Beth Sholom Congregation is pleased to host
Makhelat HaShachar
Tuesday, November 1 at 7:30 pm
$18 suggested donation, but all donations are welcome
Makhelat Hashachar is part of a Japanese religious movement called Beit Shalom (House of Peace) or Japan Christian Friends of Israel. Followers are Christians who recognize Jews as the chosen people. Their mission is to pray for the Jewish people and peace in Jerusalem. Their goal is world peace, which they believe will come through the state of Israel and world Jewry.
Many Beit Shalom followers display a Magen David outside their home, Judaica inside and photos of famous Israelis on the walls. Some of the priests speak fluent Hebrew. The religion's founder, Takeji Otsuki, had a revelation from God in 1938 when he was told to pray for peace in Jerusalem and for the Jewish people. Otsuki was also told that within 10 years there would be a Jewish state. Thus, Beit Shalom was born. Today Beit Shalom has more than 100 churches and 10,000 followers in Japan. Followers of Beit Shalom do not observe Jewish holidays or practice Jewish rituals. Their interest is Israeli culture. Participants study modern Hebrew and many go to live in Israel for a time. They have planted a forest in Sha'ar Hagaion, along the road between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
Two years ago, Beit Shalom built a Holocaust education center in Fukiyama, a city near Hiroshima. Outside the center, roses called "Anne's roses" bloom. Named for Anne Frank, these are the same strain that grew outside the house in which the Frank family hid in Amsterdam. These roses were sent to Otsuki by Otto Frank.
Come see this remarkable choir!