וְהִנֵּה קוֹל מִן־הֶעָנָן אֵׂר זֶה־בְּנִי ְדִידִי ָיו תִּשְׁמָעוּן׃
A voice came from the cloud, saying, This is my son: hear ye him (Matthew 3:17)
YAYIN: RAISING WORLDWIDE, WORLD-CLASS, DISCIPLES OF YESHUA
Welcome to Yeshivat Yeshua Ha Notzri (YaYiN). YaYiN is the University of Jesus of Nazareth, providing the greatest teaching of the greatest person with the greatest implications for humanity. The word: YaYiN is a notarikon for ‘Yeshivat Yeshua Ha Notzri.’ YaYiN Kadosh is also a Hebrew word for ‘New wine’ and explores the new teaching or ‘new wine’ that constituted Christ’s doctrine (Matt. 9:16-17). The university is dedicated to exploring the teaching and nature of the most influential person in human history: Yeshua of Nazareth. From the human perspective, he was the son of Joseph and Mary but, in reality, he was the incarnated Word of God (Hebr.- דְּבַר אֱלהִים, Dbar Elohim). He was the incarnated logos (Λόγος) of Greek philosophy (the intelligence behind the act of creation (John 1:1). Yeshua is therefore ‘Immanuel’: ‘God with us’ in a human body(Isaiah 7:14) YaYiN online university explores the implications for humanity of this wonderful mystery with a unique approach to training and developing master students of Yeshua.
Master Disciples – Talmidim: Learn as Jesus Learned.
These unique master students are referred to as ‘Talmidim’ (תלמידם) and, after completing the modules offered by the schools, you too can be a ‘master disciple.‘ It is one of the few online universities in the world where you can experience very similar training to that of Yeshua Ha Mashiach. Jesus would have studied Law (Torah), Hebrew, and oral traditions (Mishnah) until the age of thirteen in a ‘Beyt Sefer’ (House of the Book). Talented students would progress to the Yeshivah or Beyt Midrash to study further oral law (cf. Gemara). Yeshua was also a prophet, healer, and gifted by the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2). Schools of the prophets (or Sons of the Prophets) were traditional training grounds for prophets (1 Samuel 19:18-24; 2 Kings 2). The university, therefore, delivers training in developing the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These three main aspects of Yeshua’s life (the bible/Torah, Holy Spirit/prophecy, and the incarnation of the Son of God are taught in the following three schools.
Three Main Schools
There are three main schools at YaYiN. Each school studies an aspect of Yeshua’s ministry. The schools are:
- School of Knowledge (academic & biblical training)
- School of the Holy Spirit (pneumatic training)
- Yeshivat Yeshua Ha Notzri (Christological & Messianic training)
In one place, you can explore pneumatic topics such as healing, prophecy, or faith; or academic topics such as ancient languages, hermeneutics, textual criticism, and theology. Other elective schools include the schools of Evangelism, Prayer, and Wisdom.
Apologetics and Theistic Studies
An exciting offshoot of YaYiN is ‘SONS’- a world-first university to explore natural sciences, humanities, and arts at degree level in a theistic context. Each school fills a major lack in contemporary studies and empowers the student with the tools to gain a better understanding of Jesus Christ, Yeshua Ha Mashiach. Christ, Yeshua is the Messiah, the saviour of humanity. He is the central figure of world history. The ‘logos’ became flesh and dwelled among us (Col. 1:15; John 1:1). This university is dedicated to unraveling this mystery and exploring how we can apply in our lives aspects of the greatest life ever lived: Christ, Yeshua. Come and learn with us.
What is a Disciple? Talmidim
Jesus commissioned his disciples by saying:
“Go into all the world, preach the good news and make disciples“ (Matt. 28:19).
The word ‘disciples,‘ translated as ‘learners’ (From the Greek word,‘mathetes,‘-μαθητεύσατε), is better rendered as ‘Talmidim‘ (תַּלְמִידִים) in Aramaic. Yeshua would have spoken in Aramaic to his disciples. Talmidim were not simply focused on acquiring knowledge, as was the practice in the academies of that time, but were keen to live a life that fulfilled God’s commandments. A Talmid is a disciple who follows the teachings and lifestyle of his master. As the famous saying goes, he walks ‘in the dust of his master’ and absorbs every aspect of learning and living. The Talmidim developed at YaYiN are of world-class ability. The Messiah is seeking to find such true Talmidim. This can be you!
A Talmid is a student of extraordinary talent and ability: these are developed at YaYiN
A small group tutorial with a master teacher
A Revolutionary Approach to Biblical Interpretation Using Linguistic Analysis
The Talmid developed at YaYiN is, therefore, a very particular type of learner: He/she seeks to emulate his/her teacher (our teacher is Christ, Yeshua himself). Imitation is an important principle. A Talmid has a distinct advantage over most international students. He/she uses a primarily Hebraic exegetical approach for analysing the scriptures. The Bible is essentially a Hebrew text. The Old Testament scriptures were written in Hebrew, but the cultural idioms weren’t translated into other languages and Bibles. Much of the intended meaning is therefore lost to the reader. A famous proverb states: “he who reads in translation will live in translation.” Why did G_d sovereignly choose to transmit many of the deepest scriptural truths using the vehicle of the Hebrew language? Was there an original human or Edenic language? We will reveal in detail why Hebrew is uniquely suited structurally, pictorially, and numerically to reveal the truths of the divine creator. This culture, mindset, and language form the backbone of the Old and New Testaments. Understanding the approach of learning by imitation and comprehension of the language and culture is therefore vital to becoming an advanced disciple.
Finding Meaning and Revelation in Biblical Symbolism
Many modern students struggle to understand the early books of Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus when they begin reading the bible. This is because they don’t grasp the structures, cultural symbolisms, and the original meanings of the words in the text. What, for example, do the feasts signify? What relevance do the materials, metals, and dimensions of the Tabernacle of Moses in Exodus have? What is the significance of all the genealogies? They all contain vital revelations about Christ, the logos, Dbar Elohim. You will learn that the Tabernacle of Moses, including its dimensions, was an earthly representation and shadow of heavenly culture (Heb. 9:23; Ex. 24:10) and much more. You will also learn about the various methods of interpretation and the meaning of Old Testament symbolisms in the modules. These types and symbols teach us heavenly realities. This is the kind of knowledge that produces Talmidim of exceptional, world-class quality at YaYiN.
1. Why YAYIN? – Fulfilling the Commission: Making Talmidim of all Nations at YaYiN
All nations and peoples are called to follow and become disciples
2. Why YAYIN? – An International Perspective at YaYiN, a God for All Nations
At YaYiN, we adopt an international perspective (read more on the ‘International Students’ page). YHWH is not a local tribal deity. He is not just the G-d of the Jews: he is the G-d of all the nations! This means that the Hebrews were not chosen because they were the greatest of all people. On the contrary, the scriptures reveal that it was because they were the least numerous of all people that they were chosen and commissioned to transmit the revelation of the Messiah (Deut. 7:6,7; Deut. 26:5). This is a key motif in scripture and a hint about God’s character: G-d’s solidarity with the powerless. G-d seems to use those who appear the least likely in order that he might demonstrate his love and power. God has included the outcasts and marginalised. At YaYiN, the teaching expands the scope. The light has shone from the God of Israel to all (Gal. 3:1). The good news is contextualised for all nations to understand.
3. Why YAYIN? -Revealing Your Identity as New Covenant Priests. The Global Abrahamic Blessing
Welcome to the blessing of Abraham. As a believer, you have been grafted into the Abrahamic blessing and priestly order of Melchizedek (Rom. 11; Heb. 7). After G-d’s initial attempt to deal with mankind as a whole ended in judgment at the flood, he narrowed the lens and his plan to a single person: Abraham from the priestly order of Melchizedek (Gen.12:1). God’s plan is that Abraham’s seed, Yeshua (Gal. 3:16) would be the singular conduit of blessing to the world- that the world would have access to the priestly lineage and blessing of Abraham. We could all become priests (1 Pet.2:9). We therefore trace the biblical genealogies to show how God supernaturally preserved the human seed until Yeshua’s birth.
Sons and Daughters of Abraham
This is why the scriptures seem to lend themselves easily to a primarily Abrahamic mode of interpretation. The name Abraham is derived from the same root as ‘Eber’ (Genesis 10:25 ‘Abar’– to pass over). Christ, Messiah, therefore, is our Passover, our Abar (1 Cor. 5:7). We have passed over from death to life. The message is that all nations can be blessed and pass over by the same faith of Abraham who G-d called and blessed and has become the father of nations (Rom. 4:11-12). YHWH is indeed the G-d of all nations. At YaYiN, the gospel is culturally contextualized for the benefit and blessing of all nations.
4. Why YAYIN? -Hear the Gospel as the disciples heard it at YaYiN: The Scripture will come Alive!
A scroll of scripture written in the original language.
5. Why YAYIN? – Learning the Methodology: Yeshua Contextualised His Message to announce His presence, learn how at YaYiN-Literary Techniques
Learn Biblical Exegesis from the Sermon on the Mount.
You will learn how to contextualise using the Sermon on the Mount as a template. Did you know that many of the sayings of Yeshua have meaning in the context of existing cultural idioms? Do you know about ‘qal wa omer‘ or ‘gazayrah shawah?‘ We believe that it is very difficult to adequately interpret the scriptures (particularly poetic passages) without deeply engaging these literary structures and techniques. Yeshua Ha Mashiach, himself, endorsed this type of approach. He contextualized his message to his Talmidim into the existing Jewish scriptures and oral culture when he delivered his famous inaugural discourse, ‘The Sermon on the Mount.’
6. Why YAYIN? – Exegetical Lessons and Examples From the Sermon on the Mount
In exegetics, you will also learn how he applied well-known literary devices (cf.’rules of Hillel’) to explain the Old Testament references to the Messiah and announce their present fulfillment. He explained verses from the Torah and Prophets in a new and astonishing way to reveal himself as the son of G_d. The implication of his sermon was that he was the long-awaited Messiah and all of Israel, indeed all the Gentile world must now become his Talmidim. Students will be taught the sermon on the mount and the language, culture, and hermeneutic devices that were familiar to first-century audiences. This in-depth knowledge is what makes the Talmidim at YaYiN students of exceptional quality.
Revealing the logos, the Divine Word of G-d as the Son of Man, and Son of G-d at YaYiN
The Revelation of Jesus, the Divine ‘Son of Man seated on the throne
7. Why YAYIN? – Learn Greek Letter Techniques: Learn that the Medium and the Message are intertwined
Learn Biblical Letter-Writing Protocols. Learn about biblical letters. Do you want the words of the bible to come alive? Do you wish to learn about popular Greek protocols of letter writing such as encomiums or exordiums? Do you wish to learn about incarnational ministry? After studying the literary techniques that Yeshua used to contextualize his message, you will be able to appreciate why Yeshua’s words had such an impact. His audience would have been largely familiar with the protocols of speech, the Hebrew language, and oral law. They would have recognized Yeshua’s claims in this sermon to be the divine ‘Son of man’ (Ezek. 1; Daniel 7:9) and the long-awaited ‘prophet’ (Dt. 18:15).
The Medium and the Message
The medium used was thus a vital part of his message. For those who heard his teaching and message, it would have been a moment of revelation (or ‘pshat’). These protocols, techniques, and precious insights about his lordship have largely been lost on the body of Christ Today. A prime rule of exegesis is that we can’t know what it means to us unless we know the context and meaning for the original audience. In YaYiN, you will be taught the full extent of the meaning of the Messiah’s words, the medium used, and the evidence of his right to be called Messiah. This will enable you to experience the joy that the disciples felt when they understood that the Messiah was here.
THE THREE MAIN SCHOOLS – TOP LEVEL, THE YESHIVAH (MASTER DISCIPLES)
Talmidim exploring the depths of G-d’s word and the Messiah
The top level of study is experienced in Yeshivat Yeshua. This is where the notarikon, YaYiN is derived from. The name, YaYiN (Hebrew for wine), is a simple notarikon representing the new teaching that Jesus, Yeshua Ha Mashiach introduced (Matt. 9:14-17). This term emphasizes both the teaching and pneumatic aspects of Yeshua’s ministry as expressed in the schools of the Holy Spirit and knowledge. The Yeshivah is all about Christ, Yeshua. Although the Schools of Gifting and Knowledge offer precious insights, the ‘jewel in the crown is Yeshivat Yeshua, with the prime focus being the study of the Messiah, Yeshua, Jesus.
A Unique Suite of Study
It is this combination of attributes that makes studying at YaYin a rewarding and unique experience. The knowledge and revelation taught at the Yeshivah, therefore, require students of the highest academic and spiritual ability. Those who enroll will have already graduated from the schools of knowledge and the Holy Spirit and will be on the verge of becoming true ‘Talmidim.’ They will receive world-class teaching in all aspects of Yeshua’s person as the Dbar Elohim and son of G-d. ‘This new wine’ in new wineskins will produce task- Theologians with the Apostolic level ministry to influence cities and nations.
“The Word of G-d was made Flesh and Tabernacled with us,” (John 1:14)
The divine Son of G-d, born to redeem the human race and restore sonship
Yeshivah Main Topics – Learn the history of thought about the divine Word of G-d. The Messiah is Revealed as the Son of G-d and Dbar Elohim.
A) Yeshivah Theological Topics, The God-Man.
Have you ever been perplexed as to how God could become human? Many believers in Yeshua lack the historical, linguistic, cultural, and philosophical knowledge to explain Yeshua’s claims to be the Son of Man and the Son of G-d. This is a major stumbling block to sharing the Gospel. We provide all of the necessary tools! How can we explain God becoming a man? Here are a few ideas that highlight some of the thoughts about this topic. The Jews have long believed in a G-d who has both transcendent and immanent aspects. G-D’s immanence is his closeness and presence; his transcendence is his inapproachability. The idea of a ‘God-man’ was not new. Greeks and Romans adhered to Emperor worship and demi-gods. The Jewish concept of ‘Malkut‘ (kingdom) was used to illustrate God’s immanence. Jewish scholars also appropriated the idea of the ‘shekinah,’ G-D’s feminine aspect, who tabernacles with us. Others referred to his wisdom, the Memra, or the manifested Greek ‘logos‘ to describe the son of God and the son of man. These are just some of the ideas.
B) Yeshivah Philosophical Topics, The Logos, Memra, and Dbar Elohim
The brit ha hadasha, the New Testament, states that ‘the word of G-d (the logos) was made flesh and dwelt among us. The Logos was believed to be the intelligence behind creation. It was his divine word, his glory, the dbar Elohim who dwelt with us. How could he be G-d and yet suffer? The scriptures and Jewish writings teach about two aspects of Messiah: Ben Joseph, the suffering servant, and Ben David who reigns. So, G-D is one, but this oneness is a compound unity (echad) rather than a monolithic, homogeneous unity (yachid). It was G-d’s immanence, his ‘kingdom,’ (malkut), his word (the aleph-tau, Torah) which came near, took on flesh, and dwelt among us. Yeshua, Jesus, is thus both Messiah ben Joseph and ben David. It is his example that we seek to emulate by raising up true Talmidim. This is just a taste of the revelation of the Messiah taught at YaYiN.
THE SCHOOL OF KNOWLEDGE – INTERMEDIATE LEVEL DISCIPLES (ACADEMIC PATH)
Talmidim are people who are seeking greater Christ-likeness
As mentioned previously, many of the teachings of Yeshua ha Mashiach can be truly appreciated with knowledge of the culture, history, language, and exegetical principles that were in use at that time. Students will acquire some familiarity with elements of Aramaic, Hebrew, Greek, rabbinic exegesis, textual criticism, and orality studies. The school of knowledge will develop critical thinking, memory, linguistic ability, and Bible knowledge to an advanced level sufficient for admission to the yeshivah. The school of knowledge thus prepares the student for the advanced level of investigation required for messianic studies on Yeshua, Jesus in the yeshiva.
Fluency in Reading -No More Living in Translation
Students of the school will soon be able to read approximately one hundred chapters of the Old Testament in Hebrew (perhaps the first few books of the Torah); gain some awareness of Babylonian Jewish Aramaic; have knowledge of exegesis; have an awareness of Western philosophy, and a working knowledge of New Testament Greek. Students can gain access by completing the foundation modules from ‘Bet Sefer’ School which will serve as adequate preparation for the school of knowledge modules. These studies will help to reveal the scriptures in an incredible way.
THE SCHOOL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – INTERMEDIATE DISCIPLES (PNEUMATIC PATH)
The Holy Spirit Ruach Ha Qodesh illuminates the inspired Word and gifts the believer
Do you wish to develop your spiritual gift? The School of the Holy Spirit is also a place for gifted people, prophets, intercessors, seers, healers, dreamers, evangelists, and pastors. G-D has placed latent abilities within all of us. Unfortunately, most people never develop their spiritual potential to any degree. At the school of gifting, your spiritual giftings (both predominant and sub-dominant) will be honed to a high level. Students who enroll will have located their gifting through the ‘Beyt Sefer,’ where detailed discussions about discovering and using their giftings can be obtained. After completing these modules, your level of facility in your area of gifting will be greatly enhanced.
BEYT SEFER – BEGINNER DISCIPLES: The Talmidim Course
The journey to becoming a true disciple of Christ can begin with a single step (or a single click of the mouse). You need only to engage with the lessons provided in the Beyt Sefer to begin to receive a new level of understanding and revelation in Christ, Yeshua. For those who feel they cannot complete the Talmidim Course, the Yeshivah offers the ‘Talmidim awareness course’ which gives a general outline of both academic and practical spiritual gifting disciplines. The journey to true discipleship begins here.
THE SCHOOL OF NON-SECULAR-HUMANISTIC STUDY (SONS), A SCHOOL OF THEISTIC SCIENCE, ARTS, AND APOLOGETICS
SONS is a world-first, ground-breaking, and truly exciting ‘university within a university.’ Have you felt pressure from atheistic professors to regurgitate information that agrees with secular-humanistic ideas about the origins of the universe and life on Earth? Did you know that most of the great scientists, Newton, Maxwell, and Faraday were firm believers in God? The School of Non-Secular Humanistic Study is a place where students can study classic disciplines at university level with a theistic backdrop. Most of the world’s great universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard, were founded with a strong Christian, theistic ethos. Universities today embrace enlightenment and humanistic philosophy.
The True Context of Science and Arts
SONS is focused on restoring Theistic Education in Arts, Sciences, and Humanities. The natural sciences and arts find their true context within the backdrop and framework of a loving and benevolent creator. Secular-humanistic study disconnects the seeker of knowledge from this absolute reality and so inevitably leads to inferior or erroneous conclusions. You now have the opportunity to explore all of the classic disciplines: Maths, Sciences, Arts, and Humanities to a very high standard within the context and the reality of a divine creator.
'YAYIN' - YESHIVAT YESHUA HA NOTZRI 