makes my faith more sincere than theirs.

Now, tradition is not always bad, and not all cultural customs are wrong. My point is not to condemn anyone who has participated in these things, but to shed more light onto what is and is not in the Bible. It is important that we know the difference between what is a commandment from YHWH given to us in Scripture, and what is simply a manmade tradition or cultural custom. This post is to point out a few of these unbiblical customs that are frequently seen in the Messianic movement; it is not a conclusive list.

Messianic customs that are not Biblical:

-Davidic dancing. This is the circular dance you might see a group of people participating in during worship at a Messianic congregation. While Scripture tells us that David danced in worship, it never suggests he did so in a circle. The similarity between Davidic dance and the maypole dance should give us pause. The maypole dance is a fertility ritual that is significant to Wiccans. I'm not saying those who participate in Davidic dancing have any intentions other than to honor YHWH, but you should know that other religions do very similar dances.

-Hanukkah and Purim. Yes, these are both mentioned briefly in the Bible (Hanukkah in John, and Purim in Esther), but nowhere does the Bible give us a command to participate in either, as it does in Leviticus 23 for the set apart times of YHWH. It is simply wrong to treat these like they are the same as the holidays that YHWH created and commanded us to celebrate. It seems hypocritical to tell others that it's not okay to celebrate a manmade holiday based on the events of Luke 2, only to turn around and celebrate a manmade holiday based off the events of Esther.

-Prayer shawls. I've visited congregations where these are so prevalent they might as well be the official uniform of that ministry, but there is simply no Biblical command or precedent for prayer shawls. While there's nothing wrong with wearing a shawl, consider why you are taking part of this. Wearing a prayer shawl does not make you any closer to YHWH.

-Star of David. This six pointed star gets slapped on everything from jewelry to ministry logos to menorahs...and never once does the Bible say this is a symbol we should be using. I recommend taking a look at this video before incorporating this star into your wardrobe or decorating your home or meeting place with one.

-Shabbat candles. Did you know the Bible does not command us to light candles to usher in the Sabbath days? Did you know there's not even a reference to a Biblical character ever doing this? It's simply wrong to teach or say that you need to light candles in order to properly observe the Sabbath.

If these things are prevalent in your home or congregation, consider the message that sends to visitors. Many Torah keepers use phrases like, "We do Bible things in Bible ways." If you hear that while you're surrounded by people in prayer shawls or dancing in a circle, in a building that's decorated with stars of David, it sends the message that those are Bible things when they are not. 

Let's be clear about our faith practices and make a distinction between Biblical commandments and manmade traditions. Please don't imply or say that believers need to participate in customs or rituals that are not found in Scripture.

Related posts:
The Seven Branch Menorah
Why Hanukkah is Not a Biblical Holiday
Commandments or Traditions - Understanding the New Testament

Let There Be Light - Visiting Temple De Hirsch Sinai

Sorry for the silence here last week! I took a trip west to Seattle and Oregon with my husband, pretty much at the last minute, and didn't plan ahead. Live and learn, right? It was so great to get away for a bit; something about a change in scenery is so refreshing to me. Especially at this time of year when everything starts to seem a little gray and dreary. I think this is the first significant journey I've been on in the winter and travelling in the off-season definitely has it's perks! Tickets were less money and places were less crowded. Win!

 I took some of my own advice before heading out and did a little research about Hebrew things in the Seattle area (and Portland, more to come on that in another post). Fifteen minutes of internet searches lead me to this stunning synagogue.

Temple De Hirsch Sinai is an architectural masterpiece. This is the largest menorah I've ever seen and how beautiful! The bottom says 'yehi or' - let there be light.

Loved the ten commandments gate as well. Such a picture of a certain, "I am the door," statement. :)

Here's the backside of the gate. Notice the ten commandments painted on.

Enjoying the beauty of architecture that honors YHWH! So fun to see in person!

I was hoping to see the inside, but it didn't work for us to go when the gift shop was open.

I love the subtlety of this design - and it really symbolizes how YHWH speaks as well, I think. If you didn't know to look for a menorah, you probably wouldn't see it. But once you can recognize that it's everywhere.

And there was light.

What other gorgeous menorahs or architecture have you seen? Let me know! I hope you all have a great week!

Hebrew Gift Ideas

I suppose it's something of a tradition here at Land of Honey to share a few items that I think are perfect for a Hebrew home and lifestyle. And I'm happy to report that there are so many more artisans and companies making these things than there were three years ago when I first rounded up gift ideas! The demand for Hebrew products has grown to support several many small businesses and Etsy sellers. :) Here are a few of my favorites this year.

Yah is Good Y'all Phone Case from Mt. Tabor Tees $21.99

Shabbat Hair Don't Care T-Shirt from Mt. Tabor Tees $25.99

Light Shines in Darkness Magnet from Walk in Love $3.

Vinyl Menorah Wall Decal from Stickerbrand $24.95

Coffee and Yeshua Mug Decal from Torah Sisters $3.95

Saturday's for Sabbath Tote from Peculiar Threads $15.

Shalom Throw Pillow from Isralove $30.

Hebrew Printable Name Blocks from Pitoti $4.50

Menorah Cupcake Toppers from Simcha Central $4.62

Lion Pin from Walk in Love $1.

Hebrew Alphabet Animal Print from QullingJudaica $10.

Embossing Rolling Pin from AgnesWorld $20.79

Know of any other great Hebrew finds or small businesses out there? Please share with the rest of us!

Isralove - Interview + Giveaway!

When I first found came across Isralove over on Instagram it was seriously ALL the heart eyes. Ruth, the founder, has been a graphic designer for more than eight years. She's putting her skills to good use, working full-time to make a beautiful collection of home items, like throw pillows, customized mugs, coasters, and wooden Hebrew letters, and the cutest onesies for babies! I think items like these are not only a fun way to decorate your home, but also serve as a reminder of your faith both to yourself but also to others who visit your home.

Ruth was sweet enough to send me her gorgeous Am Yisrael Chai pillow. But all opinions are my own. 

After seeing this pillow I knew right away where it would go in my home. It is so lovely that I wanted it to be one of the first things you see when you walk into the house. 'Am Yisrael Chai' means 'the people of Israel live.' I love that. For me, the meaning goes beyond the typical idea of the nation of Israel persevering despite constant threats and attacks from Islamic nations though. For me, 'Am Yisrael Chai' also reminds me of that the people of the Lost Tribes of Israel still live and of YHWH's promises to bring them back. I am so happy to have this beautiful reminder of Scriptural truth in my house. The pillow itself is soft and easy to wash, definitely the type of thing that's made for living and not just looking at. :)

A little more from Ruth herself....

What was the inspiration behind starting your business Isralove?

I started Isralove after my son Adam (4) was born and I saw all these cute outfits and nursery designs on pinterest, etsy and other international websites, and couldn't find a lot of modern, we'll designed baby onesies, nursery art etc that I liked. And, a lot of the shirts, onesies etc here in Israel have English phrases in them... I wanted Adam to have some modern, Hebrew designs... 

What was the first product you ever made and how did you get started?

The first product of Isralove was the Hebrew name onesie. Almost all of my first items were gifts I prepared for family and friends, took pictures of them and created Etsy items of then (that's why Adam's and his cousins names dominate the shop :) After the first items went live in the shop the first orders came in,  and sometimes customers would have a special request which helped me develop more and more items as I got to know better what Jewish gifts my audience is looking for, and which personalization options they are looking for. 

What has the experience of running Isralove been like?
During the first year I almost only uploaded gifts I created for fiends "on the way" but whenever I had an idea for the shop I wrote it on a sticky note and put it under my keyboard. Since this was "just a hobby" next to my "real job" I never really got to create all my ideas which frustrated me a bit and I decided to dedicate more time for the shop and develop more products. 

You moved to Israel from Germany, what was it like moving to Israel as a child?

Well, I was 13 when we moved, and we have visited Israel very often during my childhood. And I was very excited about moving here, since I remembered the beaches and fun we had during the vacations (and probably also a lot of ice cream?) which sounded pretty cool for a 13 year - old. When we came here at the beginning of the summer vacation we went to an Ulpan (Hebrew class) as family. I knew the Alphabet already since my father taught us… and after 2 months only (while the course is 6 in total) we had to go to school, which was a bit of a culture shock at first, I didn’t understand much (Israelis talk REALLY fast), but after 6 month I was able to speak and read and during 8^th grade children are still pretty open for new friendships and especially here in Israel, which is a very warm and welcoming culture. At the age of 16 I met the brother of one of my school friends, who is my husband today :) 

What's your favorite part about Living in the Holy Land?

My husband is a tour guide, so the best part about Israel for me (and Adam) is to tour the country, with it's amazing and various views and the history going back thousands of years. For now, Adam's favorite place is the "Elah Valley" where we stopped on a trip in May and  he was excited to finally see where David fought Goliath, after reading the story.

Do you have a favorite product that you have designed?

My cushions and the Hebrew alphabet place mats have been under my keyboard for more than a year I guess and these are designs I am  extremely excited about to finally have in the shop! 

Giveaway time! Get yourself entered to win a pair of Isralove placemats with the Hebrew alphabet on them! They say immersion is the best way to learn a language, so why not add more Hebrew to your home? Especially when it's this pretty! Like the throw pillows, these are also made for real-life use and can hold up to spills and wipe downs. These would be a fun and educational upgrade to your dinner table.  This contest is open internationally. Thanks so much to Ruth for a fun giveaway!

Isralove's website
Isralove on Instagram
Isralove's Etsy shop

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Free Milk & Honey Printable

I hope everyone has been enjoying lovely spring weather as we countdown the final days of the Omer. Seeing lovely chalk art on various blogs and coffee shops and cafes inspired me to create this printable for Shavuot.

Styled simply with a fresh tulip in an antique milk jar and honey.

 Exodus 3:8 describes Israel as a land "flowing with milk and honey." With the centrality that dairy--ice cream, cheesecake, blintzes, and more--plays in the Shavuot celebrations I thought it would be fitting. It is an excellent reminder of the beauty of the land of Israel and also the abundant blessings YHVH provides each of us.

So thankful for the many fresh blooms in my yard!

This printable is free for your personal use. I hope you will use it to decorate your home for Shavuot.

Milk and Honey printable by Land of Honey.

Download this printable for Shavuot here.