Distinct from Jews of color and Ethiopian Jews, Hebrew Israelites are people of color, mostly African Americans, who identify as genealogical descendants of the ancient Israelites and practice a Torah-centered lifestyle but who, in most cases, are not Jews by birth or conversion.
The wind was kicking up though - it was that ruach letting us know that Yah was there.”Ī shortened form of the four-letter Hebrew name of God, “Yah” is the moniker favored by Hebrew Israelites like Micael and Aminah. 17 at a former plant nursery in a rural part of Davis. “It was perfect outside,” Micael said in an interview after the celebration, which took place Oct. And there will also be some spontaneous line dancing, all under clear skies. At the reception afterward, an entirely vegan meal will be served. The couple will exchange silver bracelets and jump over a broom. God will be invoked by several names, including “Elohim” and “Yah.” One of the officiants will “anoint” the bride and groom by rubbing their foreheads with oil. Over the next half-hour, Ahk (“Brother”) Micael Ben Shaleahk and Acote (”Sister”) Aminah Ha Rofah will commit themselves to each other during a soulful and syncretic marriage ceremony that draws on Jewish, Hebrew Israelite, African and African American traditions. Then his bride begins sashaying to the chuppah to Jill Scott’s “Golden.” She wears an elegant white dress from Nigeria and a white turban, and she holds a red, gold and green fan from Ghana. He has on a white kippah and a shawl decorated with an image of a lion, the symbol of the Tribe of Judah. A DJ cues up “Grazing in the Grass” by South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela, and the groom two-steps his way to the purple wedding canopy. The guests, many wearing brightly colored African-style clothing and head coverings, take their seats. “When someone comes to confession and says ‘Here’s what I’ve done,’ I’ve heard all of this before, and twelve times worse.A shofar blast signals the start of the ceremony. “After I had been ordained maybe five months, I heard confessions at a federal penitentiary for sex offenders and murderers,” he writes. Father Schmitz recounted his time doing prison ministry and said some things I will carry with me every time I’m ashamed or embarrassed of confessing some sin. It’s especially encouraging to hear the priest’s perspective from his side of the screen. It’s structured so that it walks you through the need for confession with a commentary on Genesis’ account of Adam and Eve’s fall and then explains the Ignatian method of examining your conscience. Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliationīy Father Josh Johnson and Father Mike Schmitzįather Josh Johnson and Father Mike Schmitz’s Pocket Guide to the Sacrament of Reconciliation was my favorite of the three for its gentle explanation of the mercy and love that underlie the sacrament. I incorporated all three guides into my routine for a week and used them in action with the practices they inform. They’re also beautiful, with leather covers imprinted with gold and silver designs, making great confirmation or conversion (or Christmas) gifts.
They're slim and lightweight, making them easy to carry throughout the day and incorporate into a routine.
#In christ alone you tube series#
With its series of “pocket guides” to adoration, the sacrament of reconciliation and the Rosary, Ascension provides beautiful books to guide readers through essential Catholic practices. How many times do we walk into adoration or confession, or pick up a rosary, and need some encouragement?Īscension Press, the Catholic outreach platform known for bite-size YouTube videos breaking down the faith, has the perfect tools for those in such situations. These sleek guides to essential Catholic spiritual practices are great for beginners or anyone who needs a refresher.Ĭatholic spiritual practices are sometimes easier said than done.