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Lech L’cha have just finished another three month residential Discipleship Programme. It was the 36th, and this programme was unique as all the students were female. This was largely due to the young men being called up for reserve duties (national service) as a result of the ongoing war in Israel. This also affected a large number of Lech L’cha’s staff as well but nevertheless, the female participants, many of whom had experienced mandatory extensions of their military national service themselves, did sign up for the discipleship programme in order to focus on their identity and purpose in God’s spiritual army. “Thanks to our amazing team this year, we were able to navigate the hardship of holding a program during war time,” shared Shmuel, Lech L’cha director. “Our teachers and schedule always had to be flexible, and we had to cancel some planned days in the North as we opted for some safer locations. There were more than a few disruptions to class and schedules as we took cover in the shelters under missile attack at all times of the day, and even one whole night under the attack from Iran. “With God’s mercy and grace, these youngsters were able to concentrate on God’s Word, build up their prayer life, and ask God for His guidance and direction on their next steps. There was an amazing atmosphere of fellowship and union between the participants as well as the team and staff. We are thankful for these young women - for what God is doing in their lives, and continue to pray for them long after they leave the program. “We desire for God to continue to direct our steps as we move forward with our plans for ministry to the young people. As always, we trust Him for the finances, and thank you, our donors and partners for your part in the discipleship of these young lives. During our two programs in 2024 we were able to sow into the lives of 26 young people. Also we had over 100 young adults attend the weekend conference for a much needed time of fellowship with each other and refreshing from the Lord. We had planned a young adult’s Gospel Trail Hike, in the footsteps of Jesus in the Fall of 2024, but that had to be postponed due to the war. We do thank God for His timing and direction, and pray for more peaceful times to come soon. We thank you for standing with us during such hard times, for supporting LechL’cha with your prayers & with your donations. We could not fulfil this call if not for your support!” Pray for the past Lech L’cha students, for their walk with the Lord, their service to Him, their discipleship and growth in making disciples themselves. Pray also for the staff and trainees: For health and strength for the work they are called to do. _____________ To support Discipleship Training in Israel DONATE HERE and note that your gift is for Discipleship

Izak Goldfinger: Holocaust Survivor Izak Goldfinger, was just 14 years old when his quiet life in a Polish village was shattered by the Nazi invasion. Forced into gruelling labour, Izak Goldfinger’s skills as a stone mason and his unshakable faith became his lifelines through unimaginable horrors. From brutal beatings to narrowly escaping death in 11 labour camps and Auschwitz, his strength to endure came from the words of his mother: “Believe, and we will meet again after the war.” Izak’s story is one of survival, resilience, and hope—a reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to persevere even in the darkest times. Itzak’s story was instrumental in founding the work of Helping Hand Coalition that today reaches out to the thousands of survivors living in Israel. Paulina Levy Mendel Paulina Levy Mendel: My name is Daniel Rozen, and I live in Jerusalem, Israel with my wife and daughter. I’d like to talk about the Holocaust—a deeply painful and difficult topic for every Jewish family. My family are Polish descendants from Galicia, specifically from a small area near Kraków called Kazimierz. For more than a thousand years, Jewish people lived in Poland—longer than in any other country. At one time, no nation offered such comfort and peace to the Jewish people. My grandmother’s name was Paulina Levy Mendel, and my mother’s name is Nili Rozen. Both were sent to a ghetto in Poland where they experienced horrible conditions. Then later on they were deported to Auschwitz, the infamous concentration and extermination camp. My grandmother endured unspeakable hardships in Auschwitz. However, because she spoke Polish, she was given slightly better treatment. She worked in a tailoring unit, repairing Nazi uniforms. One day, a Catholic nun who secretly visited the camp approached her. This nun offered to smuggle my mother out of Auschwitz. My grandmother initially refused, insisting she couldn’t let her daughter leave without her. But eventually, she relented, giving the nun her only possession of value—a ring with an emerald that she had hidden in the ground—to save her child. The nun smuggled my mother out, who was a young child at the time and took her to a monastery, where she was hidden in an underground storage area for pickles and tomatoes. In March 1945, after four months in hiding, my mother and grandmother were reunited and then smuggled across the border into Ukraine. After the war ended in May 1945, my grandmother decided to return to Poland, hoping to reclaim her home in Kraków. However, she soon learned that many returning Jewish survivors were killed by Polish locals in pogroms. Heartbroken, my grandmother fled back to Ukraine. People often say that the Jewish people are “chosen by God.” But being chosen comes with immense suffering, sacrifice, and responsibility. We are chosen to endure, to overcome, to connect with the land of Israel, and to be a light to the nations. It is not an easy title to bear. From my father’s side, there is little to share. His entire family perished in the crematoriums. The only tangible reminder of my family’s Holocaust experience is a small yellow Star of David that I keep to honour their memory. We are determined to be a blessing, to carry the light of God to every corner of the world. We teach our children not to hate—not the Arabs, not the Muslims, not anyone. Instead, we teach them to be a living testimony of resilience, faith, and hope. Our family’s story is just one of millions. And yet, it reminds us of the importance of saying, “Never again.” Never again should such horrors occur. ____________________ If you would like to support Holocaust Survivors living in Israel DONATE HERE and note your gift is for Holocaust Survivors

80 Years Since the Liberation of Auschwitz Article by Luke & Sarah Gasiorowski of Helping Hand Coalition, a family-run ministry bringing hope and dignity to Holocaust Survivors living in Israel today. The Soviet Red army was not ready for the atrocities that they were about to witness as they opened up the gates to Auschwitz-Birkenau. On January 27th, 1945, 80 years ago, the army liberated one of the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camps located in Poland. And it was here, that around a million Jewish people were transported to their unjust deaths. “I, who saw people dying every day, was shocked by the Nazis’ indescribable hatred toward the inmates who had turned into living skeletons.” This was one of the remarks of the Red Army General Vasily Petrenko, commander of the 107th Infantry Division after liberating Auschwitz. To their shock, the Red Army encountered around 7000 helpless near death survivors left in terrible conditions inside the camp. The Nazis had just escaped a couple days ago, taking with them another 56,000 survivors on a cruel death march before the liberation. How did humanity come to such a low level of hatred? And how did it get so far? That a radical ideology of hate against the Jewish people would become institutionalized to the point of even teaching it to innocent children in school? And what was the result? In the shadow of a war, a genocide took place, leading to the death of 6 million Jewish people. They were unjustly labelled as the enemy, for no other reason than their ethnicity. Here we are 80 years later. It is so important to know the dangers of hate, radical ideologies, and antisemitism. Dehumanizing a people group, blaming a certain sector of society for their problems, has dangerous consequences if left unchecked. Today there are around 150,000 Holocaust survivors living in Israel, with an median age of 86 years old. From the ashes of the Holocaust, they have been able to create a life and family for themselves. Helping Hand Coalition (HHC) continually reaches out with a helping hand to bless and support them with medical support, fellowship, entertainment that feeds the soul, and with basic needs for living such as food and clothing. __________________ To support the work of HHC - DONATE HERE and note that it’s for work among Holocaust Survivors.

Almond Blossom - the first tree to come into flower in Israel “The word of the Lord came to me: What do you see, Jeremiah? I replied: I see a branch of an almond tree. The Lord said to me: You have seen right, for I am watchful to bring My word to pass.” Jeremiah 1:11 As we transitioned into another New Year together, we were struck by the poignancy of the marking of time since Yeshua’s (Jesus) first appearance on our earth and our anticipation of his return. His first coming took many by surprise. He was the promised and much awaited Messiah, but as a small baby was only recognised by a few. Our desire for this coming year is that many more in Israel will know Him and be expectantly waiting for His return - and we warmly welcome you to pray with us: Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the Universe. As we mark the new year on the Gregorian calendar - 2025 - we acknowledge this counting of the time since your coming into the world, your breaking into our history, and your journey to the cross transforming all things. In this new year, we pray for the grace to live in joyful anticipation of your return. "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12) With the devastating effects of war for nearly the last year and a half to infrastructure, resources and families alike, alongside the long-term toll on minds and emotions, the tide is finally turning toward considerations around rebuilding, restoring and healing. For many this will take months, if not years. Though the relief and thanksgiving when hostages have been returned are in no ways diminished, the impact of 7 October 2023 will have a long-term effect for many on multiple levels. In these moments come the questions - How did this happen? Why is there so much hate? Where was God in it all? I venture to say that Yeshua was sitting in the rubble alongside the one who lost their home. He was weeping hand in hand with the one who lost their loved ones. He was interceding for the one who’s anger overwhelmed them, and he was holding tightly onto those who lost all hope. Even in the midst of our greatest tragedies, if there is one thing we can know for sure, irrespective of how we feel, it is that our God is constant - constant in love, in compassion, and in hope. May we ask you to pray with us for Israel and her neighbours, for Jewish and Arab people who are in the midst of their trauma and only have questions? Would you pray that the love of Abba Father, the compassion of Yeshua (Jesus), the hope of Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) invade their worlds, their minds, their homes and their hearts? That with all the ploughing this war has brought, the soil of souls has been turned over, ready to receive the seed of the Gospel, and that what others ‘intended for evil, God will turn about for good and for the saving of many lives!’ Gen 50:20. For such a time as this!

Perhaps we sometimes underestimate the power and importance of prayer, to our peril. Dor Haba, a Jerusalem based ministry working with children and young people, believes in training up the next generation to be leaders in worship and prayer. Confident in seeking God and praying for the troubles in their nation. And not only that, Dor Haba believes in bringing both Jewish and Arab followers of Yeshua (Jesus) together to worship and pray in unity for God’s Kingdom to come in their nation, despite their different backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints. In Messiah there is no Jew or Arab, only one family: children of a loving heavenly Abba. Even during these very difficult times, Dor Haba continues to run two hour prayer and worship watches twice a week in Jerusalem for children (3-5pm) and with youth from 7-9pm. During the year, they have also hosted Dor Haba Worship nights, bringing together Arab & Jewish teenagers from all over the nation. GENEROUSLY LOVING OTHERS WITH THE LOVE HE HAS SHOWERED ON US: LOVING THE NEXT GENERATION THROUGH MENTORING AND TRAINING IN FAITH

Every winter, Dugit Distribution Centre do all they can to purchase and distribute the traditional food and holiday supplies to hundreds of needy families, who otherwise are not able to celebrate these special days with hope and dignity. “This year, we believe this holiday outreach will be especially important to those we serve,” shared Avi Mizrachi (Director of Dugit Ministries). “Not only have so many Israelis been touched by the grief and devastation of war, but crops were lost, food production is down, unemployment is up, costs are rising, and inflation has spiked. We have never seen so many people coming to our Distribution Centre for help.” “We will be giving food vouchers to 200 families so they can buy what they need to celebrate Hanukkah with dignity. “With every bag of food given to a family that cannot afford groceries, every comforting snack given to a grieving child, every cup of coffee served to a broken person, we share the love and Good News of Yeshua with the people of Israel. “Thanks to your support, we provided food to hundreds of families, enabling them to celebrate the holidays with joy. Thank you for partnering with us to bring hope during these challenging times. We are so GRATEFUL for you!” ____________ DAVID : After struggling with drug addiction and multiple suicide attempts, David found hope through a chance encounter that led him to a Messianic Congregation meeting through DUGIT Outreach Ministries. His life was transformed by an encounter with God, and he experienced a miraculous recovery. Today, David, now a pastor, serves as the Manager of the DUGIT Distribution Centre, helping those in need, including Holocaust survivors and new immigrants, while sharing the love of Yeshua daily. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of the Messiah.” Galatians 6:2 GENEROUSLY LOVING OTHERS WITH THE LOVE HE HAS SHOWERED ON US: THE POOR & STRUGGLING ARE BEING CARRIED IN THESE DIFFICULT TIMES

We support a wonderful, family-run ministry to Holocaust Survivors who live in Israel called Helping Hand Coalition. We specifically sponsor "Shalom Houses", regular meetings held in over 70 different cities in Israel where Survivors of the Holocaust can gather, laugh, sing and eat. Their purpose it to dispel loneliness and isolation and provide a place for Survivors to receive love and care. Alongside the amazing ministry that the Survivors receive through the Shalom Houses, HHC also supports Holocaust Survivors in several other ways including: Medical support: Providing special clinics and medical items for holocaust survivors. Support for evacuees: Providing financial, logistical and social help to the thousands of Israeli citizens who were forced to leave their homes in the south and the north of the country due to ongoing attacks into Israel - which is especially distressing for the elderly Holocaust Survivors. Goods distribution -providing food vouchers, groceries, and clothing items. HHC recently shared with us about a shipment of brand new, good quality mattresses from partners in Germany that they have been able to distribute: "In the midst of an ongoing war, hundreds of brand new mattresses were delivered for Victims of the Holocaust, thus creating an amazing buzz and rush of excitement within our network of local associations, among both members and their families (who would assist in picking up the mattress for their parent or relative), but also organization leaders who were so excited to take part in the operation. Many of the dear elderly people have been sleeping on old hard lumpy mattresses for years! They literally received comfort from the nations as it says in Isaiah 40:1: "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God." The shipment contained several hundred brand-new German best-selling mattresses directly from the European factory. These mattresses, still wrapped and in perfect brand-new condition, were a special gift for Holocaust Survivors. Some of many smiles of excitement from holocaust survivors who received a brand new quality mattress! Pray for the Holocaust Survivors living in Israel at this time, that they will know the love of God through the love of those who serve them. Pray for them especially during this time of war when the constant incoming rockets and air-raid sirens are so traumatic. Many are afraid for their lives and unable to run to bomb shelters to take cover. May the peace of God surround them and protect them. Pray also for the workers and volunteers helping HHC, that they will shine the light of the Lord wherever they go and bring His love and peace into the homes of Holocaust Survivors.

The Autumn Feasts (Leviticus 23) The Autumn Feasts of the Lord are: Trumpets (Yom HaTruah aka Rosh HaShannah), Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) and Tabernacles (Sukkot). They are like prophetic signs that point us to the work of the Messiah. These Feasts are still celebrated by Jewish people today preserving a tradition and continuity that goes back to the time of Moses. With time, certain things have been dropped and other traditions added but the essence of the Feasts have remained. Many of the Feasts are mentioned in the New Testament too, we just might not recognise them. For example, the “last and greatest day of the festival” mentioned in John 7:37, is the Feast of Tabernacles and Jesus used one of the activities during the Feast to teach about himself as the giver of living water. Sunset 2nd - 3rd October 2024 YOM HATRUAH DAY OF TRUMPET SOUNDING Bible Reference Leviticus 23:23-25; Numbers 29:1-6 Themes The Sounding of the Shofar (rams horn) God’s Kingship Judgement Day The Creation of the World How to Celebrate Ideas Reconcile: “First go & be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (Matt 5:24) Feast: celebrate with a festive meal - dip sliced apples in honey for a sweet new year Blow the Trumpets: Sound the alarm to get ready! Prophetic Significance Blowing of trumpets and getting ourselves ready reminds us of the return of the Lord (Matt 24:29-31; 1 Cor 15:52) Unlike the other Appointed Times, this holiday has no name - it’s simply referred to as the day of sounding the shofar (ram’s horn) or Feast of Trumpets - literally the day of making a loud noise. It’s celebrated at the beginning of the Hebrew month of Tishri. Tishri is the seventh month in the Biblical calendar and is seen as a parallel to the seventh day - the Sabbath - a special and holy time to seek God. The previous month of Elul is a time of preparation just as in Jewish tradition, Friday is a day of preparation for Sabbath. This season is a time for reflection, contemplation and getting things in order and putting right our relationship with God. Just as a bugle call summons the army to pay attention, Yom HaTruah calls us to pay attention and get ourselves ready. In the Hebrew calendar, Yom HaTruah (Feast of Trumpets) and Yom Kippur are the holiest days even today in the Jewish year. In modern times you might see this day referred to as: Rosh HaShannah or the Jewish New Year. Although Tishrei is the seventh month of the religious calendar, it is the first month of the civil calendar - it’s when the new calendar for dating the year starts. On October 2nd this year we will enter the Hebrew year: 5785. ___________________________ Sunset 11th - 12th October 2024 YOM KIPPUR DAY OF ATONEMENT Bible Reference Leviticus 23:26-32 Leviticus 16:1-34; Themes Fasting High Priest enters the Holy of Holies Praying for the sins of the nation The cost of entering into God’s presence How to celebrate ideas Read : The Book of Hebrews Fasting and Prayer: Thankful for what Jesus has done for us. This day is also a good reminder to pray for your nation. Pray also for Jewish people to receive a revelation of Yeshua as they seek God especially on this day. Prophetic Significance A picture of Jesus, our great High Priest Yom Kippur meaning The Day Of Atonement is the day when the people of Israel were to be judged and atonement made for the sins of the nation. In the Old Testament it was a reminder that the regular sacrifices made on the altar of burnt offering were not sufficient to atone for sin. No one was holy enough to enter God’s presence. On this one day of the year, the High Priest was allowed to enter into the holiest part of the Temple/Tabernacle on behalf of the people bringing atoning blood into God’s earthly throne room. The whole design of the tabernacle and the rituals performed were illustrations to teach the people that sin hindered access to God’s presence. The Book of Hebrews in the New Testament makes many comparisons between the rituals of this day and the atoning work of Yeshua (Jesus) as our High Priest who shed his own blood as an atoning sacrifice, once and for all. Without the Temple, Jewish people today mark this most holy day with penitence, prayer and fasting. The 10 days of preparation from The Feast of Trumpets (Rosh HaShannah) have led up to this day when it is believed that God writes the names of the righteous in His Book of Life. Many Jewish people who would not normally call themselves religious will refrain from working, fast and attend Synagogue services on Yom Kippur. In modern Israel, the whole country shuts down, no cars on the roads, no tv, no flights - it is day like no other. ________________________ Sunset 16th - 23rd October 2024 SUKKOT FEAST OF TABERNACLES Bible Reference Leviticus 23:33-44, Deut 16:13-17, 2 2 Chron 7:8-10, John 7:2-53 Themes Building temporary shelters Harvest Festival / God’s provision Time of Rejoicing Pilgrimage How to Celebrate Ideas Build: A temporary shelter outside - decorate it with flowers, leafy branches, and scriptures. Sit out in it and enjoy your tabernacle. Traditionally, all meals are eaten there during the week. Feast: Gather around a festive meal and celebrate God’s abundant provision by eating lots of fruit and vegetables. Pomegranates are traditionally eaten on this feast. Prophetic Significance Points to end times Kingdom harvest and to a future time when God’s people will Tabernacle with God. “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21:3) “Then the survivors from all the nations that have attacked Jerusalem will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles.” (Zech 14:16) Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) is a week long autumn harvest festival. Occurring just 5 days after Yom Kippur, it is a drastic change from solemnity to the most joyous feast. The Hebrews were commanded to live in temporary dwellings during this Moedim to remind them of their time in the wilderness. The Feast is both a historical and agricultural event. Historically it looks back to the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, remembering their dependence on God and his provision until he brought them into the Promised Land. It is also a time of thanksgiving for a successful harvest. In Biblical times, this was one of the pilgrimage feasts when the people gathered in Jerusalem. Tabernacles (a temporary dwelling/ shelter) were made from the boughs of trees and palm branches. Water was also an important part of this festival. In Biblical times, golden pitchers of water (precious after the long, rainless summer) were brought from the Pool of Siloam to the Temple. The Priests would pour the water over the altar to signify Israel’s gratitude for the rain that had produced the harvest and in faith that God would send rain again for the following year. The last day was called Hosha’na Rabba (The Day of Great Hosanna). As the celebration continued, the priests blew trumpets and waved branches and people sang the Great Hallel (Psalms 113 to 118). In Jewish tradition today, four species (a lulav) are gathered to wave before the Lord: branches of palm, myrtle, willow and a citron fruit (Lev 23:40). When Ezra reinstated the Feast he used olive branches too. (Neh 8:15). Zechariah 14:17 says that in the future, people from all nations will come up to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles with the Jewish people in Jerusalem. The Gospel of John records Jesus attending Sukkot. On several occasions he taught in the Temple courts during this Feast. On the last and greatest day of the Feast of Tabernacles (the day the Priests poured out the water), Jesus stood, and with a loud voice proclaimed Himself as the very fountain of living water (John 7:37-38). He was officially announcing his divinity to the Jewish people gathered. It was audacious and bold and his enemies were amazed. This Moedim reminds us we are pilgrims on the way to our eternal home. Our material possessions are temporary - God is our shelter and provider. Our destiny is to dwell with Him forever. On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. John 7:37-39 _________________________ Sunset 22nd- 23rd October 2024 SIMCHAT TORAH REJOICING IN THE TORAH Bible Reference Leviticus 23:34-36,39; 2 Chron 7:9 Themes Celebrating God’s word given through the Torah How to Celebrate Ideas READ: Start a new Bible Reading plan. Prophetic Significance Yeshua the word came down into our world. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John: 1) The eighth day after the final day of Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) is a Sabbath dedicated to the Lord (Lev 23:36). This is also when the last reading of the weekly Torah portion is read in the synagogues. The scrolls are rewound all the way back to Genesis 1 and the first portion of the Bible is also read and the annual reading cycle begins again. In Israel, this day is celebrated with dancing with the Torah scrolls in the Synagogues, often also spilling out into the streets with much joy and jubilation. Here is half of the annual Torah portion reading cycle that begins on Simchat Torah at the end of the Feast of Tabernacles. This first half takes you to Passover. We will include the second half in our next magazine. These are read every week in Synagogues around the world, so it is a great opportunity to pray for the Jewish community as they hear the word of the Lord. The New Testament suggested reading has been added by Messianic Congregations who want to add New Testament revelation to their reading cycle. DONATE TO THE WORK OF YOUR PEOPLE MY PEOPLE

In its original context, each Feast had regulations and commands, do’s and don’ts that formed part of the Old Testament law. Some of these decrees involved what to eat or specified animal sacrifices which would be impossible to do now. Without the Temple in Jerusalem, modern Judaism has had to find theological alternatives to fulfil the heart of the law rather than the letter. For us as Christians, since the perfect and final work of Christ on the cross has set us free from the obligations of the law, we are no longer required to fulfil all these details for our holiness. By God’s incredible grace we can now put on the righteousness of Messiah Jesus to enable us to stand before a holy God. Some Christians believe that celebrating these Hebrew Feasts in any form is veering too close to forgetting grace and going back to the law. We would emphasise, that any spiritual practice, however good it is in itself, has the potential for legalism (even going to church, or only using a particular translation of the Bible). Celebrating these Old Testament Feasts should not be seen as a requirement for salvation, for gaining favour with God, or to make us superior Christians. The work of the Gospel is sufficient and complete and does not need adding to. As the Apostle Paul said in the letter to the Galatians, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” However, as FIRM (Fellowship of Israeli Related Ministries) puts it: “For Christians observing Jewish holidays can be a meaningful practice. But more importantly, from a Biblical perspective, by unravelling the meaning of these festivals, we are learning about God’s character. “Biblical feasts deepen our faith, enhance our understanding of Scripture, and foster unity within the diverse Body of Messiah. “As we explore both the ancient observances and their prophetic meaning, we experience the continuity of God’s story. Moreover, we celebrate the shared heritage of faith that binds the Christian and Jewish communities together. “By embracing these holidays, we embark on a journey of discovery, reverence, and celebration. So, let us honour the past while we look forward to the ultimate fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan for humanity.” ( firmisrael.org/learn/should-christians-observe-the-jewish-holidays/ ) As always, God looks at our heart. He invites us in freedom to enjoy an ancient rhythm of annual celebrations that have been celebrated throughout Biblical times and remind us of His desire to interact with His people and bring them all to live eternally with Him. Each Feast is a wonderful opportunity to meet with Him in a new way and learn something as we meditate on the scriptures. Having lived in Israel among Messianic Jewish Believers for over a decade, we can also testify to the joy and vibrancy of celebrating the moedim . These are not dull religious practices, but a family time, a time for feasting, and they are marked with much enthusiasm and energy that is contagious. It is good to be reminded that the Lord loves to meet with his children and the joy of the Lord is our strength! In Deuteronomy, the people of God were encouraged to teach the story of God to their children and their children’s children - the Feasts are a family affair, often involving a Festive meal around a table where Biblical truths would be taught and family traditions passed down the generations. That is still a great idea today! The answer is to do all things in the power of the Holy Spirit - where the Spirit is, there is freedom!

Have you ever received an invitation for an appointment with royalty? I’m guessing that for the majority of people reading this, the answer is ‘no’. Well, neither have we! So what would you say if we told you that His Majesty, King Charles III, has an invitation for you to meet with him? At a specific time and place, for a specific purpose to join him for a celebration event? Would we fall over in shock? Start figuring out what to wear? Certainly we would post such an invitation of honour on Facebook, Instagram, and every other social media platform we could think of? Just think of the ‘wow factor’ that a Royal Appointment would create among us and our friends! Never going to happen you say! And for most of us, you’re probably right. But how about an appointment with the King of the Universe instead? Would that be as momentous or mind blowing? Do we think that might have a sufficient ‘wow factor’ for us to feel the same kind of honour and privilege? For the ancient nation of Israel, the King of the Universe did just that. The One who created the planets, the earth, the animals and vegetation, the Author of Creation and all life, the God who ‘made man in His image’, made appointments with His people! You can read about them in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). In Hebrew, the word is ‘ moedim ’ in the plural (pronounce moh-eh-deem) and translated simply means appointed time, place or meeting. Leviticus 23:2 reads: “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my moedim (appointed festivals), the moedim of the Lord, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.’” Note that when God was speaking to the Israelites of old, He made a point of saying they are His appointed festivals - they were appointments made by Him and they are His idea. So often they are relegated to just being ‘Jewish Feasts’, but even though they were set up with the fledgling nation of Hebrews, these appointed times belong to the King of the Universe! What an opportunity, as ones grafted in to the promises of God’s chosen people (Romans 11), to take advantage of meeting with our good Father at a time He chooses. The 2024 autumn moedim , the appointed festivals of the Lord all happen in October: Yom HaTruah: the Feast of Trumpet sounding , Starts at Sunset 2nd - 3rd October - often referred to as Rosh HaShannah (New Year) and is the start of the Hebrew calendar year. Yom Kippur: Day of Atonement Sunset 11th - 12th October - when we are reminded that Yeshua (Jesus) is both the sacrifice and our High Priest who opens the way for us into the Father’s presence. Sukkot: the Feast of Tabernacles Sunset 16th - 23rd October - reminding us of God’s desire to ‘tabernacle’ with mankind, to dwell with us, to be with us. Simchat Torah: Rejoicing in the Word/the Eighth day of the Great Feast (of Sukkot) Sunset 23rd - 24th October - a reminder and celebration of God’s written word to us. The annual cycle of Torah Bible readings read each week in Synagogues begins again after Simchat Torah. And what is the purpose of our keeping an appointment with the King of Kings at such a time? Well chances are, if we are invited into His presence, He has something to say, something to impart, something to bless us with, something He wants to share and celebrate with us - or perhaps simply just to have time with us.

Every year, Rania Sayegh, an Arab Christian and the Director of Hope: House of Prayer and Exploits in Nazareth, invites around 140 Arab Christian women leaders to a strategic gathering called “Arab Deborahs Ar ising.” Rania is a prophetic intercessor and these gatherings are a powerful call for Arab Women leaders to take their place and make a stand for the Kingdom: to rise up like the prophet Deborah as spiritual warriors who can change their nation and see God’s Kingdom come in their families, congregations, communities and throughout the Middle East. Rania is also passionate about building bridges between Arab and Jewish Believers and working together as ‘One New Man’ (Ephesians 2:14-16). Arab women living in Israel carry a unique perspective that compliments their Jewish brothers and sisters and contributes to the Body of Christ in Israel. Several Messianic Jewish women leaders will also be involved in the conference. The date has been set for 13th to 14th September and preparations have already began. “We would like to ask you to stand with us in pray for this strategic gathering, and all that the Lord is going to birth through it.” shared Rania. Click the button below to support the Arab Deborahs Arising Gathering and note your gift is for HOPE - Nazareth.

After nine long months of war with Hamas in Gaza and with the northern border also becoming more and more volatile, the Body of Messiah in Israel is cranking up the prayer and taking their place as spiritual warriors. We are not talking about a battle against flesh and blood - God loves and grieves for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people and longs for all to know Him - but about the spiritual principalities and powers that are manipulating people and events for the increase in evil across the globe. Of course, both Messainic Jewish and Arab Believers have been praying deeply about this situation but there seems to be a new intensity to pray and fast as a Bride making herself ready. Messianic Jewish leaders and Pastors launched a national intercessory prayer and fasting chain beginning on the first day of the Jewish month of Tammuz (7th July 2024) - a month which traditionally includes prayer and fasting in remembrance of the breaching of Jerusalem’s walls by both the Babylonian Emporer Nebuchadnezzar the Great (586 BC) and later by the Romans in AD70. For the whole month, leaders are prioritizing face to face gatherings as well as zoom prayer meetings. Face to Face prayer and worship gatherings will be held at Kehilat Ha Carmel (Haifa), King of Kings (Jerusalem), Kehilat HaMaayan (Kfar Saba), Kehilat Tehilat (Rishon Le Zion), Christa House (Jerusalem) and Morning Star (Tiberius). Also this month, HOPE - House of Prayer in Nazareth, has started a 40 day Daniel fast. The House of Prayer has been meeting almost daily since the war began and they are now sensing an intensity in the heavenly battle. “Let us unite at this critical time in prayer and fasting to seek the face of the Lord for our country and the nations of the Middle East” shared Rania Sayegh, the Director of the ministry. “The drums of war are continuing to beat across Israel and the Middle East. This is a call to 40 days of prayer and fasting to “Fortify the gates,” and awaken the church for God’s intervention in the face of escalating tensions and war in the Middle East. A shift is happening. The war season is changing, and God is calling us to “anoint our shields” into the shift. The enemy is seeking to destroy nations, but God is calling watchmen to the wall to contend for His covenantal promises and destiny... We hope and pray that you will hear the sound of the trumpet and lock shields with us!” Earlier in the year, during Purim, a gathering of Jewish and Arab leaders, followers of Jesus stood together to seek the Lord and repent on behalf of their people groups and nation. As a prophetic act they decreed a breaking of any covenants of death, replacing it with a covenant of life - together as one family, in the Land of Israel. We unite with the Bride in Israel, the followers of Jesus, and stand with them in prayer for God’s plans and purposes to be fulfilled in Israel and in Gaza and across the whole Middle East. For Arab and Jew and for every people group that has made their home there. Not the wisdom of man or even the desires of the human heart, but the inheritance of God and His strategy for this region. For His Kingdom to come on earth as in heaven and for the salvation of all people!