[Seminary-Notes]
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
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We sometimes forget that the Old Testament is the record of the Lord's church in the old world prior to the Meridian of Time.
While teaching the Old Testament, it can help students better understand what they are studying if you share some insights into the culture and religious practices of ancient Israel.
For example, here are some of the Hebrew words and terms that can be helpful to understand: HALAKHA — Jewish law. Taken from the verb “to walk,” it determines what is ethical and good as we walk through this life. (pronounced: Hal-akh-hah’)
MIKVEH — A ritual bath where one is immersed to remove uncleanness. One goes to Mikveh as a new convert, or when periods of uncleanness end, or to devote oneself to a process of rededication as on the holiday of Shavuot. The concept of baptism by immersion taught by John the Baptist was not difficult for the Jews to understand. (pronounced: Mihk’-veh)
CHAG HA-MATZOT — Feast of Unleavened Bread. The first day of Passover is the sacrifice of the lamb; the remaining seven days are the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The two holidays have been combined to a one-week observance called Passover. (pronounced: Chahg hah- mah-tzot’)
CHOL HAMO'ED — The intermediate five days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread during which work is not prohibited. The first and last day of Passover are High Sabbaths. Sukkot also has intermediate days of half-hearted work. (pronounced: Chol ha-mo’-ed)
ROSH HASHANAH — In the fall, a holiday marking the Civil New Year. Originally, the Feast of Trumpets, calling all to awake, arise, gather, repent, and be judged. (pronounced: Rohsh’ hah-shah-nah’) These and many other Jewish terms and practices are explained in the book: DAYS OF AWE:
Jewish Holy Days, Symbols, & Prophecies
for Latter-day Saints
by Gale T. Boyd As we're studying the New Testament this year in Gospel Doctrine class (and Seminary will, of course, study the Old Testament), I want to make sure that you're aware that a new and updated edition of Gale Boyd's (previously out-of-print) book is now available.
It is available for purchase and downloading here (for just $11.95).
It is an excellent resource to help you better understand the many holy days, festivals, and covenants found throughout the Old and New Testaments.
This easy-to-use Adobe PDF file has a complete Table of Contents and page links to each chapter, appendix, the glossary, bibliography, and other major sections within the book.
This is a new 300-page edition (with 15 chapters and 14 appendices) -- not just a reprint of the 2002 edition. The Haggadah (Passover program), for example, has been updated and includes information that was not previously published. (After purchasing, you can also download 20 pictures from the book -- at no additional charge.)
This book also contains 11 complete Family Home Evening presentations (song suggestions, activities, lesson materials, recipes, etc.).
A copy of the complete Table of Contents is available for viewing online. Click here.
A book summary is also found below.
Sister Boyd's book has been out-of-print for several years. I found a copy recently at Deseret Book and contacted Sister Boyd to see if she would be interested in publishing an updated electronic edition. She was, and it is now available!
Sister Boyd and I hope that this book will help you, your students, and your family better understand the rich symbolism that is found within the verses of the Old and New Testaments. Best wishes,
Ken
www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com
Book Summary 
Author Gale Boyd explains that the Exodus from Egypt was a walk through the Plan of Salvation -- a 40-year Primary lesson taught by Jehovah to the Children of Israel. The Israelites were literally "learning by doing" every step of the way. The Lord ordained seven holy convocations as milestones for their literal and spiritual journey. These convocations, or high holy days, had the Temple at their center, and conveyed imagery that laid out the entire religious history and future of the earth. The Exodus and its milestones can actually serve as a guide, leading from the creation, to the mission of Christ, to the Second Coming -- from the Old Testament to the New. Gale Boyd's book contains everything needed to host a Passover Feast or fireside presentation, as well as family home evening lessons for all the Feasts. Families and gospel teachers will find surprising truths that will enlighten them and their students. These truths have become apparent to the author through decades of research, an eight-year sojourn in Israel, and her own Jewish heritage. Here is a list, for example, of the 11 Family Home Evening presentations (found in Appendix A -- 43 pages) that are included in this book: A SABBATH FAMILY HOME EVENING
A PASSOVER FAMILY HOME EVENING
A FIRST-FRUITS FAMILY HOME EVENING
A WILDERNESS WALK FAMILY HOME EVENING
A FEAST OF WEEKS FAMILY HOME EVENING (#1)
A FEAST OF WEEKS FAMILY HOME EVENING (#2)
A FEAST OF TRUMPETS FAMILY HOME EVENING
A DAY OF ATONEMENT FAMILY HOME EVENING
A FEAST OF TABERNACLES FAMILY HOME EVENING
A PURIM FAMILY HOME EVENING
A CHANUKAH FAMILY HOME EVENING These FHE presentations can also be used on Seminary activity days with your students.
This book also contains dozens of complete recipes that are tied to each of the Jewish holidays and feasts, instructions and patterns to create and play "The Dreidel Game," Jewish festival coloring pages for use by young children, simplified versions of the Purim and Chanukah stories, everything you need to conduct an LDS-oriented Passover ceremony and meal, and much more. |
