July 6, 2023 represents a critical day in the biblical calendar and Hebrew Scriptures, corresponding to the 17th of the month of Tammuz. Zechariah 8:19 refers to this day as “the fast of the fourth month.” On Tammuz 17, in both 586 BC and 70 AD, invading armies attacked and…...
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…...
What Really is Lag b’Omer?
Tomorrow, May18-19, 2022, the annual holiday of Lag b’Omer will be celebrated in Israel. Lag b’Omer, which is neither directly nor indirectly referenced in the Bible, literally means the 33rd day of counting the omer. According to Jewish tradition, this minor festival commemorates an ancient mystical sage, Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, and…...
Holocaust Remembrance Day: Five Ways to Pray
“This I recall to mind; therefore, I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed because His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is His faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:21-23) Today, April 28, is a sober day in Israel as the nation observes Holocaust Remembrance Day (“Yom…...