From Director/Producer, Rhonda Moskowitz
The following is a wonderful blog about Shavuot, from Philip, (Hebrew name, Fivel), a young man in my documentary film in-progress, RETURN (TESHUVA).
Philip is currently incarcerated in prison, having recently been transferred from a county jail.
FIVEL THE LEVI — SHAVUOT BLOG 05-19-09
SHAVUOT — RECEIVING THE MOST PRECIOUS GIFT OF ALL TIME
Fivel The Levi –
As we approach the 2nd of the major festivals, I hope your visits to the site are invigorating and continue to be enlightening. First, I would like to give a warm, “I love you,” to Rhonda, both my children, Elijah and Camden, my mother, Rosol, and wife, Courtney. Sorry I cannot celebrate the holiday physically with you, but spiritually I’m right next to you.
Shavout has some extraordinary meaning for me. The holiday celebrates the giving of the beloved Torah to the Israelites. Although Torah was taught through man prior to this event, Shavout commemorates G-d actually bestowing His word, Himself. Commonly referred to as “The greatest fireworks display in the history of the world,” the momentous event will never be duplicated again.
The Israelites were frozen in fear because of the awe-inspring power of HaShem (God). Even with the reassurances of the greatest prophet of all time, they still were terrified of the unparalleled power of the Almighty. The Jews finally knew (as if there wasn’t enough indication prior) that the Lord is mighty on high.
“We will do and we will listen” was the pledge of the Jewish people at the foot hills of Mt. Sinai. Our sages have compared this event to the marriage, union of G-d and the Israelites. We became His people and He became our G-d. The oneness of oneness.
No Jew could ever doubt the power of the Lord. Try and visualize Mount Sinai on fire as the Lord descended to deliver our everlasting Law and the pious Kohanim (Cohen.. Kohans or Kohanim are descendents of Moses’s brother, Aaron) as well as the other Jews falling to their knees to worship the holy oneness of Adonai (God). Very powerful.
This holiday is the time for us to visualize the wonderous teachings Our Father bestowed upon us. Showing us through that picture, it’s time to rededicate ourselves further to our Torah and our G-d. Only through every one of us sacrificing physical pleasures, and human interests, and devoting ourselves to HaShem (God), can we lift the Gates of Heaven and bring Moshiach (the Messiah).
So, be happy, truly, we have a G-d who truly loves us, so we can reciprocate that love by trying harder to study Torah and observe mitzvot (commandments in the Torah). Of course, HaShem thanks you on behalf of all the Children of Israel for the blessed Torah.
Happy Shavuot,
Fivel Ben Avraham (Philip Son of Abraham)
Tags: jewish film, Jewish Prisoners, Judaism, religion, Shavuot, Teshuva
Teshuvafilm's Blog 
June 2, 2009 at 9:22 am |
Dear readers,
I have to wonder what kinds of criminal acts Philip has committed. Is it truly right to gloss over the wrongs of what these “Jews in Jail” have committed. Philip has not once told the readers what he has done. Can he be forgiven if he has not been forthcoming with information. Philip names several people as the bogs continue, Dana, Elijuah, Courtney and now Camden. Where is the understanding of what this has done to their lives and their families lives. I believe all things can be forgiven but not all can be forgotten. Wouldn’t it be much more selfless to totally leave the past behind and move on with his newly refound way of life and let all of them find their own ways also. Philip also names Courtney his wife in this blog. How did they get married if he is incarcerated? Sound like Philip has made progress during his incarceration and I hope he continues on this path.