This weekend we celebrate the biblical feast of Shavuot (Weeks), gloriously fulfilled on Pentecost with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. According to rabbinic tradition, God gave Israel the law from Sinai on Shavuot, thus birthing her as a nation. On Pentecost, He birthed One New Humanity, the international Church…...
Happy Feast of Tabernacles from Jerusalem
Today we celebrate Sukkot (Tabernacles), the most joyful of the seven biblical feasts (Leviticus 23:33-44). The mood here is festive as families gather throughout the city in small huts, eating, drinking and filling the streets of Jerusalem with songs of praise. A tangible reminder of God’s provision for us in…...
The Feast of Lights: Hanukkah and Messiah’s Incarnation
Though most believers now agree that Jesus (Yeshua) was not born on December 25, those choosing to celebrate the Incarnation at this traditional time may not be far off. The best Scripture-based estimate of the timing of Messiah’s conception—and in that sense, incarnation—would be during the Hanukkah season. The implications…...
Israel Celebrates Hanukkah
Nine-branch menorahs brighten the streets of Jerusalem. Freshly baked jelly donuts tantalizingly infuse the air. For the next few days, Jerusalem remembers Hanukkah. She recalls that time, so very long ago, when her sons and daughters overcame the spirit of the world by the Spirit of her God. As 2010…...
Tisha B’Av and Standing Firm in Love
Tomorrow, July 30, Jewish people around the world will soberly commemorate Tisha b’Av, which simply translates, the 9th of Av. Av is the fifth month of the biblical calendar and generally corresponds to late July or early August. Tisha b’Av is of penetrating significance in the spirit realm and in…...