Shalom Aleichem "peace be upon you"

We use YHWH throughout this account to denote G-d’s “Compassion.” YHWH, the four-letter name that was paradoxically termed the unpronounceable – is the core relational name in Yisrael. To put it simply, YHWH provides comfort, assistance, and empathy to Commandment Keepers. “YHWH the G-d of your ancestors, the G-d of Abraham, the G-d of Isaac, the G-d of Jacob “Yisrael” sent me to you.” (Exodus “Shemot” 3:5-7, 14-15) “And the L-RD said: 'I have surely seen the affliction of My people…”

In 1962 Chief Rabbi Wentworth Arthur Matthew zt”l “Chief Rabbi Matthew zt”l” and the congregation, rabbis, talmidim, Kohen, Lewi, Yisrael, old and young, and morehs, to mention a few; collectively “Commandment Keepers Congregation” entered 1 West 123rd Street, Harlem New York City a.k.a. 31 Mount Morris Park, New York, NY 10027 “the synagogue” doors to pray thereby attesting to YHWH’s dwelling place. Commandment Keepers Congregation gave praise to YHWH; gave funds for heat and light; and devotedly involved themselves with the needs of Commandment Keepers congregation in the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s; each “L'dor Vador” referring to continuity, to the responsibility of passing on spiritual knowledge and cultural traditions from generation to generation for the purpose of sustaining the customs, heritage, legacy and collective memory of Commandment Keepers - giving unselfishly in the generation that YHWH so granted them to give.

Therefore, it is in their memory that we painfully talk about the 8th of Tevet, 5764, Friday, January 2, 2004 (Gregorian calendar) “the 8th of Tevet, 5764” and the current year: 25 Tevet 5779, January 2, 2019 (Gregorian calendar), marking the 15th year anniversary of what we believe to be the most significant event in the annals of Commandment Keepers that changed the history of Commandment Keepers Congregation and should be regarded as one of the saddest days in the Israelite calendar and it is thus believed to be a day which is being marked as a tragedy. It is a day befitting PaRDes: an acronym for the four basic levels of understanding Torah. In this account, we use these four basic levels to understand Commandment Keepers’ journey through the “Orchard.” Each layer of Commandment Keepers’ journey has been and is deeper and more intense than the last, like the layers of an onion.

We are saddened, but must remember and memorialize the 8th of Tevet, 5764, as the day that changed Commandment Keepers history. Ironically, as we mark a tragedy we also mark our 100th year anniversary celebration; a year of remembrance for both anniversaries, both symbolic of an Exodus and Emancipation for Commandment Keepers. We begin memorializing, a tragedy, a day when perpetrators used specified burglary tools to forcibly remove the lock and wrongfully tried to exercise dominion and control over the premises known as and located at 31 Mount Morris Park West, New York, New York, a.k.a. 1 West 123rd Street, New York, New York, 10027 “the synagogue”; and said perpetrators wrongfully seized the synagogue and displaced congregants in good standing on the 8th of Tevet, 5764; by revisiting excerpts of an article written by Rabbi Sholomo Ben Levy “Rabbi Levy” entitled, The Destruction of Commandment Keepers, Inc. 1919-2007.

Contrary to Rabbi Levy’s article, The Destruction of Commandment Keepers, Inc. 1919-2007, wherein Rabbi Levy compares April 2007 to Tisha B’Av, the saddest day in the Jewish calendar, as the destruction of Commandment Keepers, April 2007 or to be more specific the 3rd of Iyar, 5767, Saturday, April 21, 2007 (Gregorian calendar) was not and is not, the destruction of Commandment Keepers Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation of the Living G-d, The Pillar and Ground of Truth and the Faith of Jesus Christ a.k.a. Commandment Keepers Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation of the Living G-d Pillar and Ground of Faith, a.k.a. Commandment Keepers Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation of the Living G-d Pillar and Ground of Truth, Inc., a.k.a. Commandment Keepers Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation – Beth Ha-Tefillah Headquarters, a.k.a. Congregation Commandment Keepers a.k.a. Commandment Keepers Congregation a.k.a. The Commandment Keepers a.k.a. Commandment Keepers Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation, Inc., collectively “Commandment Keepers,” one entity and not two entities, not a non-existent shell corporation created to steal the identity of Commandment Pillar (as Commandment Keepers is 1 entity governed by 1 Constitution and Bylaws with 1 Spiritual Leader, 1 President, 1 Secretary, 1 Treasurer and 1 Board), as purported by a separate group of people posing as Commandment Pillar who are not legally the spiritual leader of Commandment Keepers nor members of the Board, nor members in good standing, or in compliance with the Constitution and Bylaws of Commandment Keepers, who without authorization broke, destroyed and replaced the locks when they wrongfully exercised dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully seized Commandment Keepers and displaced congregants in good standing (Note: when Commandment Pillar is mentioned throughout this article it is specifically identifying those individuals who were involved with desecrating the synagogue on the 8th of Tevet, 5764); as Commandment Keepers Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation of the Living G-d, The Pillar and Ground of Truth and the Faith of Jesus Christ is the original name of Commandment Keepers.

Despite Commandment Keepers’ adversity from 1919 to 2007, the congregation prevailed and the name of the congregation continued to evolve to reflect the delicate balance between the influence of the community in which the Israelite congregation lived, legal requirements, Orthodox Hebrew culture and Israelite fundamental beliefs illustrating “continuity and change” of Commandment Keepers’ name as Chief Rabbi Matthew zt"l developed Commandment Keepers and moved Commandment Keepers closer to an Orthodox Hebrew tradition. Commandment Keepers was founded in 1919 and on July 13, 1921, Chief Rabbi Matthew zt"l filed Commandment Keepers' Certificate of Incorporation in the Office of the County Clerk, New York County and was incorporated under Article 12 of The New York Religious Corporations Law to “exist in perpetuity.”

Therefore, Rabbi Levy in writing his article The Destruction of Commandment Keepers, Inc. 1919-2007 was premature in writing his description about the 3rd of Iyar, 5767, as being the Destruction of Commandment Keepers. As a result, his article is replete with inaccuracies.

Rather than refer to the 3rd of Iyar, 5767, as Commandment Keepers’ destruction, the 3rd of Iyar, 5767 can better be described as an aftermath or spiritual Exodus and Emancipation, analogous to the departure of the Israelites out of slavery under Moshe Rabbeinu from Egypt. The reason it is an aftermath and not destruction is because on the 3rd of Iyar, 5767 at sundown, YHWH granted Commandment Keepers the miraculous experience of an Ancient Exodus and Emancipation. Notwithstanding all of the events that led up to the 3rd of Iyar, 5767 wherein Commandment Pillar illegally broke the locks to the synagogue and illegally entered the synagogue and illegally took possession of the synagogue not once but several times, yet, YHWH in His infinite protection blinded those who purport to be Commandment Pillar and provided Commandment Keepers safe passage from the shores of Harlem to across the waters to New Jersey in total safety without as much as one Commandment Pillar being present to disrupt Commandment Keepers’ safe passage and relocation to New Jersey.

Prior to the 3rd of Iyar, 5767, Commandment Pillar continuously patrolled the perimeter of the synagogue every Shabbat, from early morning to as late as 9:30 pm in the evening, or until Commandment Keepers left the synagogue after Shabbat services in an effort to prohibit peaceful ingress and egress to the synagogue by blocking the entrance to the synagogue. Additionally, Commandment Pillar promoted disruptive behavior, harassed, intimidated, cursed at and performed boisterous outbursts, thereby creating a hostile environment discouraging members, guests, and visitors from entering the synagogue for Shabbat Shacharit Morning services “Shacharit L’Shabbat” as well as events that had taken place during the week which had a direct impact on synagogue attendance. So, to speak about the Exodus and Emancipation, it is important to understand that the normal pattern of Commandment Pillar was to patrol the synagogue perimeter every Shabbat and create a hostile environment. But this pattern was abruptly changed sundown on the 3rd of Iyar, 5767; not by Commandment Pillar but by the hands of YHWH. It could only have been by the hand of YHWH that Commandment Pillar didn’t patrol the synagogue that evening. Commandment Pillar patrolled the synagogue perimeter earlier that day but at sundown, Commandment Pillar was nowhere to be found. The perfect stage was set for Commandment Keepers’ Exodus and Emancipation because YHWH granted Commandment Keepers safe departure out of Harlem from underneath the cruel, intimidation, cursing, boisterous outbursts and unreasonable harassment of those who purport to be Commandment Pillar. If you doubt YHWH’s hand; then explain how a synagogue could be moved from Harlem without detection? It wasn’t theft, destruction, or an act of deed and mortgage fraud as alleged by Commandment Pillar – rather, viewed as A Twenty-First Century miracle!

The 3rd of Iyar, 5767 was the initial step in a series of steps that led to the relocation of Commandment Keepers from Harlem, New York City to Newark, New Jersey under a cloud of protection from YHWH - NOT its DESTRUCTION as alleged by Rabbi Levy! The definition of destruction is: “the action or process of causing so much damage to something that it no longer exists or cannot be repaired.” Accordingly, the definition of destruction does not describe what took place on the 3rd of Iyar, 5767. The 3rd of Iyar, 5767 was the relocation of Commandment Keepers which might be a bitter pill to swallow for those who desired Commandment Keepers to be DESTROYED but Commandment Keepers was NOT DESTROYED – it only RELOCATED! Yet, who are and where were the “members of the Israelite” community during this alleged April 2007 destruction? Who specifically was Rabbi Levy referring to in his article when he wrote “members of the Israelite community?” Perhaps, Rabbi Levy is referring to the people who have formed various planning committees outside of Commandment Keepers for Commandment Keepers’ 2019 100th Anniversary Centennial? Could these people possibly be, including but not limited to the following entities or committees: The International Board of Rabbis; The Rabbi Commemorative Committee; The Israelite Community Vision Council; the Israelite Centennial Celebration Committee; the Tabernacle; Historians; Tour Guides; and the 2019 Israelite Community Unity Shabbat, to name a few, members of these entities and committees that believe that Commandment Keepers, one of the oldest Israelite synagogues in North America and the Western Hemisphere, is DESTROYED or cannot be repaired and no longer exists because it relocated to Newark, New Jersey? Each committee or entity listed herein is separate and distinct from Commandment Keepers and is operating outside of Commandment Keepers’ congregation.

Instead of the 3rd of Iyar, 5767 being compared to Tisha B’Av, the 8th of Tevet, 5764 is more accurately the date to compare to Tisha B’Av and warrants observance by ALL Israelites because, unlike Tisha B’Av which centers around remembrance of major calamities and specific events, such as the Babylonian captivity, and the Second Temple built by Ezra and Nehemiah destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE, Commandment Keepers’ alleged destruction, rather “relocation”, on the 3rd of Iyar, 5767 is different.

On the 8th of Tevet, Commandment Keepers’ proposed Day of Mourning, can be distinguished from Tisha B’Av in that the perpetrators, unlike the Romans who destroyed the Temple in 70 AD, were Israelites; not outsiders or foreigners but members of the Israelite community! Moreover, on the 8th of Tevet, the perpetrators were those who purport to be Commandment Pillar. Commandment Pillar illegally broke, destroyed and replaced the synagogue locks and illegally entered and wrongfully exercised dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully deseized Commandment Keepers by trespassing and performing a devastating attack on the synagogue. On that day, Commandment Pillar, destroyed the synagogue’s integrity by forcibly breaking, destroying, replacing and removing the lock and subsequently after the initial wrongful exercising dominion of the synagogue, cut off the lock of the synagogue door with a BOLT CUTTER. Commandment Pillar publicly and privately; intentionally; maliciously; willingly; and knowingly, forcibly broke off the lock on the synagogue door pitting Israelites against Israelites demonstrating that Israelites are typically their own worst enemy.

Pitting Israelites against Israelites illustrates a level of self-hatred on Commandment Pillar’s part which did not begin with Commandment Pillar’s forcibly breaking, destroying and replacing the locks and wrongfully exercising dominion and control over the synagogue on the 8th of Tevet or when they subsequently cut off the lock with a BOLT CUTTER. Throughout our Israelite biblical history, we have had to face internal disputes that often erupted into full-blown wars. History is replete with examples of Israelites who hated their own people so vehemently that they dedicated their entire lives to its destruction. Commandment Pillar in their 8th of Tevet breaking, destroying and replacing the locks and wrongfully exercising dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully seizing Commandment Keepers and displacing congregants in good standing of the synagogue, shown themselves to be no different than those Israelites who in the past vehemently hated other Israelites. In this case, Commandment Pillar has held on to hate for more than thirty years. But, instead of a full-blown war, we go back as far as 1971, if not further back, when a seed of unauthorized authority was planted into the psycho-social, political, and cultural arena of Commandment Pillar. On the 8th of Tevet, 5764 the seed that was planted within Commandment Pillar over thirty years ago by people who failed to understand that Chief Rabbi Matthew, zt”l never appointed or named on documentation Commandment Pillar or any other person as his successor, finally erupted when Commandment Pillar without ANY authority from the synagogue, members of the Board of Trustees, or any congregants, forcibly entered the synagogue which has been occupied by the Commandment Keepers since its purchase back in 1962. Commandment Pillar on the 8th of Tevet, 5764 self-appointed themselves as a fictitious alleged Executive Board and alleged governing body operating outside of Article 12 of The New York Religious Corporations Law. Moreover, Commandment Pillar on the 8th of Tevet, 5764 on many levels also demonstrated through their behavior the Willie Lynch syndrome “slave mentality” when they without ANY authority forcibly and wrongfully exercised the dominion and control over the synagogue, wrongfully seized Commandment Keepers and displaced congregants in good standing and subsequently cut off the synagogue lock with a BOLT CUTTER. More importantly, we must not forget that from 1919 until the 21st Century, Commandment Keepers has fought many battles (i.e., in the civil and human rights arenas). However, none of those battles were so publicly displayed; frivolous and as replete with deception; lies; mudslinging; criminal activities, warranting disbarment of their attorney; as well as imprisonment of Commandment Pillar as the numerous lawsuits were filed in the Supreme Court of New York because of Commandment Pillar’s first of many wrongfully exercising of the dominion and control over the synagogue, and wrongfully seized Commandment Keepers starting with the 8th of Tevet, 5764.

Ironically, not one of those who purport to be Commandment Pillar, their attorney, or those working in concert with Commandment Pillar herein collectively known as “Commandment Pillar” left the synagogue over thirty (30) years ago; or was never in attendance or were not members in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s or 2000s; or were terminated on or about July 24, 1996 and/or left on or about 1996 of which none of Commandment Pillar were members in good standing, or in attendance, in possession, or inside of the synagogue prior to their illegal breaking, destroying and replacing the locks, nor has been in attendance of services or been actively involved in the affairs of Commandment Keepers as far back as the late 1970s on the 8th of Tevet. Nor has Commandment Pillar paid for heat and light; insurance; or anything to maintain the very synagogue building that they planned and premediated to take over illegally by forcibly and wrongfully exercising dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully seizing, destroying and replacing the locks and illegally being in possession and occupying the synagogue on the 8th of Tevet, 5764 and subsequently breaking the synagogue locks with a BOLT CUTTER.

Commandment Pillar’s illegal possession, wrongful exercise of dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully seizing Commandment Keepers and displacing congregants in good standing on the 8th of Tevet, 5764 has a number of ramifications spiritually, psychologically and criminally. Insofar as the spiritual level, we speak about numerous desecrations.

On the other hand, on a criminal level, the State of New York has numerous criminal laws pertaining to burglary and other related crimes. Breaking and entering can be categorized in multiple ways in the State of New York. “Felonious breaking and entering” is breaking and entering into any building with the intent to commit a felony or theft, or with intent to injure or terrorize the building’s inhabitants. Commandment Pillar on the 8th of Tevet, 5764, as well as on subsequent break-ins after the 8th of Tevet, 5764, did not simply break in and enter into the synagogue without authorization, but once entering inside the synagogue made several attempts to break open the synagogue’s safe within a place designated for worship. Commandment Pillar who had no access to service accounts for the synagogue, including but not limited to oil delivery for heat to the synagogue were unable to properly produce heat to the synagogue to prevent structural damage by the possibility of bursting of pipes during the cold weather months, i.e., January when they illegally took possession, wrongfully exercised dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully seized Commandment Keepers and displaced congregants in good standing.

Commandment Pillar comes before the Israelite community with “dirty hands.” Notably, Commandment Pillar held in their possession tools used to forcibly and wrongfully exercise the dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully seized Commandment Keepers and displaced congregants in good standing. Furthermore, it is a crime to possess, without good reason, any lock, pick, key, or other burglary tool such as a “BOLT CUTTER.” Commandment Pillar’s choice of tool used in subsequent breaking, destroying and replacing the synagogue lock was the BOLT CUTTER. How do we know this to be true? Because Commandment Pillar’s actual BOLT CUTTER [shown in the photo] was concealed in a black garbage bag and Commandment Pillar propped it against another building, two brownstones away from the synagogue primarily for the purpose of breaking, destroying and replacing the lock and wrongfully exercising the dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully seizing Commandment Keepers and displacing congregants in good standing of the synagogue. Commandment Keepers found Commandment Pillar’s BOLT CUTTER when Commandment Pillar left it behind after being arrested for attempted burglary. It was not a false arrest as alleged by Commandment Pillar. There is eyewitness account as to what led to the arrest of Commandment Pillar. Therefore, Commandment Pillar acted unethically and in bad faith with respect to wrongfully exercising dominion and control over the synagogue. Poignantly, all allegations written about Commandment Keepers by Commandment Pillar from 2004 until 2007 were actually mirror deeds that Commandment Pillar committed against Commandment Keepers and its synagogue. Commandment Pillar, Rabbi Levy, newspapers, etc. have but all failed to mention the most significant act committed by Commandment Pillar; the illegal breaking, destroying, replacing the locks when Commandment Pillar wrongfully and illegally exercised dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully seized Commandment Keepers and displaced congregants in good standing of the synagogue on the 8th of Tevet, 5764; followed by subsequent breaking, destroying, and replacing the synagogue locks when Commandment Pillar used their BOLT CUTTER to cut off Master locks on the synagogue doors that ultimately led to the 3rd of Iyar, 5767. In all of Commandment Pillar’s premeditated planning, they failed to realize that YHWH was at the helm not Commandment Keepers and that no man, including Commandment Pillar can divert the will of whatever YHWH has, does and will ordain!

Notwithstanding spiritual ramifications, we mention the Willie Lynch syndrome because such syndrome psychologically evolved around William Lynch who purportedly delivered a speech to an audience of slave owners on the bank of the James River in the colony of Virginia in 1712 regarding the “secret” to controlling black slaves by SETTING THEM AGAINST ONE ANOTHER. Quietly as it was kept, Commandment Pillar’s calculated illegal possession and occupying the synagogue by breaking, destroying and replacing the locks when they wrongfully exercised dominion and control over the synagogue; hired and instructed security to stand guard in front of the entrance to the synagogue; submission of a letter to the police precinct; creation of two lists for those who could and could not enter into the synagogue on the 8th of Tevet, 5764 is apropos, a perfect description of Commandment Pillar’s incredulous “slave mentality” OR “Willie Lynch syndrome” behavior. The Willie Lynch syndrome is a really DEEP intrusion of the Black American human psyche; and far reaching within the recesses of Commandment Pillar’s consciousness. Commandment Pillar was reckless, selfish, and callous in their continuous desecration of the synagogue. The basis of the Willie Lynch syndrome is the introduction of his method of controlling slaves by stating: “…I HAVE A FULL PROOF METHOD FOR CONTROLLING YOUR BLACK SLAVES. I guarantee every one of you that, if installed correctly, IT WILL CONTROL THE SLAVES FOR AT LEAST 300 HUNDRED YEARS… I USE FEAR, DISTRUST AND ENVY FOR CONTROL PURPOSES. I shall assure you that DISTRUST IS STRONGER THAN TRUST AND ENVY STRONGER THAN ADULATION, RESPECT OR ADMIRATION. The Black slaves after receiving this indoctrination shall carry on and will become self-refueling and self-generating for HUNDREDS of years, maybe THOUSANDS. Don’t forget, you must pitch the OLD black male vs. the YOUNG black male...” In this account, “Israelite being pitched against Israelite.”

On a deeper level, the Willie Lynch syndrome planted the seed of unauthorized authority– this was accomplished by relatives, members, friends and a host of people whispering into the ears of the Commandment Pillar that the synagogue belongs to Commandment Pillar, that Commandment Pillar’s grandfather bequeathed the synagogue to Commandment Pillar, or that I Commandment Pillar “AM THE SPIRITUAL LEADER! The Willie Lynch syndrome – what a deceptive device – yet, we haven’t escaped its indoctrination, because it is so deeply ingrained within us. An intrusion that continues to provoke Israelites even with Torah knowledge to perform incomprehensible and egregious actions against other Israelites. In the biblical arena, the Willie Lynch syndrome parallels the biblical account in Genesis “Bereshit” 15:13, the L-rd tells Abram “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners ... G-d's plan included sending the Israelites to Egypt for four hundred years. Inside that four-hundred-year period Israelites and Commandment Pillar alike have gotten stuck in Egypt “North America” badly in need of liberation from a slave mentality, the Willie Lynch syndrome!

Spiritually, on the 8th of Tevet, 5764, towards nightfall on the eve of Shabbat, the synagogue building that was purchased in 1962 by Chief Rabbi Matthew zt"l and the Commandment Keepers’ Congregation was desecrated by Commandment Pillar. This desecration of the synagogue became the “turning point”, the single event that provoked a significant shift in the history of Commandment Keepers. What happened to Commandment Pillars’ Torah learning and humanity, that they should resort to “street” tactics like a common criminal by illegally taking possession and entering the synagogue; breaking, destroying; replacing locks and wrongfully exercising dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully seizing Commandment Keepers and displacing congregants in good standing of the synagogue on the 8th of Tevet, 5764? This of course, was the first of many illegal taking possession and occupying the synagogue; which was criminal without justification, warranting disbarment of their attorney and imprisonment for members of Commandment Pillar. Commandment Pillar, by their own actions on the eve of Shabbat, desecrated the synagogue coupled with subsequent violations on Shabbat by making every effort to prohibit the peaceful ingress and egress of Commandment Keepers to the synagogue by blocking the synagogue’s entrance. Because of Commandment Pillars’ desecration, promotion of disruptive behavior, harassment, intimidation, cursing and boisterous outbursts, and creation of a hostile environment, Shabbat after Shabbat from the 8th of Tevet, 5764 up to and including the 3rd of Iyar, 5767, Commandment Pillar is solely responsible for the redirection of Commandment Keepers synagogue on the 3rd of Iyar, 5767. Commandment Pillar due to their slave mentality, crabs in the barrel, street and thug tactics, illegal possession, breaking, destroying, and replacing the locks on the synagogue doors, has no legal rights to Commandment Keepers, as the entity does not belong to a person or persons. Commandment Keepers is a Religious Corporation to wit: An “incorporated church” is a religious corporation created to enable its members to meet for divine worship or other religious observances. New York Consolidated Laws, Religious Corporations Law - RCO §2 The trustees of every religious corporation shall have the custody and control of all the temporalities and property, real and personal, belonging to the corporation and of the revenues therefrom, and shall administer the same in accordance with the discipline, rules and usages of the corporation and of the ecclesiastical governing body…” New York Consolidated Laws, Religious Corporations Law - RCO §5

Why would anyone in their right mind allow Commandment Pillar to continuously break, destroy, and replace the synagogue locks, wrongfully exercise dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully seized Commandment Keepers and displaced congregation in good standing; harass and threaten bodily harm Shabbat after Shabbat? A reasonable and prudent person would look for alternative options to avoid such desecration, harassment and physical harm, and that is exactly what Commandment Keepers did; relocated from potential bodily harm and continuous harassment from Commandment Pillar!

Commandment Pillar under the “dirty hands” doctrine; acted unethically, and in bad faith, willingly and knowingly illegally took possession and occupied the synagogue; broke into, destroyed and replaced the synagogue locks when they wrongfully exercised dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully siezed Commandment Keepers and displaced congregants in good standing; on the eve of Shabbat; and subsequently used a BOLT CUTTER to cut and remove the Master locks from the synagogue entrance door not once but several times after the 8th of Tevet, 5764. Thus, gaining unauthorized entry, including but not limited to the crossing of the threshold of the synagogue on the 8th of Tevet, 5764, and the 9th of Tevet, 5764; and subsequent attempts to break into, destroy, and replace the synagogue locks as they have done many times after the 8th of Tevet, 5764. How else could they have gained entry into the synagogue, rather than attending Shabbat services? Not one of the Commandment Pillars, collectively and/or in their individual capacity had authority, legal or spiritual, to bar any of the congregants in good standing, or any of the members of the Board, to engage religious services at the commencement of the Sabbath or otherwise. Nor did they have a key to the synagogue and/or attended any synagogue services prior to their 8th of Tevet, 5764 plan, or held membership or even maintained the synagogue. Many people through tireless labor and sacrifice contributed to the advancement of Commandment Keepers in the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. Had it not been for the COLLECTIVE generosity of ALL those members throughout those years, the synagogue would not have existed for Commandment Pillar to break-in, destroy, and replace the locks when they wrongfully exercised dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully seized Commandment Keepers and displaced congregants in good standing on the 8th of Tevet, 5764.

Furthermore, at one point, the reason the synagogue would not have remained in the hands of Commandment Keepers is because the synagogue was In Rem (a lawsuit or other legal action directed toward the synagogue property) prior to and after Chief Rabbi Matthew’s zt”l death in December 1973. Commandment Pillar did not give a single dollar to prevent the synagogue from the court having in rem jurisdiction according to the records. Commandment Pillar were not members during the in rem jurisdiction and were not inside of the synagogue. Unfortunately, Chief Rabbi Matthew zt”l was unable to settle the In Rem issue before his death in December 1973 because no one had the funds, not even Commandment Pillar. So as much as Commandment Pillar has chosen to mudsling, or allege an illegal sale of property, or allege an illegal negotiation of a contract of sale and destruction of “Commandment Pillar’s real property” against Commandment Keepers; the bottom line is Commandment Keepers’ generous funds from the 1970s kept the synagogue within the hands of Commandment Keepers and not the government. If the In Rem issue had not been settled and paid by Commandment Keepers; and the government held jurisdiction, Commandment Pillar under some self-appointed notion that they OWN Commandment Keepers would not have had the synagogue building to allege ownership and allege an Executive Board in their numerous lawsuits. Commandment Pillar’s breaking, destroying and replacing the locks and subsequently using the BOLT CUTTER to cut the locks was for selfish motives that have absolutely nothing to do with the honor, glory and magnifying of the Holy One blessed be He. Commandment Pillar remained on the synagogue premises “unlawfully” when they were not privileged to do so. Their unlawful act in breaking, destroying, and replacing the locks when they wrongfully exercised dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully seized Commandment Keepers and displaced congregants in good standing and subsequently gaining entry into the synagogue by cutting the lock with their BOLT CUTTER, desecrated the dwelling where YHWH’s name was placed. A Place for YHWH to Dwell!

Imagine watching Commandment Pillar through the sanctuary window on Tevet 9 5764 the Shabbat after the initial break in on the 8th of Tevet 5764, strutting like a peacock in the Rabbi’s purple robe and kippah; garments that didn’t even belong to Commandment Pillar. Yet, strutting like a peacock, with chest poked out and head held high invading the garments of another rabbi, surely this is not the making of a SPIRITUAL LEADER or officer of the Court. In his Path of the Upright, Moses Hayyim Luzzatto has an amusing analysis of various forms of false modesty: “Another imagines that he is so great and so deserving of honor that no one can deprive him of the usual signs of respect. And to prove this, he behaves as though he were humble and goes to great extremes in displaying boundless modesty and infinite humility. But in his heart he is proud, saying to himself: ‘I am so exalted, and so deserving of honor, that I need not have anyone do me honor. I can well afford to forgo marks of respect.” It is YHWH’s dwelling place; and it is YHWH that is at the helm, not Commandment Keepers or Commandment Pillar, yet, Commandment Pillar struts with pride alleging ownership of the synagogue – Spiritually, we ALL walk through the orchard PaRDeS as parashat T'rumah, Shemot 25:1−27:19 eloquently expresses in Hebrew our "gift" or "offering" to YHWH: YHWH's instructions to make the Tabernacle; its furnishings; and the significance of the laws governing the design of the Mishkan - YHWH’s dwelling place:

Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts (t'rumah); “you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart is so moved.” (Shemot 25:2) YHWH says of the Israelites: V'asu li mikdash v'shachanti b'tocham, “Let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.” There are two important aspects of the Tabernacle. First, it is part of a detailed system of law. These laws define the exact manner in which we serve YHWH. Halacha dictates every aspect of the sacrifices. The appearance and clothing of the kohanim offering the sacrifices are described by the laws. Every element of the construction of the Mishkan is determined by halacha. Halacha leaves little opportunity for the intrusion of PERSONAL interpretation into divine worship. The Torah is concerned with the possible intrusion of pagan worship into divine service. We must follow the prescription of the Torah. Adherence to the sacred laws of divine service assures that no pagan influences enter into our worship.

The second aspect of the Tabernacle is that its construction and structure reflected a profound system of wisdom. The Mishkan was not only physically beautiful—it also possessed an intellectual grandeur. The laws combined into a system of wisdom “chokmah.” The halachah not only dictates every aspect of the Tabernacle’s design and construction, but its structure also symbolically expresses various theological, scientific and philosophical ideas. The worshiper, in contemplating the structure of the Tabernacle, was inspired by its wisdom. The desire to serve YHWH resulted in a profound transformation in the worshiper. The worshiper was transported from the mundane to a spiritual universe of ideas. The objective of the Mishkan is to elevate our relationship with YHWH and is fundamental to the Torah.

But what gifts did Commandment Pillar bring to YHWH on the 8th of Tevet, 5764 when they so boldly broke into YHWH’s dwelling place breaking, destroying and replacing the lock when they wrongfully exercised dominion and control over the synagogue and subsequently used a BOLT CUTTER? Instead of gifts, Commandment Pillar brought an intrusion of paganism, embarrassment, desecration, and physical violence to a place where YHWH’s name was placed for divine presence or influence for the synagogue. Commandment Pillar thought that breaking, destroying and replacing the lock when they wrongfully exercised dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully seized Commandment Keepers and displaced congregants in good standing and subsequently breaking, destroying and replacing the lock when they wrongfully exercised dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully seized Commandment Keepers and displayed congregants in good standing using their BOLT CUTTER was against Commandment Keepers when it was really an action against YHWH!

The synagogue is YHWH’s intimacy with Israel mentioned in the context of building a worship space—the Mishkan. It is inside that Mishkan that YHWH dwells with Israel as noted in Parashat Teruma - Shemot 25:8: “And let them build Me a sanctuary that I may dwell in their midst”. The passage is stating that the influence of YHWH was evidenced in the synagogue through the “glory” of YHWH. The Torah commanded the creation of a sanctuary. This sanctuary takes different forms. In 1962 Commandment Keepers performed the mitzvah to create an institution of “sanctuary” for the dwelling of YHWH. Commandment Pillar’s actions on the 8th of Tevet, 5764 breaking, destroying and replacing the lock when they wrongfully exercised dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully seized Commandment Keepers and displaced congregants in good standing and by using the BOLT CUTTER was in violation of the creation of sanctuary and was and is an afront to YHWH!

Members of the Israelite community, in your infinite Torah (wisdom “chokmah,” understanding “binah”, and knowledge “da'at),” what would you have done if Commandment Pillar broke, destroyed and replaced the lock and wrongfully exercised dominion and control or used a BOLT CUTTER to unlawfully gain ingress and egress into: The International Board of Rabbis; Beth Shalom B'nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation; Beth Elohim Hebrew Congregation; Beth Shalom Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation; B’nai Adath Kol Beth Yisrael; Congregation Temple Beth'El, Philadelphia, PA; Beit Da'ath, Chokmah, Binah or Church of G-d and Saints of Christ – Tabernacles collectively “members of the Israelite community” to name just a few houses of worship who have been systematically lured into Commandment Pillar’s web of deception? Outside of conciliatory phone calls; letters of reconciliation and the proposed Bet Din (Rabbinic Court) all of which were not effective forums of adjudication for Commandment Pillar’s breaking, destroying and replacing the lock when they wrongfully exercised dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully deseized Commandment Keepers and its congregants in good standing and subsequently cutting off the lock with or without a BOLT CUTTER. Moreover, what do you do with Israelites who have desecrated YHWH’s honor and glory? Even with all of Rabbi Levy’s analogies referenced to “warring camps” in his article, three decades of unresolved issues nonetheless led Commandment Pillar to cross the line and end up in a dark place setting off a three-fold spiritual desecration and violation against: (1) YHWH; (2) the Shabbat; and in addition, (3) the release of strange fire, “negative energy”, paganism into the dwelling where YHWH’s name was placed. "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me" is one of the Ten Commandments found in “Shemot” 20:2 and Deuteronomy “Devarim” 5:6, which establishes the nature of the relationship between the nation of Israel and YHWH the G-d of Israel.

In this instance, negative energy/paganism was a catalyst. Negative Energy incorporating beliefs or practices from outside of practicing YHWH as ONE. Negative Energy which can be given names; names which collect particular attributes such as: (i) anger (a negative trait to be avoided whenever possible)[ Pirkei Avot: Ethics of the Fathers Chapter 4 states: "Ben Zoma said: Who is strong? He who subdues his evil inclination, as it is stated, 'He who is slow to anger is better than a strong man, and he who masters his passions is better than one who conquers a city' (Proverbs 16:32) Anger will cause a sage to lose his wisdom, a person who is destined for greatness to forfeit it.— The Talmud. The Talmud links anger to conceit, stating “One who is angry does not even consider the presence of YHWH important. One who becomes angry is as though that person had worshiped idols.— Moses Maimonides, Mishneh Torah "]; (ii) pride (humility is among the greatest of the virtues, as its opposite, pride, is among the worst of the vices. The Torah, say the rabbis (Taanit7a), is compared to water for just as water only runs downhill, never uphill, the word of YHWH can only be heard in a humble heart.); (iii) egotism (the drive to maintain and enhance favorable views of oneself, and generally features an inflated opinion of one's personal importance. It often includes intellectual, physical, social and other over estimations.); (iv) illusion (there is nothing but YHWH. Everything that exists, whether physical or spiritual, is simply a highly limited expression of its Creator, somewhat like each of your thoughts and actions is a little expression of you.); and (v) greed (The effects of greed and the fear of uncertainty, which lead to economic crime and theft, may be limited by the understanding of YHWH’s role as the real provider of all the needs of His creatures. Pirkei Avot: Ethics of the Fathers Chapter 5:12: classifies one whose attitude to wealth is “What is mine is mine and what is yours is yours” as being a mediocre person. Such a person is not prepared to assist others, nor does he recognize a social obligation in view of the wealth in his possession. “Some say,” continues the Mishnah, “this is the mark of the people of Sodom.” The people of Sodom have been the archetype of an evil community deserving of destruction ever since biblical times, primarily because of THEIR SELFISH ECONOMIC BEHAVIOR.) Such attributes effectively became the negative channels through which Commandment Pillar’s negative actions operated when they planned; co-conspired; plotted; premeditated; and finally initiated their plan to break, destroy and replace the lock when they wrongfully exercised dominion and control over the synagogue and wrongfully seized Commandment Keepers and displaced congregants in good standing and subsequently used a BOLT CUTTER to cut off the lock of the synagogue. Each time Commandment Pillar illegally broke, destroyed and replaced the locks to the synagogue, their pride and ego fueled. Commandment Pillar puffed-up with pride easily placed themselves in the role as both Judge and Jury.

On the eve of Shabbat, where was the Commandment Pillar’s respect for the place where the name of the Holy One, blessed be He had been placed by Chief Rabbi Wentworth Arthur Matthew, zt”l? Whatever fueled their intentions in the past, was even more certainly at the forefront of their mission on the 8th of Tevet, 5764. Commandment Pillar lacked fear of YHWH. Encouraged by the yetzer hara; the inclination to do evil, they violated the will of YHWH by making a willful choice to “cross over the line,” seeking their own individual gratification by breaking off the lock of the synagogue door. Such “Evil” inclination gave them a sense of reverence and invincibility. Woe unto them who have desecrated the Name of the Holy One blessed be He!

During the three Pilgrimage Festivals, “Shalosh Regalim,” as commanded by the Torah: Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot; all Commandment Keepers gave thanks, united, and prayed for the continued abundance for Commandment Keepers synagogue and legacy. (Shemot 23:14–17); (Shemot 34:18-23). Each generation of devoted Commandment Keepers’ members, no member better than the next, gave according to their ability in the place where the Most High G-d’s Name Dwelled. Each Commandment Keeper member, because of their sacrifice, gifts, and generosity, enabled the continuity of Commandment Keepers’ legacy to continue for almost 100 years. No one Commandment Keeper: member, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, mother, father, great grandson or the like, was or is special; YHWH sees each mitzvot performed as under the union of the Nation of Yisrael. Together ALL of Yisrael has a need to come together; they ALL had and have a stake in the Redemption of Yisrael The Talmud (Shevuot 39a), in discussing the domino effect of sin, concludes with the Aramaic phrase, Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh, meaning all of Israel are responsible for each other “Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh.” So, why the BREAK-IN?