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In a year marked by war, uncertainty, and the emotional weight of national crisis, a special conference brought restoration and healing to over 800 women. Against all odds — and after months of cancellations, missile barrages, and shifting regulations — the annual Bat Tzion Women’s Conference finally took place. What emerged was one of the most powerful gatherings in its history. The conference was originally planned for March. Amanda and Karen from YPMP had arranged to travel to Israel to stand alongside Chaya Mizrachi and the team — to pray, serve, and support the women leading the event. But days before the conference, everything changed. The war with Iran erupted. Barrage after barrage of incoming missiles forced Israel’s Home Front Command to ban large gatherings. Flights were cancelled — including Amanda and Karen’s. The conference was postponed indefinitely. It felt like it was going to be impossible for the conference to go ahead this year under such conditions. Yet behind the scenes, Chaya held onto hope. She continued to pray, plan, and prepare — trusting that God would open the way in His time. Then, unexpectedly, a ceasefire was announced in April. With only a short window of opportunity, Chaya and the team re‑planned the entire conference. It was a logistical mountain — but God moved it. And the women responded. Eight hundred and fifty women from across Israel registered. Buses rolled out from the north, south, and centre of the country, carrying women who had risen before dawn to seize this rare moment of peace. Their destination was a beautiful wedding venue, chosen intentionally so that every woman would feel honoured, cherished, and deeply loved by God. The symbolism was unmistakable: They were being welcomed as beloved daughters — as brides of the King. The venue, nestled beside a lake, became a sanctuary. Worship rose like a collective exhale after months of tension. Women prayed together, embraced one another, and shared testimonies of God’s faithfulness in the midst of fear. The theme — “Beauty from Ashes” (Isaiah 61:3) — carried unusual weight. Many arrived carrying invisible burdens: sons serving in the reserves, families displaced, communities grieving. Yet as they opened the Scriptures together, a quiet strength settled over the gathering. One woman said, “I came here feeling empty. I’m leaving reminded that God still crowns us with beauty, even in the ashes.” For the first time, the conference included a vibrant women’s marketplace. Israeli business owners displayed handmade jewellery, cosmetics, clothing, books, and gifts — all offered with the desire to bless, uplift, and celebrate the women attending. After months of heaviness, the marketplace felt like a festival of colour and hope. Crowned With Honour One of the most moving moments came when each woman received a beautiful crown and a gift from a well‑known Israeli cosmetic company. The crowns were more than symbolic — they were prophetic reminders of identity: You are seen. You are valued. You are a daughter of the Most High. Tears flowed freely as women placed the crowns on their heads. In a season of fear and fatigue, this simple act became a moment of restoration. A Testimony of God’s Faithfulness Avi and Chaya Mizrachi want to express deep gratitude to supporters around the world. “We truly did not know until the last moment whether this conference could happen,” they shared. “But God made a way — and your prayers and support made it possible.” Even though Amanda and Karen could not travel in March, their prayers — and the prayers of many others — covered the event. The conference became a living testimony: Even in national hardship, God gathers His daughters. Even in uncertainty, He creates spaces of joy. Even in ashes, He brings beauty. Looking Ahead With Hope As testimonies continue to emerge, one theme is clear: God is moving among the women of Israel. Hearts were strengthened. Friendships were formed. Faith was renewed. And the organisers are already dreaming of reaching even more women in the coming year. ________________________ If your heart is stirred to support ministry to women in Israel CLICK HERE to partner with this vital work and let's see many more women set free to serve His Kingdom in their families and local communities

HOPE Releases “The Oil Shall Never Run Out” Afresh wave of worship is rising from Nazareth. HOPE—House of Prayer & Exploits, Arabic‑speaking House of Prayer founded by Rania Sayegh—has just released a beautiful new Arabic worship song titled “The Oil Shall Never Run Out.” Featuring the voices of Rajaa Sadran and Eissa Nicola, both part of the HOPE community, the song carries the unmistakable fragrance of devotion that has long flowed from this House of Prayer. It is now available on the HOPE Nazareth Worship page on Spotify, offering listeners a glimpse into the deep well of intercession and praise that defines this ministry. Since its founding in 2004, HOPE has carried a clear and courageous mission: to mobilize prayer and worship within the Arab church, while fostering unity with the Messianic body in the land, and preparing the way for an end‑time awakening among Arabs, Jews, and the nations. This is not simply a worship ministry—it is a movement. One shaped by Isaiah 61:1–2, the very passage Jesus proclaimed in Nazareth: “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me… to bring good news to the poor… to proclaim liberty to the captives… to comfort all who mourn.” HOPE seeks to restore this ministry of Jesus through persistent prayer, worship, and discipleship. Raising Up a Generation of Intercessors At the core of HOPE’s work is the desire to equip and mobilize prayer warriors across Nazareth and throughout Israel. With a special emphasis on Arab women and youth, the ministry trains believers to become intercessors and worshippers who carry God’s heart for Israel and the Middle East. Their activities include: >> Equipping young people in the Galilee in worship and prayer >> National women’s gatherings that strengthen and empower >> Ongoing prayer watches and worship sessions in the House of Prayer >> Intercession for Israel and the surrounding nations of the Middle East The name HOPE itself reflects their calling: House Of Prayer & Exploits—a reference to Daniel 11:32b, “but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” “The Oil Shall Never Run Out” is more than a song. It is a declaration of faith from a community that has chosen to stand in the place of worship and intercession for over two decades. It is the sound of Arab believers lifting their voices for revival, unity, and the fulfilment of God’s promises in the land where Jesus first proclaimed good news. And now, that sound is being shared with the world. Listen on YouTube: @hopeexploits HOPE-House Of Prayer & Exploits _________________________ To support the ministry of HOPE: House of Prayer and Exploits, Nazareth CLICK HERE and note your gift is for HOPE. Rania Sayegh, an Arab Israeli Christian, leads HOPE, a spirit-filled centre for training intercessors and prophetic worshippers for this season - to cry out for God's Kingdom to come in every nation of the Middle East and to see His plans and purposes fulfilled at this time.

Every year on 13th May, Houmous Day celebrates one of the Middle East’s most beloved foods — but in Israel, the devotion to houmous is not confined to a single date, it is a year‑round passion and a cultural glue. Houmous, Hummus, Hommos - however you like to pronounce it - is woven into daily life in Israel with a kind of reverence usually reserved for heritage symbols. It’s not just a dip; it’s a ritual. Israelis eat it at breakfast, lunch, or as a full meal, wiping warm pita through silky swirls of chickpeas and tahini. The dish is so central to Israeli cuisine that entire restaurants — hummusiyas — are dedicated to serving nothing else. These spots are often packed, with queues snaking out the door as locals debate which establishment makes the smoothest, creamiest bowl. According to food writers, houmous is “an integral part of Middle Eastern food culture,” eaten at gatherings, served as part of salatim [salads], and even used as the base layer in shawarma or falafel wraps. This devotion is more than culinary. It’s emotional. Many Israelis describe houmous as a taste of home, a dish that evokes childhood memories and shared tables. One Israeli cook notes that “in Israel, houmous is a national obsession,” with every local having a favourite houmous spot — and heated debates to match. Houmous Day itself was born from Israeli creativity. The idea emerged at an Innovation Israel Hackathon Convention in 2012, where young 18 year old entrepreneurs envisioned a global holiday that could bring people together through food. Inspired by the success of Nutella Day, they launched Hummus Day as a unifying celebration of a dish beloved across cultures. Since then, the day has grown into a worldwide event, with fans from Spain to Sri Lanka joining in. But nowhere is the enthusiasm as palpable as in Israel, where houmous is not just eaten — it’s cherished. Several factors fuel this deep affection: History & Heritage: Houmous has ancient roots in the region, making it a shared cultural touchstone. Simplicity & Purity: With just chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic, and salt, it embodies the Mediterranean ethos of fresh, honest ingredients. Community: Eating houmous is social — a dish meant to be wiped, shared, and enjoyed together. Identity: For many Israelis, houmous is a symbol of home, belonging, and everyday joy. Instead of jam, Israeli children spread houmous on their sandwiches. On Houmous Day, Israelis don’t just celebrate a food — they celebrate connection. Whether gathered around a table in a bustling Tel Aviv hummusiya or sharing a simple plate at home, the act of dipping pita into houmous becomes a reminder of community, culture, and the small pleasures that bind people together. If any dish deserves its own holiday, Israelis would argue — passionately — that it’s houmous. Followed closely perhaps by Falafel which actually has its own holiday on 12th June! If houmous teaches anything, it is that shared tables can do what politics often cannot. They bring people together. They remind us that peace begins with seeing one another not as enemies, but as neighbours. In a region so often defined by tension, it is striking that a simple bowl of houmous can still draw people to the same table. Across Israel and the wider Middle East, houmous is one of the few foods claimed, loved, and fiercely protected by everyone — Jewish, Arab, Christian, Muslim, Druze. It is a shared language long before politics enter the room. Food alone cannot solve conflict, but it can soften the edges. It reminds people of their common humanity, their shared history, and the truth that ordinary families on every side long for the same things: safety, dignity, and a future for their children.

A WEEKEND OF FAITH, FRIENDSHIP AND RENEWAL WITH LECH L'CHA In a season when Israel has weathered literal storms, national grief, and the ongoing pressures of conflict, Lech L’cha gathered young adults from across the country for a powerful weekend conference rooted in one central theme: “Building Your House on the Rock” (Matthew 7:24–27). The message could not have been more timely. With wars, tragic losses, and uncertainty pressing in on every side, this generation is hungry for something unshakeable — and they found it in worship, Scripture, and community. A Weekend Marked by God’s Presence From the moment participants arrived, there was a sense of expectancy. The Lech L’cha team had prayed faithfully, and those prayers were felt in every part of the weekend. Young adults gathered to seek Yeshua together through: - Deep, Spirit-filled worship - Biblical teaching anchored in Matthew 7 - Prayer and personal encounters with God - Honest conversations about standing firm in turbulent times Leaders encouraged the group to become disciples who don’t just hear Yeshua’s words but live them — building lives on the Rock that cannot be moved. Community That Strengthens Alongside the spiritual depth, the weekend was full of joy, laughter, and the kind of friendships that form around shared faith and shared experiences. Participants enjoyed great food, board games and sports, wonderful evenings around the fire pit and moments of connection, story-sharing, and encouragement These simple, beautiful rhythms created space for young adults to rest, breathe, and rediscover the strength that comes from being part of a spiritual family. Standing Firm in a Shaking World The heart of the conference was clear: in days of shaking, God is raising up young believers who are rooted, resilient, and ready to shine His light. The Lech L’cha team is deeply grateful for every prayer that covered this gathering — and they ask you to continue praying. Pray that these young adults will: * Stand firm in Yeshua * Be grounded in His Word * Grow in courage, compassion, and spiritual maturity * Become leaders who bring hope to their communities As Israel continues to face storms of many kinds, this generation is choosing to build on the Rock. And that choice is already bearing fruit. ___________________________________________________ Help Young Adults in Israel grow deeper in their faith in Yeshua - Give here: https://www.yourpeoplemypeople.org/donate

Long before Christians spoke of Pentecost, the people of Israel were already gathering for Shavuot—a feast celebrating the wheat harvest, covenant memory, and joyful pilgrimage. Yet within the shared soil of this ancient festival, Shavuot became the stage on which the earliest followers of Jesus experienced what they came to call Pentecost. One feast, two traditions, and a story that unfolds across centuries. Shavuot: A Feast of Firstfruits and First Words In the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), Shavuot marks the completion of the seven-week time-period that started at Passover. On the second day of Passover, the new barley crop was harvested and offered to God in thanksgiving at the Jerusalem Temple. Seven weeks later, at Shavuot, the people of God celebrated the bringing in of the wheat harvest including baking two special Shavuot loaves to be presented to God. It was also a feast of firstfruits, when pilgrims brought the first fruits of their fields and orchards up to the Temple in thanks to God. They filled baskets with the seven species of the land of Israel mentioned in Deuteronomy: Figs, grapes, dates, pomegranates, olives, wheat and barley and processed up to Jerusalem - to the place of God's presence. Over time, Jewish tradition also came to associate Shavuot with the giving of the Torah at Sinai—the moment Israel received its identity as a covenant people. By the first century, Shavuot was a major pilgrimage festival. Jerusalem would swell with visitors bringing offerings, prayers, and thanksgiving. It was a feast of memory and renewal, celebrating both the land’s abundance and God’s revelation. A Feast Reinterpreted: The Early Christian Experience When the followers of Jesus gathered in Jerusalem fifty days after his resurrection, they were not inventing a new holiday. The crowds from all over the known world were congregated in Jerusalem for a reason. They were participating in Shavuot. What happened next—wind, fire, languages, boldness—was interpreted by them as a new kind of revelation. Where Sinai brought the Torah, they believed the Spirit had now come to write God’s law on human hearts. The Greek-speaking Jewish world already had a name for Shavuot: Pentēkostē, meaning “fiftieth.” Both words described the length of time between Passover and the Wheat Harvest: Shavuot the Hebrew word meaning 7 weeks or the Greek word Pentecost meaning 50 (days). Early Believers simply kept using the Greek name, but with a new layer of meaning shaped by their experience. Continuity and Transformation The development from Shavuot to Pentecost is not a replacement story but a transformation story: Harvest becomes mission Shavuot’s firstfruits become the firstfruits of a Spirit-empowered community sent into the world. Covenant becomes renewal The giving of the Torah at Sinai becomes the giving of the Spirit who forms a renewed people. Pilgrimage becomes proclamation The multilingual crowds in Jerusalem become the first audience for a message for all nations. Two Traditions, One Root System Today, Shavuot and Pentecost stand as distinct feasts within Judaism and Christianity. Yet they share a deep root system: liberation, revelation, gratitude, and the shaping of a people called to live with purpose. Understanding their development highlights the richness of both. Shavuot remains a celebration of Torah, land, and covenant. Pentecost becomes a celebration of Spirit, community, and mission. Though the two feasts now diverge in theology, they share a rhythm of remembrance and renewal. Both invite worshippers to look back with gratitude and forward with expectation. Both remind us that faith is not static—it is a journey shaped by divine encounter, community, and calling. These ancient feasts still speak to us today. They whisper of a God who reveals, who gathers, who empowers. And they remind us that the story of liberation is never finished; it continues to unfold in every generation. _____________________________________________________ To invest in the harvest today - blessing what God is doing among the local Jewish and Arab followers of Yeshua (Jesus) in Israel as they share the Good News with their local communities DONATE HERE

Trauma Support For Holocaust Survivors Today Eighty years after the Holocaust, the trauma has not faded. Holocaust survivors in Israel continue to face some of the highest rates of PTSD, depression, and anxiety of any elderly population in the country. Many endured not only the horrors of the Holocaust but also immigration trauma, wars, terrorism, and — most recently — the emotional shockwaves of October 7th. For some, these events reopen wounds that never fully healed. Helping Hand Coalition (HHC) is stepping into this urgent need with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to trauma‑informed care. A Safe Place to Talk About What Hurts At Shalom House gatherings, survivors have been meeting psychologists like Irena Tishchenko, who gently guides them through conversations about stress, fear, aging, and emotional resilience. In one session, survivors explored the five emotional spheres — fear, anger, sadness, happiness, and disgust — learning how each affects the body and how to calm overwhelming feelings. In another, they discussed intergenerational relationships, burnout, and the importance of rest in the “golden age.” These are not casual conversations. They are lifelines. Expert Training for a Nation in Trauma In November, HHC hosted Dr. Herbert Scheiblich, a leading trauma specialist with more than 40 years of experience. He trained staff and volunteers on: How PTSD affects the brain Trauma’s biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions Practical tools for supporting survivors The impact of transgenerational trauma His visit strengthened HHC’s ability to care for survivors with sensitivity, professionalism, and deeper understanding. Why This Work Matters Survivors often say that Shalom House is the only place where they feel safe enough to speak openly about their emotions. Many carry trauma silently, afraid of burdening their families. HHC provides: Trauma‑informed talks and support groups Safe spaces for emotional expression Compassionate guidance from trained professionals, staff and volunteers Community that reduces isolation and fear This is healing work — slow, gentle, and profoundly needed. Your Support Helps Heal Invisible Wounds With your help, HHC can continue offering: > Emotional support sessions > Trauma‑informed training for staff and volunteers > Safe, welcoming gatherings for survivors > Programs that restore dignity, peace, and emotional stability Your donation becomes part of their healing — a gift of comfort, understanding, and hope. Healing the Wounds No One Sees - Trauma does not fade with age. Your donation helps fund trauma‑informed care, support, and safe spaces for emotional healing. DONATE

How Music Revives the Hearts of Holocaust Survivors When words fail, music remembers. For Holocaust survivors, music is more than entertainment — it is a bridge to identity, memory, and emotional healing. Many survivors grew up in homes filled with song before the 2nd World War shattered their worlds. Today, music has the power to awaken joy, soften trauma, and reconnect them to the parts of themselves that survived. Helping Hand Coalition (HHC) understands this deeply. That’s why music is woven into so many Shalom House gatherings across Israel. During a special Shalom House gathering at a Care Home In the city of Herzliya, Shaul and Yulia from Shamayim Ptuchim (Open Heavens) arrived to sing for a group of Holocaust survivors and elderly residents. What unfolded was nothing short of transformative. As the first notes filled the room, something shifted. Shoulders relaxed. Eyes brightened. Feet tapped. And soon, the room was alive with dancing, laughter, and the kind of joy that feels like a miracle. One survivor said, “They brought people back to life from the dead.” For individuals who have carried decades of trauma, these moments are priceless. Music That Holds Memory and Hope Another Shalom House gathering welcomed singer‑songwriter Yoni Tokayer, who shared songs of faith, family, and resilience — including a piece he wrote after October 7th. His music opened space for survivors to feel, remember, and breathe again. He ended with a beloved song celebrating the miracle of returning to Jerusalem — a reminder that the Jewish story is one of survival, return, and renewal. Why Music Matters for Trauma Recovery Studies show that music: • Reduces anxiety and stress • Helps regulate emotions • Strengthens social bonds • Awakens positive memories • Restores a sense of identity For survivors, these benefits are profound. Your gift helps the music continue. HHC relies on donor support to bring musicians, educators, and performers to Shalom House gatherings across the country. With your help, the songs that once sustained them can continue to bring strength, joy, and connection. Music That Heals Holocaust survivors often say that music at Shalom House gatherings “brings them back to life.” Your support keeps these life‑giving gatherings possible. Hope Has a Home Shalom House gatherings are more than a programme — it is a refuge. Help us keep the doors open for every survivor who needs it. You Can Be the Reason They Smile Today Many survivors live alone, with no family left. Your generosity becomes the family they can count on. DONATE

For many Holocaust survivors in Israel, the greatest threat they face today is not only the memories of the past — it is the loneliness of the present. Decades after surviving the unthinkable, thousands of elderly survivors now live alone, carrying layers of trauma that resurface with every new crisis. Research shows that survivors experience higher rates of PTSD, depression, and anxiety than any other elderly population in the country. Events like the October 7th attacks from Gaza and the war with Iran reawaken old wounds, leaving many feeling vulnerable, forgotten, and emotionally overwhelmed. Yet in the midst of this, something extraordinary is happening. At the Shalom House gatherings hosted by Helping Hand Coalition (HHC), survivors are finding what trauma has long tried to steal from them: connection, dignity, and joy. A Festival of Light in Netanya On December 18th, a group of survivors from Netanya stepped into the warm glow of the Shalom House in Caesarea. What awaited them was more than a Hanukkah celebration — it was a reminder that they are not alone. Bozena Gasiorowski welcomed each guest with the tenderness of a family member. Reuven Bronshtein read poetry that stirred memories. A lively Hanukkah quiz filled the room with laughter. And as traditional songs rose in familiar melodies, something softened in the air — a shared sense of belonging. One survivor later said, “This is the only place where I feel truly seen.” Why These Gatherings Matter Loneliness is one of the most painful legacies survivors carry. Many lost entire families during the Holocaust. Others immigrated alone, rebuilt alone, and now age alone. Shalom House gatherings offer: A safe space to share stories and emotions Warm meals and meaningful conversation Music, culture, and celebration that awaken cherished memories A community that replaces isolation with connection These moments are not small. They are life‑giving. ________________ Your Support Makes This Possible Every Shalom House gathering is funded by donors who believe survivors deserve comfort, companionship, and dignity in their final years. Your gift helps provide: Transportation for survivors to Shalom House gatherings Meals, music, and cultural programs Trauma‑informed support and emotional care A place where light still gathers, even in difficult times You can help ensure that no survivor spends their last years in loneliness. Your generosity becomes part of the light they carry home. A Light They Can Feel Your gift brings survivors out of isolation and into community. Every £25 helps provide transportation, a warm meal, and a place where they feel seen, valued, and remembered. DONATE

Rachel Tzeitlin At Passover, Holocaust Survivors reflected on their own personal experiences of deliverance during the Holocaust. During a Helping Hand Coalition ‘Shalom House’ gathering the Holocaust Survivors were asked what the celebration of Passover means to them. Rachel Tzeitlin, a Holocaust Survivor from the Former Soviet Union who now lives in Israel, shared her story: "I was only 4 or 5 years old when my father, mother, and I fled from the Nazis during the evacuation. We needed to cross the Dnipro River (that runs along the Belarus-Ukrainian Border) - the Germans were closing in behind us. It was raining heavily. I was soaked, freezing, sick, and drifting in and out of consciousness. Everyone thought I had died. My father ran around, searching for a place to bury me, convinced I had died. His friend said, “The Germans are so close—just wrap her in a cloth and keep going.” So they did. While on the boat, the rain stopped and it became warmer and everyone threw their jackets over me. As the boat reached the other side, people began collecting their jackets—and that’s when they discovered I was still alive. It was almost a tragic mistake—they had nearly buried me alive. This is just one of many moments that show how I survived. After we crossed the river, the Nazis arrived. Local Ukrainians had told them we were Jews, and the Nazis took us and placed us in a ghetto, where we stayed—with no food, water, or proper clothing. I had only a dress and a coat made from a potato sack. Near the end of the war, Soviet troops were pushed out of the area we were in, and the Germans decided to gather all the Jews and execute us. They forced our parents to dig a long pit. It was October, after the first snow had fallen. The pit filled with freezing water, and they forced us into it. I remember standing in ice-cold water up to my chest. I was only 8 years old. As they prepared to shoot us, by some miracle, someone began firing at the Germans from a small forest behind them. The soldiers fled, assuming we would die in the cold. People began losing consciousness, and some drowned in the freezing water. My mother pulled us out and laid us on the sand. Then, Soviet Red Army soldiers arrived, dragged us out of the pit, and warmed us with alcohol. That is how I survived—on the very edge of death. After the war, when we returned home, my father was able to recover his special prayer shawl, his Talmud, and other belongings he had buried for safekeeping. Despite everything we had endured, my father never lost his faith. He returned to the synagogue and resumed celebrating the holy days, including Passover. God’s power saved us. May His light always shine." ________________ Yuri Reznikov from Haifa shared his experience of reconnecting to his roots when he moved to Israel from the former Soviet Union: "I wasn’t raised religious. When I once went to a synagogue in Sverdlovsk, Russia, I learned about the meaning of Passover. I’ve since learned much more since coming to Israel. And today I do celebrate Passover. For me, it’s a way to reconnect with our traditions and national history, and to pass it on to future generations." __________________ “Rachel’s story of survival is nothing short of a miracle!” shared Luke from Helping Hand Coalition. “Hearing her eagerly share this with us during our Passover event is a reminder of how much our time spent together means to those who lived through so much. “As we reflect on God’s great miracles in delivering the Jews out of Egypt, we also see His faithfulness in the lives of people like Rachel, who were delivered from the Holocaust. His hand is still on His people today through His presence and also the care made possible by our donors! “This Passover, we delivered hundreds of food vouchers and other essentials—like dental care sponsorships—through home visits and personal calls across Israel, offering practical relief and meaningful care in the face of rising living costs, limited pensions, and loneliness. “The need is still great. Your support brings tangible comfort to survivors who need it most. “Help us continue reaching people like Rachel and Yuri—those who carry deep stories and still need your love, care, and connection.” __________________ Your People My People sponsors HHC Shalom House gatherings where Holocaust Survivors can come together to share stories, build friendships and enjoy a special afternoon of love and attention to combat isolation & loneliness. Make a Difference in the life of a Holocaust Survivor

The celebration of Purim took place in March - commemorating a time when the attempted annihilation of the Jewish people was thwarted by the actions and faith of a young woman called Esther. In Israel, it’s a time when synagogues up and down the country read the story, reminding the people of God’s mighty hand and saving power and encouragement to keep believing the promises He has given them over the centuries. Traditionally the story will be re-enacted, often with pantomime flair encouraging suitable boos and hisses for the nemesis, and cheers and clapping for the heroes in this snapshot of history. Children and adults alike dress up a few days before the celebration, walking the streets in various outfits on their way to work and school and special pastries are baked for everyone to enjoy. It’s easy to look on and wonder why people make such a fuss of this celebration, but then, most of us have not likely had our nation, our people, our family, targeted for annihilation. There is a gritty determination amongst this people that God marked for his own, so many centuries ago, that despite all those who hope for the contrary, they will survive. Marking Purim each year is a way to remember that survival is always possible with God’s intervention. And for those who love and follow Yeshua, there is an even greater determination to see their people not just survive, but thrive as they find faith in their Messiah, grow in discipleship, and learn just how much they are loved by the very God that chose them as his inheritance and is committed to keeping the promises he made to them - that he will not forget them, that they will indeed survive, that they too can experience eternal life through the work of Yeshua. Blessings and shalom!

The season of Hanukkah is upon us this month, celebrated by the lighting of candles, a beautiful picture of light breaking through the darkness, and as followers of Yeshua, a precious reminder of His own declaration, “I am the Light of the world!” In Israel, both Jewish and Arab Believers will be sharing an expression of His light this month, as Hanukkiah are lit in Messianic homes and Arab Christians welcome the Christmas season to celebrate the coming of the Saviour of the World. At the beginning of his Gospel, John said, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” When we survey all that is going on in the nations, it can certainly seem like darkness is working hard to overcome the light, but darkness does not put out the light - light dispels the darkness. Certainly if there was ever a time to ‘arise and shine’, it is today. The first night of Hanukkah, just one candle is lit, but by the end of the 8 day celebration, the whole Hanukkiah is ablaze with candles, creating much light and warmth. Isaiah said, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” We understand that the darker the environment, the brighter the light seems to shine, and the same is true in our world today. As we add our individual light to those shining around us, the light and love of Yeshua, the Saviour of the World, shines brighter and brighter, breaking through the darkness and bringing souls into the light! Thank you for adding your light to what God is doing through the local Believers living in Israel, with your generosity, your prayers, and your encouragement especially at this time. Together, we shine brighter, reflecting the love of Yeshua, truly the Light of the world! I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

Hanukkah is an 8 day celebration, this year starting on the evening of 7th December, and concluding on the 15th. There are several miracles remembered: The miracle of a small band of Jewish men defeating an imperial army; the miracle of courage, of those who dared to stand for their beliefs against the flow of society; the miracle of a little cruse of oil burning for eight days, when it should have lasted for only one. Jewish people around the world will light candles on the ‘hanukkiah’ each night: on the first night, one candle; on the second night, two candles; and so forth, until the eighth night when the whole hanukkiah is ablaze! They are proclaiming the miracle from centuries ago and praising God for all the miracles He has done. Games are played with a dreidel (spinning top), carrying the phrase ‘A Great Miracle Happened There’. Traditional songs are sung recounting Israel’s victories from her ancient enemies. And of course, as with most Jewish Feasts, there is special food to eat, this time cooked in oil, like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiot (doughnuts). Miracles are to be celebrated! In a few weeks, millions around the world will celebrate Christmas, the miracle of Immanuel, God coming to be with us. Some of us have experienced various miracles in our lives, big ones and small ones, happenings in our history that have paved the way for us to be here in this moment of time, without which we may not have been here at all. Life itself is a wondrous miracle, a gift from God. Hanukkah, the Feast of Dedication, is a wonderful opportunity to remember and recount the miracles in your life, to publicise and proclaim what God has done. You could light a candle, share some special food with friends, tell your miracle stories to your children and grandchildren, or create a song about some of the amazing things God has done. However you like to express yourself, take the opportunity this Hanukkah, to celebrate the God of the miraculous!