Written by Ambassador Club member, John Solgat


The Church

The English word “Church” can be defined as:

• a building for public religious services and especially Christian worship

• a body or organization of religious believers

  Where does this English word come from? Here is the etymology:

Middle English chirche, from Old English cirice, circe "place of assemblage set aside for Christian worship; the body of Christian believers, Christians collectively; ecclesiastical authority or power," from Proto-Germanic kirika (source also of Old Saxon kirika, Old Norse kirkja*, Old Frisian zerke, Middle Dutch kerke, Dutch kerk, Old High German kirihha, German Kirche).

We find the English word “Church” only in English translations of the New Testament. It is not in the Old Testament/Tanakh. The common belief, though not 100% true, is that the Old Testament/Tanakh was written in Hebrew with a little Aramaic and that the New Testament was written in Greek. Though I believe that most, if not all, of the New Testament was written in Hebrew, not Greek, for the sake of this discussion we will table that discussion and just assume Greek. What Greek word underlies the English word “Church” in the Greek? The answer is “ekklésia” (ἐκκλησία), Strongs 1577 defined as:

• (properly) a "calling out"

• (concretely) a called-out assembly of citizens

• (specifically, of Christ) the community of the Redeemed of Christ whether being on earth or in heaven or both

{used only of people, not a location, structure, etc. Of Christ, used only of the Redeemed, not of the unredeemed in their midst}

An example of a verse using this word in the New Testament would be Matthew 16:18:

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

We will come back to this verse shortly.

We also find the word “ekklésia” (ἐκκλησία) in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament/Tanakh. Consider an

English translation of Deuteronomy 4:10:

Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when the LORD said to me, ‘Assemble the people to Me, that I may have them hear My words so that they may learn to fear Me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.’

The Greek in the Septuagint reads (I have highlighted ekklésia):

ἡμέραν ἣν ἔστητε ἐναντίον κυρίου τοῦ θεοῦ ὑμῶν ἐν Χωρηβ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῆς ἐκκλησίας ὅτε εἶπεν κύριος πρός με ἐκκλησίασον πρός με τὸν λαόν καὶ ἀκουσάτωσαν τὰ ῥήματά μου ὅπως μάθωσιν φοβεῖσθαί με πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας ἃς αὐτοὶ ζῶσιν ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς καὶ τοὺς υἱοὺς αὐτῶν διδάξωσιν

Since Moses originally wrote this in Hebrew, we need to ask what Hebrew word underlies these translations. That word is haq·hêl (הַקְהֶל), Strong’s 6950, which means:

assemble selves, gather selves together

We need to consider another related Hebrew word, “edah” (עֵדָה), Strong’s 5712, meaning:

• a stated assemblage

• (specifically) a concourse

• (generally) a family or crowd

  We find this word in Numbers 31:16 translated as “congregation” or “community”:

Look, these women caused the sons of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to turn unfaithfully against the LORD at Peor, so that the plague struck the congregation of the LORD.

The Hebrew word “edah” is translated into Greek as “συναγωγῇ” (sunagógé), Strong’s 4864, meaning:

• a gathering of persons

• (specially) a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place)

• (by analogy) a religious meeting or building (of Jews, Jewish Christians, Greeks, or even of Satan)

• {typically used of the building itself where a gathering or meeting takes place}
  

  Considering that we are quoting Numbers 31:16, well before the Jewish synagogue system was put in place after the Babylonian captivity, the only interesting definition here is the first one, “a gathering of persons.” This is synonymous with the earlier Hebrew and Greek words meaning “assembly.” The Hebrew haqhel and edah, along with the Greek versions of ekklésia and sunagógé, are speaking of the same people, the Israelites. The Israelites are “the assembly,” “the congregation,” or “the community.”

  
  

  Let us return to Matthew 16:18, where we read in English that Yeshua said, “I will build My church…” That was translated from Greek; “church” comes from “ekklésia.” I am adamant that this conversation between Yeshua and His Israelite/Jewish disciples did not happen in Greek; it most certainly did not happen in English. It happened in Hebrew; this was a group of Hebrews/Israelites of the kingdom of Judah having this conversation. The word spoken was most likely “haqhel,” but we see “church” in English. How is it that “haqhel” or “ekklésia” in the Old Testament/Tanakh/Septuagint gets translated as “assembly,” but magically, when turning past that page inserted between Malachi and Matthew that says, “New Testament,” that the translation suddenly becomes “church?” Look back in this piece and look at the etymology of “church.” Notice all of the German, Dutch, Norse, etc., background to this word. Where did that come from in a Hebrew context conveyed to us through mostly Greek language?

The books of the Hebrew Tanakh (OT) are in a different order than the books in a Christian Bible. In the Christian Bible, Malachi is the last book before you enter the New Testament. I believe that is not coincidence; I believe Yehovah caused that to happen very intentionally so that just before we turn the page to enter the New Testament, we will read in Malachi 3:6:

Because I, the LORD [Yehovah], do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.

Yehovah is gracious to tell us before leaving the Tanakh that “He does not change.” And, just so you don’t miss it, only a few pages later we find Yeshua reiterating that in [Matthew 5:17-19] 

His Majesty!

Hebrew: "Geuel"….gheh-oo-ale'

 Psalm 145:6

And they speak of the might of Your awesome acts, And I recount Your greatness.

Shalom Torah Fans! The renewed moon WAS NOT seen in Israel on Monday. However, since Monday is the 30th day of the 7th month — and Hebrew months cannot have more than 30 days — by default, the start of the 8th biblical month (aka Marheshwan) will begin at sunset on Monday, October 12, 2026. Special thanks to Devorah Gordon and Yoel Halevi for their efforts to search for the barley and spot the new moon in Israel. Rosh Chodesh Sameach! (Happy New Month)

Verse of the Week: Colossians 1:16

“For in Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.”

When Paul declares that all things were created through Yeshua and for Yeshua, he is revealing something profoundly important about the Messiah and Yehovah's eternal purposes. Yeshua is not simply the promised Redeemer of Israel. He is the One through whom all creation came into existence, and He is the rightful King to whom all creation ultimately belongs. Every earthly kingdom, every spiritual authority, and every power that seeks to exalt itself above Yehovah will eventually bow before Him.

This is the great hope woven throughout the Torah, the Prophets, and the Apostolic Writings. From the promises made to Abraham to the establishment of the Kingdom described by the prophets, Yehovah has been unfolding His plan to restore all things through His Messiah. The same Yeshua through whom the heavens and earth were created will return to establish His righteous reign from Jerusalem. Isaiah 2:3 tells us that the Torah will go forth from Zion and the word of Yehovah from Jerusalem. The coming Kingdom will not be governed by the changing opinions of mankind, but by the eternal righteousness and perfect wisdom of Yehovah.

There is also a deeply personal responsibility contained within this verse. If everything was created through Yeshua and for Yeshua, then our lives belong to Him as well. We were not created to follow the ways of this world or to redefine righteousness according to our own understanding. We were created to honor Yehovah, walk in His commandments, and reflect the character of His Son. Yeshua did not come to abolish the Torah, but to fulfill it and demonstrate what perfect obedience to the Father looks like. Our obedience is the natural response of a heart that has been redeemed and transformed by the Messiah.

In a world increasingly marked by rebellion, deception, and the rejection of Yehovah's authority, Colossians 1:16 reminds us that history is not moving toward chaos without purpose. It is moving toward the fulfillment of Yehovah's promises. The kingdoms of this world are temporary, but the Kingdom of Yeshua will endure forever. Our calling is not to place our hope in earthly powers, but to remain faithful to the King who created all things and will one day make all things right.

So, this week, remember that your life was created for a purpose greater than anything this world can offer. Examine whether your choices, priorities, and actions reflect your allegiance to Yeshua. Spend time in the Torah, seek to understand Yehovah's instructions, and put His commandments into practice with humility and love. Read Isaiah 2:1-4 alongside Colossians 1:16 and consider what it means to live today as a faithful citizen of the coming Kingdom. Let your obedience be an expression of your love for Yehovah, your faith in Yeshua, and your anticipation of the day when the whole earth will recognize the authority of its rightful King.

🌒 👀 https://www.facebook.com/datetree/

“This bread is to be set out before the Lord regularly, Sabbath after Sabbath…” -- Leviticus 24:8

May YHVH bless and keep you! Shabbat Shalom Torah Fans

Something fascinating I discovered while studying Parashat Beresheet!

I learned that the Hebrew word nachash (serpent) has a much richer biblical context than I had ever considered. From the Garden of Eden to the bronze serpent in the wilderness, these passages invite us to look beyond familiar interpretations and pay closer attention to what Scripture actually says.

This article offers some thought-provoking insights into the Hebrew roots of our faith and how the Torah connects with the words of Yeshua.

If you love discovering new layers of meaning in Scripture, I encourage you to read it!

🔗 The Nachash: More Than Just a Serpent in Eden
https://aroodawakening.tv/the-nachash-more-that-just-serpent-in-eden/

What stood out to you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let’s keep learning and growing together. 🙌

Shalom, A Rood Awakening Family! 🌿  😃 

We’re excited to begin a new cycle of weekly Torah 📖 readings together, starting with Parashat Beresheet (Genesis 1:1–6:8) - In the Beginning!

As we open the Scriptures and revisit the very foundations of our faith, may this new journey draw us closer to the Creator, deepen our understanding of His Word, and strengthen our walk with Him.

This year, we have something new for you! We’ve added audio recordings of the Scripture readings to the Parashah page, making it easier for you to listen, follow along, and engage with the weekly portion wherever you are.

We invite you to visit the page, explore the readings, listen to the audio, and join us as we discover the richness and beauty of the Torah together.

May Yehovah bless your study, open your eyes to the treasures of His Word, and guide your steps as we begin this new cycle.

Let’s begin at the beginning — Beresheet! 🌱

Shalom and blessings to you and your family!

From the Ambassador Family to your! Erev Shabbat! Love, Angie