REGISTRATION ENDS MAY 24, 2023

The Scriptures itself dictates the counting of the seven weeks following Passover Holiday. Counting the omer (Leviticus 23:15-16) refers to the 49-day period between Passover (Pesach) and the Biblical Holiday of Pentecost (Shavuot).

In accordance with the scriptures, Great Awakening Assemblies is hosting a PENTECOST WEEKEND EXPERIENCE June 2-5, 2023, in Detroit, MI, the birth of the Great Awakening International.  

Participants will witness a powerful flow of PROPHECY, PROPHETIC WORSHIP, PENETRATING TEACHING, and a manifestation of the GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT (RUACH) remembering the Feast of the Weeks (Pentecost) in which the Disciples received the fulfillment of the ReNewed Covenant of the Law and gift of the Holy Spirit and began to speak with different tongues and all men of all nations understood them as if they spoke in their native tongue in which they were born on the Holy Day of PENTECOST (Acts 2).

Enjoy a rare opportunity to spend time learning and exploring this Holy Day with a diverse mix of people from around the country. Throughout the weekend there a number of worship services, fellowships, programs, immersions and activities to choose from. Families from all over will gather together with us to create a marvelous extended family and community. 

Shavuot is a major festival having historical and agricultural significance; it marks the end of the barley harvest and the beginning of the wheat harvest.  In Exodus 34:22 the Hebrew Shavuot is identified as the Feast of Weeks OR the Feast of Harvest in Exodus 23:16. The Greek name “Pentecost”, which means fiftieth, is FIRST found in Acts 2:1.  Counting of the days from Passover to Shavuot is called “counting of the Omer”.  

Shavuot is considered the closing festival of the Passover season in Exodus 34:22; Leviticus 23:15; Deuteronomy 16:9-10; this day is further referred to as “latter Firstfruits” of the spring harvest.  The “early Firstfruits” (barley) WAS waved before Shavuot.

YHWH during the Feast of Firstfruits and the “latter fruits” (wheat) were offered unto YHWH during the Feast of Weeks.  It is also referred to as the “Day of the congregation or assembly” in Deuteronomy 18:16.  Another name is Atserret, meaning stop, cease or conclusion of 7 weeks of counting.

Shavuot is the only festival for which no specific date is given in the bible.  Rather the people were instructed to count 7 weeks “…from the morrow after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf (omer) of the wave offering (Leviticus 23:15); it is the successful conclusion of the first wheat-growing season and the anniversary celebration of the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai.

It is the celebration to reawaken and strengthen personal relationships with YHWH by rededication to the observance and study of the Torah.  When YHWH revealed himself on Mt. Sinai, his people heard his voice proclaiming the Ten Commandments.  Then the Israelites pledged their allegiance to YHWH by saying “…all that YHWH has said we will do and be obedient.” (Exodus 24:7)

Shavuot is one of the three times when all Hebrew men are required to appear before YHWH (Exodus 23:17; Deuteronomy 16:16) Historically, the main activity on the feast of Shavuot was the presentation of the wave offering to YHWH, two loaves of bread with leaven (Leviticus 23:15-21).  The bread was to be brought with seven male lames, a young bull and two rams, as burnt offerings (Leviticus 23:18).  The sin offering was a male goat (Leviticus 23:19)

The wave offering expressed the Hebrew dependence on YHWH for the harvest and their daily bread.  This was a thanksgiving offering.  The link  between Passover and Shavuot is the Omer.  The second night of Passover the barley is harvested, and the first sheaf is waved before the altar in the temple.  On Shavuot two loaves are waved as an offering before the same alter.  This one day is to be kept with a holy convocation.  It is one of the days on which all Israel is to meet Elohim and one another, at the place where YHWH chooses. 

Shavuot signifies the process of freedom started with the exodus at Passover, and concluded with the proclamation of the Toray (law) at Sinai.  On the day when Moses received the Torah, three thousand souls died due to disobedience (Exodus 32:28). YHWH has never taken his covenant with us casually.  He is a Jealous Elohim.  While on one hand He desired and still desires intimacy with us, he also is committed in marriage to us by his rights as a husband.  When we violate him, through spiritual adultery, we may indeed face his jealous wrath.

The Two Loaves of Bread

The outpouring of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) transpired on the very day the Hebrews were offering the two waved loaves to Elohim representing their reliance on Him.  The two wave loaves with leaven offered to YHWH may represent the Hebrews and Gentiles, both sinners having leaven in their lives, who are able to receive the baptism of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) through the Messiah.  These were promises made by John the Baptist and the risen Messiah (Luke 3:16; 24:49; Acts 1:8) and are now fulfilled on Shavuot.  The two loaves may also represent two witnesses.  He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses (Hebrew 10:28).  The law of Moses is associated with two witnesses; Shavuot is associated with the law and the two loaves.  Witnesses were always connected with the law through the bible; likewise the two loaves and the law are associated with Shavuot (Pentecost). Yahusha said that they would become witnesses after they were baptized with the Ruach (spirit) on Shavuot (Acts 1:3-9).  The followers of the Messiah obtained a mission through the dramatic decent of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit); this was no new religion but rather a re-wakening of their conviction that YHWH, the promised Messiah, would reappear to restore His kingdom on the earth.

Messianic Significance of the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot)

Shavuot (Pentecost) not only memorializes the first giving of the Torah written on tablets of stone, but it also commemorates on the same day many years later the giving of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit).

In Acts 2, we see YHWH’s marvelous timing, thousands of Hebrews had journeyed to Yerushalayim (Jerusalem) to celebrate the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot).  The disciples waiting in the upper room were filled with the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) and began to worship Elohim in foreign languages that were spoken and understood by the Hebrew pilgrims; that day three thousand souls were saved.

The Torah of Elohim has been written in the heart of every believer.  “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days saith YHWH.  I will put my Torah (law) in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Elohim and they shall be My people (Lo Ami)(Jeremiah 31:33).

NAMES OF SHAVUOT

Shavuot has several names;  The feast of Pentecost (Pentecost means 50); Feast of Weeks; Day of the Qahol (assembly or church as some may call it). Shavuot is the plural – feast of weeks and Shavuah is the singular. There are seven weeks between Shavuot (Passover) and Shavuot (Pentecost) giving us a total of 49 days plus one for fifty days.  

Chalav is Hebrew for milk.  The gematria (Hebrew numerical value) for milk is 40, reminding us of the number of days and nights that Moshe (Moses) remained on Mt. Sinai.  Milk is associated with the nurturing generosity of a loving caring mother giving life and sustenance to her baby.  

Yah is also referred to as El Shaddai which means “the God who is more than enough” or “the all sufficient one”.  Shad in the Hebrew means breast.  Shadaim is the plural and indicates sufficiency and nourishment.  Yah’s complete sufficiency to nurture his fledgling nation or “baby” in fruitfulness.  Shaddai is also an acronym for the phrase “shomer daltot Yisrael” which means “Guardian of the doors of Israel”.  He is our sustainer.  He is our source.  It is this supreme love that connects to the anniversary of the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai.  New beginnings and connecting to the source is what Shavuot is all about.

The Location for this year’s GAI Shavuot Experience will be held in Detroit, MI at: 

University of Detroit Mercy,
4001 W. McNichols Road
Detroit, MI 48221-3038

Across southeast Michigan, University of Detroit Mercy has three campuses in the city of Detroit. Shavuot 2023 will take place at the McNIcols (6 Mile) Campus. The McNichols Campus is in northwest Detroit, on the southeast corner of McNichols and Livernois Avenue, with the entrance on McNichols Road. The campus is accessible from the Lodge (M-10), Chrysler (I-75) and Jeffries (I-96) freeways.

During Shavuot 2023, you and your family will be staying in Shiple Residence at University of Detroit Mercy.

Shiple Hall

Shiple is a traditional residence halls with newly renovated community bathrooms and double rooms off a common corridor.

The main lobby features comfortable furniture, hardwood floors and a wide screen TV. It's a common site for many Shiple Hall activities and a great hangout space.

Holden has three floors with males and females separated by floor.

Wi-Fi, premium cable and all other basic utilities are included. Shiple and Holden features a laundry room, kitchen, dining area and pool table on the ground floor.

Security features

• Peepholes
• Individually keyed rooms
• Proxy access to each building
• Keyed access to floors
• 24/7 Public Safety (313-993-1234)
• 24/7 Residence Life staff

These dormitory style lodging allows for GAI to keep registration cost very low without the hassle of expensive hotel rooms, accommodate all guests and their families, and help us maintain a communal close knit bond and family togetherness that many of you have come to appreciate about GAI Feast Day events.

Roommates:

Unless you plan to room with a registered person indicated on your registration form, GAI will select a person to room with you. Single rooms are available upon request and with a slight up charge. However, we recommend that all attendees share sleeping quarters with one other attendee of the same sex to maximize the full Shavuot bonding experience. Our highest priorities are to keep families together and to provide separate sleeping suites or floors for single men and women attendees. 

Bedding:

Dormitories do not include any bedding or linens (sheets, pillows, blankets, wash cloths). You must bring your own bedding and linen. If you decide not to travel with these item the University will provide 1 pillow, 1 blanket, 2 flat sheets, 1 bath towel, and 1 washcloth for a flat rate of $10.

All-inclusive Lodging and food from Friday-Sunday is $250 for Adults, $175 for Ages 3-17, Free for Children 2 & under, $200 for Ages 60+, $140 for commuters. (these prices do not include the Banquet Cruise).

Registration includes:

• 3 Meals A Day
• 3 Nights of Lodging
• Access Card 
• Fitness Center
• Recreational Activities
• Teshuvah Night Gathering 
• Shavuot Gathering
• Installation and Consecration Gathering
• Cookout Gathering

Sunday Night dinner will be provided on the UDM Campus for those who do not plan to attend the Post Shavuot Dinner Cruise on the Detroit Princess Riverboat. the Post Shavuot Dinner Cruise on the Detroit Princess Riverboat is a separate fee from Shavuot (See schedule).

NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER MAY 17, 2023

Teshuvah Night Gathering: Friday Night will begin with a powerful moment of repentance and intercessory prayer. This earth-shattering time of prayer will happen at the University of Detroit Mercy on Friday June 2, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. to begin the Shavuot Weekend. After each prayer we will a time of organic PROPHETIC worship (not rehearsed) in between prayers called “SOAKING.” Prayers will be directed to the repentance of the dispersed of Israel, a return to the Commandments and Laws, Unity, Evangelism, Awakening of the so-called African American, Families, Leaders and much more.

GAI will be installing and consecrating new Morot (Male Teachers) and Morot (Women Teachers) on Saturday June 3, 2023. The experiences of Israel were recorded so that we, Yah’s people, could learn from them today (1 Corinthians 10:11). The ceremonies foreshadowed future events. Even seemingly small events were intended to teach important lessons.

Consider the ceremony involved in the consecration of the Levitical priesthood, beginning with Aaron and his sons. The ceremony is described at the beginning of Exodus 29. The Hebrew word for “consecrate” means “to fill” or “fill the hand.” It was Yah’s intent that the priesthood would “fill” themselves with the work Yah set aside for them. The consecration ceremony was designed to physically demonstrate that.

Since the days of the patriarchs and throughout the Scriptures, YAHUAH has used sacred offices and ministries to guide the Assembly to the fulfillment of its earthly purpose.  The earliest records of ancient writers have included Holy rituals that have given the Assembly its character and majesty.  The Old and New Testaments contain depictions of YAHUAH’s design and relationship to the Assembly.  The New Testament in particular, gives fine points that outline the character and duties of the post-Resurrection Assembly. 

The Scriptural models highlight the orders of commending ministries that give expression to the character of the Assembly.  The Presbyters or Elders and MorIM are charged to govern, shepherd, proclaim the Besorah (Gospel), administer YAHUAH’s ordinances and strengthen the Assembly missionary zeal.  

The Great Awakening Assembly recognizes those who are capable and called of YAHUAH to commend them to the work of the ministry.  Their ability and gifting are acknowledged through ceremonial prayer and the laying on of hands.  Those who are called are forever associated with the redemptive plan of YAHUAH for peace and reconciliation of Israel. The act of consecration is a public affirmation of the servant’s call and pledge of lifelong commitment to the cause of Yahusha HaMashiach and the Assembly.

Join the Mishpacha for a night of elegance and celebration of the Torah. The Post Shavuot Boat Cruise sponsored by Great Awakening International promises to be an event like no other. The Princess River Boat in Detroit, MI will be the venue for this dinner and event.

This will be a memorable evening on board the Midwest's largest dinner boat as she cruises the blue-green water of the Detroit River.

On Sunday June 4, 2023 at 6:00pm to 10:00pm you will board the Princess, with active cruise time starting at 7:00 p.m. Attendees will take in the beautiful architecture and riverfront of downtown Detroit, the rural beauty of Belle Isle and the skyline/waterfront areas of Windsor, Ontario in Canada. We encourage Mishpacha to dress in all-White attire. A four-entree dinner Buffet, live music, and unique ceremony will highlight the night.

Prices

Your Shavuot Registration fee does not cover the price for the Dinner Cruise. The price for the Dinner Cruise is $85. Children 5 and under are Free. THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MAY 31, 2023. The Great Awakening Assembly International and guests will be on a Private Deck Banquet Room 300 maximum guests.

8 guests are allowed per table with guests required to enjoy all food and beverages while seated. 

Served Station Style Dinner featuring:

• Carved Prime Rib
• Salmon w/dill sauce
• Baked Chicken
• Vegetarian Lasagna
• Chef’s Choice of Potato
• Cheese Tortellini w/ Pesto Cream Sauce
• Wild Rice
• Steamed Fresh Vegetables
• Michigan Tossed Salad with add-ons
• Rolls
• Chef’s Choice of Dessert
• coffee, hot tea, and water

Discussions about modesty and inappropriate behavior are difficult in a desensitized and lawless culture, but Great Awakening International has been silent for too long on these matters. We can no longer afford to be silent on this issue because modern culture continually drives an immodest agenda that is infiltrating our community.

As Torah-observant believers, we are obliged to address issues concerning immodest clothing and behavior. However, when confrontation is necessary, it must be approached in a biblical, grace-filled way within the context of a loving community. Now is the time to address Modesty, Alcohol, and Music at our featured Set-Apart Events.

MODESTY

While the Great Awakening International is unaware of the lifestyles of individuals invited as guests to our PUBLIC EVENTS, we will enforce a strict modesty code that is reflective of righteousness and modesty as Torah-observant believers.

Our public events are mainly family-oriented events where children will be present. Any inappropriateness that does not promote a Kodesh lifestyle can have a negative impact on impressionable children. We are committed to doing what most children cannot do for themselves; guard themselves against unnecessary temptations and environments where inappropriateness is allowed.

Furthermore, we are far from the “Fashion Police,” Cleavage Patrol” and Modesty Mafia” however, seductive and enticing apparel will not be welcomed at Great Awakening International future events, as it serves as a temptation and is not synonymous with a Set-Apart environment. Examples of immodest apparel are:

• Tight-fitting pants showing curves and imprints of the groin area
• Spaghetti straps
• See-through garments
• Bodycon dresses
• Garments that cling to the body
• Dresses/skirts that come above the knees when sitting
• Garments that do not conceal undergarments/panty lines/bra straps
• Necklines that dip low and shows chest/cleavage

We’re cognizant that modesty is subjective and can be distinguishable from culture to culture. It can be ambiguous. Modesty has a wide lane, primarily because it's unknown what increases the desires of others (for example open-toe shoes may catch the attention of someone who has a foot fetish). If it's even a question of "is this appropriate?" then chances are, it's not.

Men and women are similar in their temptation to sin. These things affect both genders- “The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.”  Both men and women have to be on guard against those things.

Proverbs 4:23 says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”

Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”

Immodesty is an issue of the heart.  We recognize that how attendees dress on the outside says a lot about what is going on on the inside. “The train of sin runs on tracks that were laid in the heart.”  When one dresses inappropriately for set-apart events, they must be very honest with themselves about their motives.

-Why do I dress as I do?

-What kind of reactions am I trying to get?

The Great Awakening International is a proponent that our community should be unique and specific in our dress and look different from the world. Furthermore, the Great Awakening International is a proponent that men should wear attire gender-specific for men and women should wear clothing gender-tailored for women. No registered participant will be allowed entry into our SET-APART events wearing apparel that is specifically made for the opposite gender.

While we are open to unawakened nonbelievers attending our events, in hopes of sharing the Truth with them, we will not tolerate inappropriate behavior, dress, or speech. Modesty is born from a genuine heart to not stir up the desires in others that can’t be fulfilled righteously.

Modesty is an attitude of propriety and decency in dress, grooming, language, and behavior. 1 Timothy 2:8-10 states, “I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works”. If we are modest, we do not draw undue attention to ourselves. Instead, we seek to “glorify Yah in [our] body, and in [our] spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Immodesty increases sin and a distraction among men (Leviticus 19:29). Modesty calls for a meek and quiet spirit, not loud and clamorous behavior, “But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of Yah of great price (1 Peter 3:4) Proverbs 7:10-11 states, “And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart. (She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house). Proverbs 9:13 mentions that “A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.”

As the Children of Israel, our clothing expresses our values, customs, and ultimately who we are. It sends messages about us, and it influences the way we as Israel act. When we are modestly dressed, we can invite the companionship of the Ruach and exercise a good influence on those around us. We are not to conform to the ways of this world (Romans 12:2).  We should not envy our oppressors and choose their way of dressing in strange apparel (Zephaniah 1:8) and how they conduct themselves (Proverbs 3:31). “Therefore, if anyone is in Yahusha, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Therefore, all participants and their invited guests to the Great Awakening International Set-Apart events must avoid clothing that is revealing or extreme in appearance to engage in our set-apart events.

Moving forward, registration will include a modesty clause that attendees must adhere to. This will be reflected on ALL future registration forms. All attendees and their guests must sign the current modesty clause to secure entry into our set-apart event.

Dressing modestly is our way of telling the world that we don’t play by their rules – we play by Yah’s rules.

Anyone that shows up to any Great Awakening International set-apart event not adhering to the modesty policy dated January 2023, will be reminded of the said clause that they signed, and given the opportunity to comply with the stated scriptures (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 1 Timothy 2:8-10). Should the individual refuse to comply they will be restored their funds and turned away from the event in love (Ephesians 4:15; 4:29; Colossians 4:6), never with personal opinions, judging or shaming, and never accompanied by gossip (Proverbs 11:12-13; 21:23).

We recognize everyone as a soul. Therefore, we have employed a new system of confronting the individual in a loving, biblical way with the hopes of conversion. We recognize that immodest behavior is typically a symptom of a deeper heart issue, and we want to minister to the heart before we change their attire.

However, public events (where registration is necessary) will be treated differently from outdoor outreaches and weekly Sabbath Gatherings where there is a chance that a guest can show up without knowledge of our modesty expectation. It is at this point that the Great Awakening will show unconditional love, apply grace once given to all of us, develop a relationship with the individual, and hope for an opportunity to teach them the standard of modesty. We recognize that we cannot scale a fish until we catch it first.

ALCOHOL

The Great Awakening International has decided not to enter into a contract with any venue that will have a wet bar open in our rented private event space(s). We understand that this could provide a temptation and a distraction from the purpose of our set-apart events.

Recognizing that the use and abuse of alcohol is an issue for some people within our reach, we strive to provide a safe sanctuary from the pain of addiction for those directly or indirectly affected by it. In addition, we admit that intoxication has the potential to impact clarity and understanding, thereby limiting our access to spiritual Truth.

We also recognize the exercise of freedom to choose to drink alcoholic beverages responsibly and in moderation. The Bible provides numerous examples of the responsible use of alcohol as well as condemnation for “drunkenness”. The Great Awakening International affirms the right of individuals in conscience to make responsible choices between abstention and moderate, non-problematic use. However, to avoid the potential of intoxication and the ensuing behavior that follows it, we will no longer hold events at venues where there is open access to alcoholic beverages.

Therefore, the Great Awakening International encourages and supports abstention at all of our Set-Apart activities. Moderate drinking in low-risk situations not provided by the venue in private rented spaces will not be opposed. Heavy drinking in any situation is vigorously discouraged by Great Awakening International.

MUSIC

While there is no “Thou shalt not …” with regard to secular music in the Bible, we know that some music degenerates into immoral behavior. Therefore, Set-apart music will be the preferred choice at all future Great Awakening International events. Great Awakening International will be monitoring all musical selections from guest bands and musicians moving forward. Henceforth, we are putting a moratorium on all outside bands/musical guests and will only be using awakened, Ruach-filled, and Torah-observant musicians for future events.                     

The Great Awakening International reserves the right to use any photograph/video taken at any event sponsored by Great Awakening, without the expressed written permission of those included within the photograph/video. Great Awakening may use the photograph/video in publications or other media material produced, used, or contracted by Great Awakening including but not limited to: brochures, invitations, books, newspapers, magazines, television, websites, etc.

To ensure the privacy of individuals and children, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent, or legal guardian

CONSENT TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED

By participating in Shavuot 2023, attendees give their permission to be photographed or recorded by official photographers, videographers, and attending media of the Great Awakening International. Attendees consent to their images and video being reproduced for subsequent use in the media, webcasts, internal and external promotional purposes, advertising, and inclusion on websites and social media. Images are shared publicly with open access for use.

THE MEDIA

Great Awakening photographers and other registered press representatives will be taking photographs and videotaping portions of the Passover.

OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY

Attendees are entitled to take photographs at Great Awakening International for their own personal, spiritual, educational, and/or advocacy purposes. The Great Awakening will not be liable if attendees object to being photographed in these circumstances.

If you fellowship with any Great Awakening Assembly and are in need of some financial assistance in order to attend. Please contact any GAI Moreh and he will submit your name to the Event and Feast Day Committee. We don’t want money to be a reason why someone is unable to feast with other believers…especially if you want to be immersed.

For those who can afford to help others, you can contribute a donation toward the feast-going fund to help anyone with the costs of attending. This fund is separate from the Event and Feast Committee operating expenses of the Great Awakening.

To contribute a donation to the Fund, you do so by clicking here.