Biblical Tamar, Simcha Perlmutter, Blossoming Rose, and UIWU

At end of the United Israel conference here in Charlotte this weekend I spoke about Biblical Tamar, the southernmost city of the Land of Israel, dating back to the time of Solomon (1 Kings 9:16-18; Ezk 47:18-20) as well as Ovot, the 3rd station of Israel's camping in the days of Moses, once they left Sinai (Num 21:10-11). I put it in the wider context of the Aravah/desert and how the region is mentioned in Isaiah 35:1, Isaiah 40, etc. in connection with the "Redemption" and restoration of all Israel. I also talked about Bozrah, Petra, and Mt Sinai in Paran (Hosea 5:15; Jeremiah 9:2; Isa 63:1). I then went to relate my own experiences at Tamar going back to 1991 when I first visited the late Simcha Perlmutter down there, what he meant to me over the years through subsequent visits, and the connection I felt to the area, as well as the incredible archaeological site Tamar has become. One thing I found amazing was how many in the audience had corresponded or visited Simcha Perlmutter over the years!

The site of Tamar is in the hands of the Israel Parks Authority, but the "settlement" of 53 acres Biblical Tamar Park, is leased by Blossoming Rose on a long-term basis (see http://www.blossomingrose.org/), HQ in Michigan and headed by DeWayne Coxen. For the past year, and particularly over the past few months, DeWayne and I have carried on a very mutually fruitful correspondence as to ways in which we might co-operate in the future, both from the archaeological/UNC Charlotte side of things, as well as the UIWU side of things, in helping to build and develop the site, as well as offer people what I call a "desert experience." DeWayne has read my book Restoring Abrahamic Faith, so he knows where I am coming from, and I understand his own background and work as a Christian with Christians who are drawn to God, Torah, Israel, and the Land. We see lots of areas of potential co-operation, including a possible Sukkoth gathering, perhaps in 2010 (as I think 2009 is too soon to properly organize), he and I doing some joint touring and teaching, and other Tamar related activities, both archaeological and spiritual.

That in a nutshell is what I covered and I believe as more unfolds it will be of genuine interest to many of those reading this.

I fly to Israel today so I must rush off...

Shalom and Kol Tov,

James

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Permalink Reply by Betty K. (Tabor) Givin on April 28, 2009 at 3:01pm

James, this is indeed amazing! I personally believe that all of this is somehow being orchestrated by HaShem, and that as a result of seeking His Way, our lives have become so intricately entwined that it can not be an accident. It should indeed be interesting to see how all of this with your, and now our connections, to Biblical Tamar, Blossoming Rose and UIWU plays out. And as you pointed out, it is indeed amazing how many of our group had had connections with Simcha Perlmutter in the past.

The "desert experience" is definitely one that has has great promise. I know that Pat Robbins was excited beyond herself as she and her late husband, Ron (may his memory be for a blessing) began dreaming and seeing visions about "things to come" in the desert nearly 20 years ago. And after he died, she continued to keep the spark of hope alive in her heart. May HaShem go before you on your trip to Israel and bring you back safely. Love and shalom, Elisheva/Betty
P.S. Please give Simcha a warm "Shabbat Shalom greeting from me and from all of us!

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Permalink Reply by Keren on April 28, 2009 at 8:27pm

How very interesting. I made a trip to Israel in 1988 and through that visit so much opened up to me. The trip was through Bridges for Peace and it truly was an enriching experience, so much so, that I returned on my own within six months, rented a car and stay for a month, a day or two here,a few days there, like that.

A very short time after in about 1993 I went to a luncheon in Los Angeles and met a couple from
Israel that had met in Israel but from New Zealand and Australia, yet they made aliyah and traveled with a message and teaching. One of the booklets was written by R' Pearlmutter that was very interesting and the story of Kfar Yeshua another thought provoking piece of his life and journey. As I recall he lost his son in a tragic bus suicide bombing in Afula, which is in the Jezreel valley? This couple came back to the states twice and stayed with me during their visit. I can't recall the title of the work...however one of the booklets that I have looked high and low for...becoming important to me now, had to do with which day is the Passover, or the double Passover? And another piece about the ten toes of Daniel.

If you know of these studies please advise. I think now I could read them and have a better understanding of them. Thank you.

Shalom,
Keren

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Permalink Reply by Joanna Garrett on April 28, 2009 at 8:32pm

Hello, this is Joanna!

I came to the conference knowing absolutely nothing about the heart or mission of your group. Five years ago I attended a reception for The Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit here in Charlotte. The reception was hosted by a dear evangelical friend of mine. James was the speaker and he had just come in from Israel to give the talk. I was much more intrigued by this rather interesting biblical looking figure than the scrolls themselves, indeed I was very impressed by the knowledge and extraordinary passion of the prophetic figure, James.

Several months later I went through an experience that caused the doors of my being to be flung wide open to reveal the purity of a soul within. It was truly liberating, leaving me with the absolute knowledge of my inheritance as a child of the Living God; a knowledge that brought with it the realization that I was never born and would never die, this was the knowledge of my eternal nature. In essence, I had returned to the Garden. I sat in this sate of rest for quite some time wondering what on earth had just happened for while it was totally liberating it was also totally ordinary and as such there was nothing in it that could cause me to boast. What I realized was that this reality was within every human being created and although I could see it within my fellow man I could not speak of it as it would be scoffed at.

The Jesus Dynasty had just come out and I ran to Borders to get a copy. It was the first book I read after this experience. Since that time I have been fascinated by the man, Tabor. Four years after this extraordinary event I am still processing what had happened and whether it is teachable. In other words, is there a way to pass this on? The conference has shed some light on this. I am now seeing where my Christian friends struggle so with the fulfillment of the promise, the promise of a homecoming, a return to Eden, an event that occurs this side of death for those with the courage to make the leap.

Thanks to all of you for your loving-kindness this weekend,

Joanna

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Permalink Reply by Kim on April 28, 2009 at 8:35pm

James, this news is absolutely incredible! My thoughts are consumed with being in the Aravah. I hadn't thought about Rabbi Perlmutter for years (probably since I met with Joe's congregation in the early 90's), until last week. I was looking at something on YouTube and a recording he had done was on the sidebar. I didn't even watch it...probably should have.

Have a blessed time in Israel!
Kim

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Permalink Reply by Joanna Garrett on April 28, 2009 at 8:38pm

Joanna Garrett said:

Hello, this is Joanna!

I came to the conference knowing absolutely nothing about the heart or mission of your group. Five years ago I attended a reception for The Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit here in Charlotte. The reception was hosted by a dear evangelical friend of mine. James was the speaker and he had just come in from Israel to give the talk. I was much more intrigued by this rather interesting biblical looking figure than the scrolls themselves, indeed I was very impressed by the knowledge and extraordinary passion of the prophetic figure, James.

Several months later I went through an experience that caused the doors of my being to be flung wide open to reveal the purity of a soul within. It was truly liberating, leaving me with the absolute knowledge of my inheritance as a child of the Living God; a knowledge that brought with it the realization that I was never born and would never die, this was the knowledge of my eternal nature. In essence, I had returned to the Garden. I sat in this sate of rest for quite some time wondering what on earth had just happened for while it was totally liberating it was also totally ordinary and as such there was nothing in it that could cause me to boast. What I realized was that this reality was within every human being created and although I could see it within my fellow man I could not speak of it as it would be scoffed at.

The Jesus Dynasty had just come out and I ran to Borders to get a copy. It was the first book I read after this experience. Since that time I have been fascinated by the man, Tabor. Four years after this extraordinary event I am still processing what had happened and whether it is teachable. In other words, is there a way to pass this on? The conference has shed some light on this. I am now seeing where my Christian friends struggle so with the fulfillment of the promise, the promise of a homecoming, a return to Eden, an event that occurs this side of death for those with the courage to make the leap.

Thanks to all of you for your loving-kindness this weekend,

Joanna