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…...
Yeshua’s Hanukkah Sermon: 8 Meditations for 8 Days – by Sandra Teplinsky
Did you know Yeshua preached the most electrifying Hanukkah sermon ever and the Bible records it for us? Hanukkah (Feast of Dedication) is celebrated annually on the 25th day of Kislev, the 9th month of the biblical calendar. This year the holiday overlaps with Christmas, starting the evening of December…...
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…...
COUNTING THE OMER: Israel’s Independence Day and Memorial Day
Blessings of the season to you as we commemorate an often overlooked, minor festival on God’s biblical calendar, Counting the Omer. Counting the Omer (in Hebrew, “Sefirat HaOmer”) lasts 49 days, beginning with the Sabbath of Passover. The 50th day is celebrated as the Feast of Weeks (in Hebrew, “Shavuot.”) During…...