Tisha b’Av, the annual day of Jewish mourning and fasting, falls this year on July 26-27. With Israel facing a possible civil war and existential war with Iran, Tisha b’Av 5783/2023 summons us to facedown sobriety before God. Tisha b’Av literally means “9th of Av,” referring to the 9th day…...
The Incense of Prayer
The parasha for this week (March 11-17, 2023) is called Ki Tisa. Packed with rich insight and majestic mystery, Ki Tisa includes God’s instructions for the offering of incense to Him in Israel’s holy tabernacle and temple. Today, neither tabernacle nor temple exists. But as a New Covenant believer, your…...
ARE DEMOCRATIC FREEDOMS IN ISRAEL UNDER THREAT? How to Pray with Discernment — by Sandra Teplinsky (2 February 2023)
Israel’s new, extremely right wing governing coalition has announced its intent to dramatically curb certain powers exercised for decades by the Israeli High Court. This has given rise to roiling domestic discord and public protest over threats to democracy. International media outlets and global leaders have expressed outrage at Israel…...
Why and How We Should Pray Now for Netanyahu’s Coalition Government: 10 Target Prayer Points – by Sandra Teplinsky
Earlier this month, Israeli voters cast their ballots to elect the most right-wing government in our country’s history. While I did not personally vote for any of the parties likely to form that coalition, I do believe the election results reflect God’s gracious answer to our prayers. Much fervent and…...
Why Are So Many Jewish People in the West (and Some Israelis) So Liberal? – by Sandra Teplinsky
Regularly I am asked by Christian friends why Jewish people, especially in America, are often so liberal in their ideology and politics. Gentile believers in the nations tell me they cannot understand why so many Jews in the West support philosophies and movements which not only seem fundamentally contrary to…...