The people heard the Law read and wept over their sin. Nehemiah stopped them. He said today is holy; do not mourn. Feast and give gifts, for the joy of the Lord is strength. Spoken by Nehemiah and Ezra to The People.

They thought holiness meant misery. Nehemiah corrected them: Holiness allows for joy. Torah connection: Deuteronomy 16:14 (Rejoice in thy feast). The Pharisaic distortion: Disfiguring faces to appear to fast.

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared, for today is holy to our Lord. Don’t be grieved, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10

Your Spirit

Loves God

Loves Neighbor

Your Body

Moral Behaviour