Nourish Your Biblical Roots with Yael Eckstein

“One generation commends your works to another.” (Psalm 145:4)Early in his podcast conversation with Yael Eckstein, Pastor Dumisani Washington quotes these words of King David when speaking of the lessons of faith his parents passed down to him. And it is this continued generational legacy—to younger generations and to other people of faith—that Pastor Washington and Yael focus on in this inspiring discussion.Pastor Washington joins Fellowship President and CEO Yael Eckstein to discuss how they’ve both learned from those before them—not only learning lessons from struggles and difficulties, but learning to celebrate community.Speaking of his lifework creating community between the Christian community, the Black church, and the Jewish people, Dumisani Washington tells how music, world news, and his own first visit to the Western Wall built those bridges that he continues to work on today.Learn more about the work of Pastor Dumisani Washington at the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel and Truth to Power Live, and read his book, Zionism and the Black Church.

For Christian music fans of many generations, Petra means rock. From the band’s early years in Ft. Wayne—“playing in parks and prisons and coffee houses” to decades of international success on the biggest stages, Petra not only changed with the evolving musical landscape, they defined Christian music. And for all of those years—culminating in last year’s 50th anniversary world tour—Petra was led, on guitar and as the band’s main songwriter and visionary, by Bob Hartman.So it was with true excitement—as fans and as fellow friends of Israel—that Bishop Paul Lanier and The Fellowship welcomed Bob Hartman to the podcast at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN.Bob was gracious enough to stop by from his home in Tennessee to discuss his career, the musical legacy that Petra has left for people of faith, and his love for God’s people, Israel.Listen to this uplifting conversation with Christian musician and songwriter, Petra’s Bob Hartman.

As kids, who didn’t count down the days until the end of school and the beginning of summer vacation? Even as adults, we sometimes count down the days to an important event—a milestone birthday, a wedding, or a special vacation. But if you think about it, in counting down the days, we can mistakenly relegate those days as obstacles to get through in order to reach the anticipated event, rather than as the priceless gift that each day is.On Shavuot, today’s podcast shares Bible verses that direct us to count each day in a way that celebrates the moment. Through ancient Jewish teachings, we will learn how counting each day—in the right way—is the secret to making every day count.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Today, Jews in Israel celebrate Jerusalem Day—Yom Yerushalayim—commemorating the miraculous reunification of God’s Holy City after the Six-Day War of 1967.But as podcast host Yael Eckstein explains, we ALL—Christians and Jews—should celebrate Jerusalem Day! Not only is Jerusalem God’s designated place where His Temple once stood and will someday stand again, but as we read in Psalm 137:5, “If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.” God does not want us to forget His eternal capital!In today’s special Jerusalem Day episode, Yael explores the spiritual significance of Jerusalem and why its historical reunification is so important. We ALL need to recognize what God has done and is doing in Jerusalem in our times… and why both Christians and Jews should give Him thanks and praise for His miracles!Check out our resource page on What Is Jerusalem Day? at our Learning Center for more information.

“I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil.” (Deuteronomy 11:14)This is the Bible verse that this week’s podcast guest quotes when speaking of a very special spot in the Holy Land of Israel.Neot Kedumim, Hebrew for “pleasant pastures,” is a biblical nature reserve in Israel—open for all to come experience firsthand the nature and culture of the Bible. Efrat Meir-Groman is Tourism Director at Neot Kedumim, and graciously sat down with The Fellowship to bring our listeners with her to this “beautiful place.”Full of wildlife and natural wonders from God’s Creation, Neot Kedumim brings the Bible to life. Efrat discusses the animals and nature one might find there, as well as such biblical activities such as shepherding and gathering water that people can experience today. And Neot Kedumim is a “hands-on” park, allowing visitors to see, smell, hear, taste, and touch the Bible with all five senses.Learn more about Neot Kedumim and plan your visit today.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Born in America. Raised in the Holy Land. A devoted Jewish father and husband. An IDF veteran. A veteran of Israel’s politics—having served as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Israel, as well as Bureau Chief and Foreign Policy Advisor. And now the author of a book about Israel that directly looks at the events that helped lead up to the ongoing war with Hamas.This is Ari Harow. Besides all of these accomplishments and experiences, Ari is also part of our Fellowship family—literally. Fellowship President and CEO Yael Eckstein is privileged that Ari is her brother-in-law. And now, having shared Shabbat dinners and family memories with him, Yael welcomes to the podcast this Israeli who has devoted his life to making life better for his country, God’s people, Israel—truly his brothers’ and sisters’ keeper.Ari shares not only his own life story of making aliyah (immigrating to Israel) as a child from the U.S. to the moment when he knew he would devote his life to serving Israel—while serving as a 20-year-old in the IDF infantry in Lebanon. He also shares about his time serving under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the many situations he navigated in that role—including the 2014 kidnappings of three Israeli boys that led to Israel’s last major war in Gaza.Listen to this insightful conversation with an Israeli who has devoted his life to serving the people of Israel.And read Ari Harow’s new book about his life, his career, and how a moment in Israel’s recent history set the course of today’s events, My Brother’s Keeper: Netanyahu, Obama & the Year of Terror & Conflict that Changed the Middle East Forever.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“These are God’s chosen people and He’s got a message that He wants to give the rest of the world through them.”This is what Ambassador Sam Brownback, a true friend of Israel, told Fellowship Board Chair Bishop Paul Lanier during a recent conversation on matters of faith and how Christians can stand for the Jewish state and its people.But despite the Jewish people’s calling as God’s people, Brownback points out that “evil has come after them in almost every country they’ve been in.”And it is this evil, this faithlessness, that Ambassador Brownback has helped combat throughout his long career as a public servant, as both Congressman and Senator, as Governor of his home state of Kansas, and as Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom during the Trump Administration.Speaking with Bishop Lanier at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN, Ambassador Brownback shares about his first trip to Israel while serving in the U.S. Congress, his recent trip to the Holy Land in the wake of the October 7th attacks, and what people of faith can do do stand for what’s right and stand for Israel.Listen to this insightful conversation with a true ambassador for faith and freedom.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

This past October—October 10, 2023 to be exact—Yael Eckstein planned to welcome Dean Michele Bachmann to the podcast to discuss the dean joining the board of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, as well as her lifelong love of Israel and her time spent there. Of course the Hamas attacks of October 7th changed those plans, and in the months since, Israel and those who support her have been busy simply meeting the needs of the Israeli people.But in those long, hard months, Dean Bachmann has proven to be what she has always been—a true blessing to Israel—as she helps lead The Fellowship during these days when The Fellowship is needed, more than ever on the ground in the Holy Land.A recent solidarity trip to Israel found Dean Bachmann and the rest of The Fellowship’s board visiting not only the sites of unimaginable violence and devastation left in the wake of Hamas’ attacks—including the kibbutz where Dean Bachmann once lived and worked as a teenager—but also some of the projects that The Fellowship and our faithful donors support, projects that are saving lives.She shares about wounded IDF soldiers whose dedication to life gives her hope. She shares about elderly survivors of the Hamas attacks who have been given hope. She gives us all a glimpse into how Christians are blessing—and being blessed by—God’s people.Listen now to learn about the current situation on the ground in Israel, and to learn what Christians in America—Christians like Michele Bachmann and like you—are doing to bless Israel.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“In Israel, we actually say, ‘Magen David Adom is Israel.’”This is what Uri Shacham—chief of staff for Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency services—recently told The Fellowship when he sat down to discuss his organization’s history, from the earliest days of Israel until October 7th and the difficult days since.Founded 94 years ago in 1930, in the wake of anti-Semitic riots against the pre-state Jewish population of the Holy Land, Magen David Adom has fulfilled its mission of preparedness and compassion for the people of Israel ever since.And when Hamas terrorists overran southern Israel on October 7th, killing 1,200 and wounded thousands more, Magen David Adom emergency personnel and ambulance crews were prepared for the unthinkable, rushing into harm’s way to rescue those in need and putting their own lives at-risk, some even making the greatest sacrifice.Listen to this conversation with Uri Shacham, chief of staff for Israel’s national emergency service, about how Magen David Adom has served Israel for more than nine decades, and continues to serve Israel’s people in their time of need.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

In today’s special Passover episode, host Yael Eckstein explains the unique and sometimes unusual traditions for the Passover seder that teach us to ask questions. In fact, the telling of the Exodus story begins not with facts and explanations, but with questions.As Yael explains, this time-honored tradition of asking questions during Passover is an annual reminder that God wants us to be lifelong seekers. By asking God our questions and entering Passover with a spirit of curiosity, we are more open to learning, rediscovering, and recommitting to Him on our journey of faith, ultimately, growing ever closer to Him.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

As we approach the holy season of Passover, host Yael Eckstein is joined on the podcast by Bishop Paul Lanier, Chairman of the Board for the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and pastor of Hope Community Church in Winston-Salem, N.C., to discuss the relevance today of the ancient and timeless Exodus story for both Christians and Jews.In this profound conversation, Bishop Lanier shares how the Passover celebration rallies people of faith around the table and reminds us of who we are in God. Through Passover, Bishop Lanier says, we find a message of hope that speaks across all generations, reminding us that God is with us amidst our afflictions and sufferings, bringing us His redemption.Learn more about the Passover celebration at our Learning Center.For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

As he sat down with The Fellowship recently, Jordan Marcellino quoted Isaiah 58:12 when telling how God called his family back to Israel—to live, to work, and to restore the beautiful Holy Land he calls home.“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”And today, the holy work of rebuilding, repairing, restoring, and raising up the Holy Land is being done through the Beautiful Land Initiative (BLI), founded by Jordan and his wife Hillary in 2015. With a wide array of projects—from voluntourism cleanups to beachside bins, from education to archaeology of the land of the Bible—BLI connects those who stand with Israel to the Holy Land that they love, making it even more beautiful in the process.Jordan chatted with The Fellowship at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN, sharing of Israel’s beauty, of God’s call to him, and how the Beautiful Land Initiative is inspiring and empowering all of God’s people to appreciate and take ownership of His Holy Land.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“October 7th was such a wake-up call for us.”These are the worlds of Adele Raemer—an Israeli, a mother, a grandmother, a kibbutz resident near Israel’s border with Gaza, and a survivor of the Hamas attacks of that day.Adele spoke with Fellowship President and CEO Yael Eckstein—from the war-torn Holy Land—in the weeks after the attacks. And she recently traveled from her temporary home in Israel to join The Fellowship at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN, to tell Americans of faith her story.After hosting a special media event that featured a conversation with Governor Mike Huckabee, she sat down to share with us her experiences—before, during, and since the terrorist infiltration into southern Israel, including her longtime home in Nirim.Listen to this important and uplifting conversation.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

For listeners of this podcast, Dr. Alveda King has been a favorite guest, sharing about her family’s legacy and her own faith.And so it was with great excitement that Bishop Lanier and The Fellowship welcomed Dr. King at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN.This author, professor, civil rights pioneer, and dear friend of Israel and of The Fellowship was gracious enough to share an inspiring conversation that we know will inspire you, as well.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

This month, Jews around the world celebrate one of the most joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar—Purim, which commemorates the events written about in the Book of Esther. During this celebration, Jewish people host parties, share holiday treats with friends, and dress up in costumes and masks—a lot like Halloween. But unlike Halloween, people go door to door in order to give treats, not receive them. And the costumes have nothing to do with ghosts or gore.As we’ll discover on today’s special Purim episode with host Yael Eckstein, this is because the message of Purim is that things aren’t always as they seem. We must look beneath the surface to see God in everything, and behind the masks we often wear to see God in every person.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“Anu is the Hebrew word for we or us.”That’s how Grace Rapkin explains the name of ANU—Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv, which she serves as Marketing Manager.The “we” that this museum serves includes all of us—all people of faith. And the crowd that was able to watch this podcast live was certainly made up of such faithful folks, at the recent National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN.Ms. Rapkin sat down with The Fellowship to talk about this very special museum in the Holy Land, and its many exhibits that teach about millennia of Jewish worship, tradition, and culture—including the Codex Sassoon, which many of you might have heard about recently as the oldest Hebrew Bible in existence.From this priceless example of God’s Word to items donated by the likes of Steven Spielberg and Bob Dylan, from art made in the wake of the October 7th attacks to an interactive exhibit that teaches Jewish recipes from across the globe, ANU: Museum of the Jewish People shows us the influence that Judaism has had on the world, from Bible times to today.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

For Christian music fans, the name Reba Rambo certainly evokes fond memories and emotions. Her music, and her family’s musical legacy, have provided the soundtrack for the lives of countless people of faith. One of these fans, Fellowship Board Chair Bishop Paul Lanier, even recalls Reba’s classic album, Lady, playing in his college dorm room.And so it was with great excitement that Bishop Lanier and The Fellowship welcomed Reba Rambo to the podcast recently at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN.Reba was gracious enough to share some time with us as she discussed her Hall of Fame career, the musical legacy passed down from her parents, her lifelong musical ministry, and her love for Israel.Listen to this uplifting conversation with trailblazing Christian singer, songwriter, and artist, Reba Rambo.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“Everything that I embrace as a Christian is rooted in the promises that God gave to the Jewish people.”Of the many Christian friends of The Fellowship and of the Jewish state of Israel, none has a passion and calling stronger than that of Governor Mike Huckabee. His accomplishments—44th governor of Arkansas, presidential candidate, ordained Southern Baptist pastor, and TBN host—certainly show him to be a man of action and a man of God.Gov. Huckabee recently put his godly heart for Israel into action by joining with The Fellowship at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN. Before hosting a special media event that featured a conversation with an Israeli survivor of the October 7th attacks, he sat down with Fellowship Board Chair Bishop Paul Lanier to discuss his heart for Israel and what he experienced in a recent visit to the Holy Land.Of this fellowship of faith between Christians and Jews and between America and Israel, Gov. Huckabee says, “This is a biblical mandate, and we need to stand on it and recognize that we should never ever allow the Jewish people to feel that they’re alone again.”Listen to this important and uplifting conversation.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

In the months since October 7, Israel has—for better or for worse—been a regular feature in international news. And while much of the world voices its opposition against (and hatred for) the Jewish state, there are voices who are speaking out for Israel.On this week’s podcast, Yael welcomes one of the Holy Land’s voices to the world. Eylon Levy has been serving as official Israeli government spokesperson since the beginning of the ongoing war in Gaza. In this role, he has become one of Israel’s most recognized faces.Eylon has done this in many ways. As a journalist and news anchor, he can provide the cold, hard facts to the world—showing the truth about Israel and the threats the nation faces in a way that so many media outlets refuse to. One story he shares is that of another podcast guest—Rachel Goldberg, whose son Hersh is still being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. The job can be difficult—much like life has become harder for all Israelis—but Eylon shares how he keeps his cool in the hardest situations, as well as why he works so hard to share “what Israel is about.”Besides his work as a talking head and giving press conferences, Eylon also excels in the media landscape of the 21st century—as much a new media content creator as he is a government spokesperson. A recent video he shared—his grandmother’s hummus recipe—is a perfect example of this.By presenting the truth about Israel—in traditional, as well as new and exciting ways, Eylon Levy is truly a light in the darkness that God’s people are facing. You won’t want to miss Yael’s conversation as he shares both the hard facts of what Israel is facing, as well as the hope he sees for the people of Israel.Listen now.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

In the wake of the Hamas attacks of October 7, life changed for all the people of the Holy Land, one of whom is this week’s special podcast guest. But Tommy Waller wasn’t born in the Jewish state, and isn’t even Jewish. Tommy is a Christian from America…After rising through the ranks of the American work world, God called Tommy and his wife to make a change in their lives. First, they moved their family to a farm in Amish country and learned to live off the land. And then God called them to Israel!For nearly 20 years, Tommy and Sherri Waller have run HaYovel in Israel’s heartland, providing Christians from abroad the opportunity for a “renewed sense of purpose, a strengthened faith, and a zeal for God’s worldwide plan of restoration that began with Abraham,” as they volunteer in the vineyards and fields of biblical Judea and Samaria.Tommy shares with Yael his story of coming to the Holy Land, what he’s experienced there over the past two decades and in the past months of war, and he even surprises her with a special story of his own meeting of her father, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, of blessed memory.Listen now as Yael talks with a Christian from America about his life in God’s Holy Land.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Join host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, as she pays tribute to her beloved father and mentor, Fellowship Founder Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, who unexpectedly passed away five years ago on February 6, 2019. Yael celebrates her father’s extraordinary life with a special guest—Beryl Eckstein, her father’s younger brother.In this very personal and emotional podcast, Beryl recalls growing up with Yechiel, walks us through the early, painful days when his brother was ostracized by the Jewish community for his work reaching out to Christians, and honors the lasting legacy of Rabbi Eckstein’s historic bridge-building work.You won’t want to miss this inspiring tribute to a man whose vision literally changed the course of Jewish-Christian relations.For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

This week, host Yael Eckstein comes to us from the Holy Land with two very special guests, both of them Israelis, both of them strong, proud Jewish women, and both of them survivors.Born in Poland before WWII began, Sarah survived the Holocaust, unlike so many of her loved ones, among the six million Jewish people murdered by the Nazis. And, on October 7th, this precious 88-year-old woman again survived an attack on God’s people, at her kibbutz home in the Holy Land.Noa also survived the attacks of October 7th. A 23-year-old Israeli, she was attending the Nova Festival near the Gaza border with friends, enjoying the beauty and serenity of the Holy Land she calls home. Noa survived that horrific day, unlike many of her friends, and unlike more than 1,200 others.Listen now to these two incredible survivors’ stories, as we once again are reminded that we must “Never Forget” lessons from history—both distant and more recent—so that such horrors “Never Again” happen in our world.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day—observed every January 27, the day the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated in 1945—is a day to remember one of the darkest times in history, a time that resulted in the horrific murder of six million Jewish souls.While it is a somber day to remember the lives lost at the hands of the Nazis, it is also a time for us all to remember the lessons of the Holocaust. It is a time when we renew the pledge that the Jewish people adopted after this catastrophic event: Never Forget. Yet as host Yael Eckstein reminds us, it is not enough to just remember; we also must take meaningful action.In today’s powerful podcast, Yael shares two valuable lessons we can learn from the Holocaust—the value and importance of saving even one life and how just one person can make a tremendous impact on the world. Listen now!For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

In the aftermath of the Holocaust, in which six million Jewish men, women, and children perished at the hands of the Nazis, the Jewish people vowed, “Never forget.” Yet, as host Yael Eckstein and her special guest Elisha Wiesel discuss on the podcast, an alarming number of adults today know nothing about the Holocaust.Elisha brings a unique perspective to the conversation as the only son of Elie Wiesel, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Holocaust survivor, and author of Night, the renowned memoir of survival in the Nazi death camps. Wiesel shares on the podcast his father’s legacy, not only as a passionate humanitarian, but as a proud Jew, who wanted to bring light to the dark places in our world.Listen now to this important and insightful conversation as we remember the lives lost during the Holocaust, honor those who survived, and vow, "Never again."For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

As we prepare to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., host Yael Eckstein welcomes to the podcast Dr. Alveda King, daughter of slain civil rights activist Rev. A.D. King, and niece of Dr. King.Throughout her life, Alveda has carried on the legacy of the King family, passing on the message of love for and dignity of each human being as a champion for life from “the womb to the tomb.”Dr. King shares with Yael, “As I was brought up by my Daddy, my Granddaddy, and my Uncle ML, we must know that we are all one race, and we must work together for human dignity… anywhere and everywhere we are on this planet.”You won’t want to miss this fascinating message that will inspire each of us to promote God’s goodness wherever we are. For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

This week, host Yael Eckstein comes to us from the Holy Land with a very special guest. Adele Raemer is a mother, grandmother, blogger, teacher, hospital clown, and an Israeli.After growing up in the U.S., Adele made aliyah to her Jewish homeland after the Yom Kippur War of 1973, and has for decades made her home on a kibbutz in southern Israel—a green, beautiful home that she says was always “95% heaven.”But all of that changed on October 7th. Like so many kibbutzim living near Israel’s border with Gaza, Adele found herself and her loved ones under attack by Hamas terrorists. Unlike so many of their neighbors and countrymen, Adele and her family survived. But like so many survivors of the attack, they have yet to return to their little slice of heaven, the home that they love.Listen now as Adele talks to Yael about life in the Holy Land—before October 7th, during that horrific day, and in the hard but hopeful days since.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Did you know that Moses wasn’t the first person to see the burning bush in the desert?According to Jewish tradition, many shepherds had walked by, but none of them bothered to stop. Maybe they were distracted or didn’t want to deal with the fire—or they were simply too busy to take the time to look. But Moses saw the fire—and because he went over to check it out, Moses was present to the miracle that was happening right before his eyes.In today’s powerful episode, host Yael Eckstein shares the lesson of how we must try—even in a world full of distractions—to live in the present moment, just like Moses. If we do, we’ll not only strengthen our relationship with God, but also witness more beauty and miracles all around us! Are you ready?For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Being such a small country, in an arid land often inhospitable to agriculture, Israel has truly brought the miraculous, prophetic words of the Bible to life—making the desert bloom. This week, host Yael Eckstein comes to us from the Holy Land with a special conversation with one of the Israelis who has spent his life tilling the soil in a region he calls “The Barn of Israel.”But, on October 7, the agricultural director of the farming community of Kibbutz Nahal Oz found himself, his community, and his land under attack by Hamas. Just yards from Israel’s border with Gaza, Moran survived that day……and now Moran is working to bring back to life this beautiful desert land that so many of God’s people work on, live on, and love, in the wake of the Hamas attacks and the ongoing war.Listen now as Yael discusses with Moran what kibbutz life was like before October 7, what that awful day brought to his community, and how he is working to rebuild this land he calls home.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Does your family have any special holiday traditions during this special time of year? Most of us do, including host Yael Eckstein, who shares her special family traditions for Hanukkah.Yael explains not only how this holiday inspires hope, faith, and light for her husband and kids, but how Hanukkah has kept the Jewish people hopeful during the darkest of times in their history.This Hanukkah, especially, is a time to remember all the light that God brings to our lives and a time to inspire faith in those who so desperately need it. Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Did you know that it is during the darkest time of the year when the Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights? And that is no coincidence. Because only against that backdrop of darkness can we truly appreciate light.In this special Hanukkah episode, host Yael Eckstein will explore this season during which Jews remember miracles that happened throughout their history and miracles that are still happening today! As we’ll learn in this powerful episode, Hanukkah reminds us that no matter how dark things may be, we can still find light.No matter how impossible things may seem, God can make miracles happen. Listen now!For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Do you know how miracles happen? A miracle just takes one step of faith and God takes care of the rest!That’s what we learn in today’s special Hanukkah episode, in which podcast host Yael Eckstein dives into the story of the miracle of the oil. We learn how when rededicating the Temple in ancient times, God’s people lit the menorah on faith alone because they knew they didn’t have enough pure oil for it to burn more than one day. And guess what? God performed a miracle, and the flame lasted for eight days until they could get more pure oil!This Hanukkah, all God wants us to do is light that first candle and then He will provide the rest. Just as the Hanukkah story has inspired the Jewish people throughout history, let God’s miracles in our own lives encourage the light of others, ignite hope, and let our faith burn bright! Listen now!For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Hanukkah, a season of God’s light and miracles, is probably one of the most well-known Jewish holidays, primarily because of its proximity to Christmas. But do you know what miracles are remembered and celebrated during this season?Host Yael Eckstein begins a series on Hanukkah, exploring the many lessons of faith that the Festival of Lights has for us, especially during this dark time when Israel finds herself at war and God's people find themselves praying to Him for a miracle once again.Today, Yael tells us the miraculous story of the Maccabees, and how their courage and faith in God were a huge turning point in history for the Jewish people. Hanukkah is a reminder for us that we never know how one act of bravery can be turned into one of God’s miracles!For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Have you ever felt like you don’t matter? Or that what you do simply doesn’t count for anything? Podcast host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, shares another way of understanding God’s command to Moses to count the people of Israel and its important message about our true value in God's eyes and our power to change the world for the better.

This week, Yael brings us a difficult but necessary conversation, as she welcomes Rachel Goldberg, a Jewish mother in Israel. Rachel’s son, 23-year-old Hersh, was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists during their attacks on October 7. Since that day, Rachel has prayed—along with the Jewish people’s friends around the world—for her son’s safe return.Yael speaks with Rachel about Hersh—about his life, about the young man he is, about the final evening she spent with her son, and about the difficult moments before his capture—and what she has done in the days since to bring awareness to the situation in Israel and to bring her son home. Most importantly, Rachel shares what has given her hope and strength in the difficult days since her son was taken hostage.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

With so much hurt in the Holy Land, we need to hear positive stories from Israel, stories of Holy Land Heroes. This week, Yael welcomes a young Israeli who is a true “light to the nations.”Ariel Elkin is a 16-year-old racecar driver from Israel who is competing—and winning—at the highest levels of racing, even at his young age. Partnering with The Fellowship as he prepares to race in Texas, Ariel shares our mission—reaching out to Israel’s friends around the world and working to gain support for the Jewish state and her people. Yael speaks with Ariel about his childhood in Israel, his already accomplished career on the racetrack, and how important Israel’s friends are, especially in times like these. For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

After terror attacks killed over 1,300 Israelis, injured thousands more, and left more than 150 hostages in the hands of Hamas terrorists, the nation of Israel is at war. Bishop Paul Lanier, Board Chairman of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, joins us for a special online town hall he shared with Michele Bachmann, former member of Congress, dean of Regent University’s Robertson School of Government, Fellowship board member, and friend of Israel. Bishop Lanier and Dean Bachmann discuss The Fellowship’s role on the ground in the Holy Land, as well as how their faith shapes their understanding of the situation.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Discover the encouraging message about faith that is found in God’s commandment to use olive oil to light the lampstand (menorah) in the Tabernacle. Host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, explains on today’s podcast how this ancient source of light teaches us how to access light in dark times and become a much-needed source of light in the world today.

As the sun rose on Shabbat in the Holy Land, and as the Jewish people prepared to celebrate the biblical holiday of Simchat Torah, the unthinkable happened. Hamas, the terrorist rulers in neighboring Gaza, carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel.More than 1,000 Israelis were murdered. More than 2,000 injured. And more than 100 innocent people—children, grandmothers, families—were taken hostage by these terrorists.Host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jew, comes to us live from a Holy Land still reeling, still grieving, and now at war, with an online town hall she shared with Bishop Paul Lanier, The Fellowship’s Chairman of the Board.Yael shares with us the situation on the ground in Israel, how this attack has affected God’s people, and how The Fellowship is on the ground, providing basic needs like food and medicine to those who have lost everything and security essentials for first responders and the brave men and women defending Israel.

As the High Holy Days end, Jews around the world spend one last day in an intense celebration with God before resuming their normal routines. Simchat Torah, which means “Rejoicing in the Torah,” is unlike any other observance that takes place in synagogue. As host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, describes in today’s podcast, the entire congregation—from the youngest children to the oldest adults—takes out the Torah scroll and joins in a never-ending circle of dancing and singing. The celebration marks the completion of reading through the Torah, from Genesis to Deuteronomy, before the reading cycle begins again. But the lesson of Simchat Torah, says Yael, lasts throughout the year. Simchat Torah is a reminder that the way to stay close to God and transform inspiration into action throughout the year is through God’s Word. Learn more about this amazing celebration in today’s powerful podcast.

Do you know the one holy day that the entire world will celebrate in Messianic times? According to the prophet Zechariah, it’s the Festival of Tabernacles, or as it’s called in Hebrew, Sukkot (Zechariah 4:16.). Unity among all God’s children is a major theme of this joyous celebration that is part of the High Holy Days that Jews around the world have been observing. In continuing her series on the High Holy Days, podcast host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, looks to the lessons of Sukkot on practical ways to bring us together. In a world that is increasingly divided, this powerful episode teaches us the spirit and essence of Sukkot encourages a spirit of unity that can bring goodness, pleasantness, and blessings to our lives in the long run.

It’s been said that two of the hardest words for people to say are “I’m sorry.” Can you relate? When have you experienced needing to apologize and dreaded doing it? Or maybe, you have been hurt by someone who won’t apologize to you? In this special episode about Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, explores how those two words relate to the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Admitting our wrongdoings, committing to making changes, and moving forward is what the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur is all about! When we do this with sincerity, God always forgives and always has mercy. And those words – “I’m sorry” – have the power to heal relationships and change our future for the better.

How many of us think about repentance as we celebrate and usher in a New Year on January 1? Probably not many! But when Jews usher in the Jewish New Year on Rosh Hashanah, the main focus is on repentance, or teshuvah, which means to “return” to God and to who we really are. The sound of the shofar, the ritual trumpet, signals this time to reflect on the past twelve months, fix any behavior that isn’t helpful, and return to God who is waiting with open arms. In this special Rosh Hashanah episode, host Yael Eckstein shares the Jewish perspective on the meaning of repentance and its significance for both Christians and Jews, and how it has the power to nourish our souls and transform us into the people we are meant to be!

Since the time Abraham sent his servant to find a suitable bride for his son, arranged marriages have been a time-honored tradition in the Jewish faith. On today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, welcomes Aleeza Ben Shalom, star of the Netflix series Jewish Matchmaking, to explore this tradition and how she is continuing this ancient practice today. Over the past 16 years, Aleeza has helped more than 200 couples find their soulmates, and she shares with Yael her discoveries on what makes a successful match — and more importantly, a lasting marriage. You won’t want to miss this intriguing conversation!

Did you know that God has an alarm clock for our souls? Beginning a month before the start of the High Holy Days, the sounds of the shofar, the biblically mandated trumpet, can be heard throughout synagogues across the world, calling people to reflect, repent and return to God. On this podcast, Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, continues exploring the significance and meaning of the Jewish High Holy Days, focusing on one of the primary rituals of this holiest time on the Jewish calendar: the sounding of the shofar. Yael explores why the Jewish people use a shofar to prepare themselves for the new year, and how its many sounds are a call to self-improvement, to repentance, and to return to God during these holy days. Join Yael as she explains the symbolism and messages of the shofar, and how its sounds should be reverberating in our daily lives.

Today, host Yael Eckstein begins a six-part series examining the spiritual journey Jews around the world take each year during the High Holy Days and what lessons these holy observances can teach Christians and Jews about connecting with God and ourselves. In this series, Yael will explore how the sounds of the shofar awaken the soul, how Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, teaches us about the gift of repentance, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, teaches us the power of forgiveness. We’ll discover the blessings of unity that Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, teaches, and how this holy season ends with a celebration of God’s Word on Simchat Torah and a renewed commitment to bring His word with us into the new year. Yael begins the journey by looking at the three spiritual paths —repentance, prayer, and charity – that help prepare us for the High Holy Days. Join us today for this unique spiritual journey.

Where exactly are you in your spiritual journey? Just like any journey we begin, if we don’t take some time to pause and reflect on where we are headed, we may find ourselves completely lost. In today’s podcast episode, host Yael Eckstein walks us through an ancient biblical Jewish practice – one Jesus likely participated in – that happens during the Hebrew month of Elul, which begins this month. During Elul, the Jewish people prepare themselves spiritually for High Holy Days, which begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and concludes on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Jews take this yearly 30-day challenge to lay the groundwork for real and lasting change by doing an intense spiritual checkup. As Yael shows us, it takes a full 30 days to connect with God, nourish our souls, and make spiritual changes that last. As we’ll learn, this Jewish version of a “30-day challenge” can set us up for a successful year to come as well as a blessed life ahead. Listen now to this inspirational teaching from Yael.

Grammy-nominated singer, best-selling author, and prominent Christian media personality Sheila Walsh joins podcast host Yael Eckstein, president and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, to talk about her first visit to Israel and how her personal journey through depression taught her important lessons. The cohost of TBN’s flagship program Praise, Sheila said she discovered that it often is our brokenness that creates a greater bridge to other people — and to God. “I discovered that there is no place too dark that the presence of God cannot find you and be with you,” Sheila said. Listen now to this inspiring conversation with its message of encouragement for you.

Prayer is one of the greatest sources of power available to us — and yet many of us struggle with unanswered prayers or how to make our prayers more powerful. In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein explores insights on the most effective way to pray from the Jewish tradition that have been used for thousands of years. As Yael explains in this podcast, our prayers can become more powerful when we pray for other, with others, and when we keep on praying. These insights are simple, yet profound, and as Yael demonstrates from her own experience, work! With so much to pray for these days, this episode is a good reminder of how amazing it is that we can speak directly to the Master of the Universe, and that He hears every single one of our prayers!

If you have ever felt like giving up, today’s episode is especially for you. This month Jews around the world observe the darkest day on the Jewish calendar, Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the month of Av. On this day, Jewish people weep for something that occurred more than 2,000 years ago — the destruction of both the First and Second Temples that once stood in Jerusalem. Yet, as host Yael Eckstein explains, while this day is one of deep sorrow, it is also one of great hope — a hope that has sustained the Jewish people through the centuries. The lesson for us all is that there is always room for hope because we worship a God of love, mercy, and compassion. By not giving up hope, we affirm our belief in God’s promise to fulfill all His promises in the Bible. Listen now to this encouraging message.

In this stirring podcast, best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio host Eric Metaxas calls on people of faith to wake up and stand against evil that threatens the very freedoms we cherish. As Eric Metaxas shares with host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, in a society that has grown increasingly anti-Semitic, anti-America, and anti-God, people of faith need to speak up against evil. Silence is not an option, Eric told Yael. “We need to part of the fight against evil, and we should not be afraid to speak out,” he said. Listen today to this challenging, yet critical message for us all.