Nourish Your Biblical Roots with Yael Eckstein

As we pause this month to celebrate the women in our lives, host Yael Eckstein welcomes to the podcast two modern-day Women of Valor who have influenced and mentored her — Michele Bachmann, former member of the U.S. Congress and current Dean of the Robertson School of Government at Regent University, and Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America. Together, these powerhouse women discuss with Yael both the difficulties and opportunities women of faith in leadership face today, as well as the women in their own lives who influenced them. You won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation with these two women, who Yael describes not only as her role models but as role models for the next generation. Listen today!

Legendary singer, songwriter, and friend of Israel, Pat Boone, joins host Yael Eckstein to talk about the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews’ 40th anniversary this month, and Pat’s role in helping launch the organization onto the national stage. Together, they discuss this important bond between Fellowship Founder Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, of blessed memory, and Pat that dates back to early 1992 after the fall of the Iron Curtain. At that time, Rabbi Eckstein approached Pat and asked him to co-host a program, appealing for Christians to help fund the freeing and transporting of Russian Jews to Israel. Pat didn’t hesitate, and the Christian community immediately responded with an outpouring of donations and support. It’s a partnership and friendship that has only grown over the years and helped position The Fellowship to becoming today the leading humanitarian organization, blessing Israel and Jews in need around the world. Join Yael and Pat as they discuss their lasting friendship and Pat’s love for Israel and The Fellowship. Listen today! For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

As Israel celebrates its 75th anniversary, Yael Eckstein welcomes to the podcast Ambassador Ido Aharoni, an Israeli diplomat who has devoted his entire career to building bridges between Israel and the world. As Ambassador Aharoni shares with Yael, Israel is a miracle whose survival and success has been powered by the creativity and spirit of the Jewish people. Yet, more needs to be done to bring Israel’s unique brand and success story to the world. “Sure, people have heard of Israel,” Ambassador Aharoni tells Yael, “but we need to make sure that they also understand the value we bring to the table. That’s the key.” Listen now as Yael and Ambassador Aharoni celebrate Israel—past, present, and future.

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 today’s 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, his renowned memoir of survival in the Nazi death camps. Their conversation is particularly relevant as this month Israelis commemorate Yom HaShoah, Israel’s national Holocaust Remembrance day. 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.

A proud Israeli who recently served as Israel’s 14th Prime Minister, Yair Lapid shares with podcast host Yael Eckstein one of the key lessons from the Holocaust—that every Israeli has a duty to make sure the Jewish state always exists. The son of a Holocaust survivor, Yair Lapid relates that his father’s story of surviving the bloodbath of the Jewish ghetto in Budapest is a stark reminder that he “cannot live in a world in which I don’t have a place to go.” In sharing his father’s story, the former prime minister says he is telling the story of the Jewish people. As Israel pauses next week on Yom HaShoah to remember and honor the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust, you won’t want to miss this insightful and important conversation for both Christians and Jews.

In today’s special Passover episode, host Yael Eckstein explains the unique and sometimes unusual traditions for the Passover seder that are actually meant to encourage 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 and Easter, host Yael Eckstein welcomes back to the podcast 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 it with us amidst our afflictions and sufferings, bringing us His redemption. Listen to the entire conversation as you prepare for this holy time of year. For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

When Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine more than a year ago, no one imagined that the brutal war would still be raging today. As the world marks this tragic anniversary, host Yael Eckstein welcomes to the podcast Gadi Teichman Dan, who has made numerous trips to Ukraine and Moldova since the war broke out, providing lifesaving assistance with The Fellowship’s Israel staff. Gadi shares his heart for the suffering he has witnessed among the Ukrainian people, as well as his unflagging passion for bringing them aid and comfort. As Russia increases its destruction of Ukraine’s infrastructure, Gadi says the needs of the people are growing even greater. Don’t miss this emotional and eye-opening conversation. Learn how you can help Ukrainian Jews in dire need today.

In celebration of Women’s History Month and the International Women’s Day (March 8), host Yael Eckstein welcomes to the podcast Paula Faris, the Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist who spent nine years at ABC News, co-anchoring “Good Morning America Weekend,” and co-hosting “The View.” Today, because of her experiences as a working mom, Paula has devoted her many talents to a new chapter in her life — a mission to support and give voice to the 35 million women in the workforce. Through her organization, CARRY Media™, Paula brings her passion for supporting working moms, pledging to “change the game and level the playing field.” Don’t miss this inspirational and empowering message in support of working moms and motherhood.

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, people in Israel host big 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.

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 passed away this month in 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 Eckstein 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. As The Fellowship celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year, you won’t want to miss this inspiring tribute to a man whose vision literally changed the course of Jewish-Christian relations.

As we celebrate Black History Month, join host Yael Eckstein as she welcomes to the podcast Dr. Alveda King, daughter of slain civil rights activist Rev. A.D. King, and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout her life, Dr. King has carried on the legacy of the King family, passing on to subsequent generations the message of love 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.” As we honor the contributions of African Americans to our nation, you won’t want to miss this fascinating dialogue and inspiring message for each of us to promote God’s goodness wherever we are. For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Host Yael Eckstein welcomes to the podcast Gordon Robertson, President and CEO of The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), and a long-time friend and supporter of Israel and her people. As the next generation leading organizations founded by their fathers (the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and CBN), Yael and Gordon share their experiences of stepping into the shoes and carrying on the legacies of faith of their fathers – Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, of blessed memory, and Pat Robertson, respectively. Gordon also shares his own faith journey on the podcast and how learning more about Judaism profoundly impacted him. Listen to this inspirational discussion today!

Join host Yael Eckstein as she welcomes back to the podcast Bishop Paul Lanier, Chairman of the Board for the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, to help her launch The Fellowship’s 40th Anniversary year. Bishop Lanier shares his insights on how The Fellowship for 40 years has been able to respond to the most desperate human crisis and needs — including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine — with immediacy and compassion. Bishop Lanier talks about the profound effect that being involved with The Fellowship has had on him personally and invites us all to become involved in this critical humanitarian and lifesaving work. Start your new year off with this inspirational discussion that may just change your life as well!

Does your family have any special holiday traditions this 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, it is a time to remember all the light that God brings to our lives and how this holiday has inspired faith in those who desperately need it. Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas! 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, where 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!

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 starts a new four-part series on Hanukkah, exploring the many lessons of faith this holiday has for us. Today, Yael Eckstein 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!

Even since biblical times, the Jewish people have never let go of the Sabbath. As we’ve learned in our five-part series on this ancient ritual, the Sabbath is a weekly reminder to rest and reflect on how life is about connecting with God, our families, friends, communities, and ultimately, about making the world a better place. In today’s final episode, host Yael Eckstein walks us through each step of the Sabbath day to show us how relevant this biblical practice is even in modern times. And when we harness the beautiful power of the Sabbath, it will transform our lives, our relationship with God and with one another. Listen today.

Join host Yael Eckstein as she has the incredible honor and privilege of welcoming Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the podcast. Having recently won re-election to the office he held previously for a combined 15 years, the Prime Minister is also celebrating the release of his new memoir, Bibi: My Story, already on the New York Times Bestsellers List. During this insightful conversation, Prime Minister Netanyahu talks about living a life with purpose and vision — and about the people who encouraged him to do that. Listen as Prime Minister Netanyahu also shares with Yael his thoughts on the historic relationship between Christians and Jews and the role this friendship has played in the founding of the Jewish State, as well as the long-standing bond between Israel and the United States. For anyone with a love for Israel, this is a Conversation you don’t want to miss! For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

One of the most iconic and treasured rituals associated with the Jewish observance of the Sabbath is the lighting of the Shabbat candles each Friday evening at sundown. In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein will share why this ritual is so special to her personally, and how it serves as both a powerful moment in her week as well as a deep connection to her family, her Jewish roots, and God. Listen now! For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Have you ever noticed the irony of our modern world — we have more time-saving technology, but less time to spend on the things that really matter to us? In today’s episode, the third in a series about the Shabbat, host Yael Eckstein talks about how the ancient observance of the Sabbath — a time to relax, rethink, and reset — is exactly what we all need to combat the challenges of today’s modern world. Yael will take a closer look at the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt, how tired and hopeless they felt, and the parallel lessons for us on finding freedom from all the stuff that enslaves us today. We’ll learn that if we can reclaim the practice of the Sabbath, each in our own way, we will find more time for joy in our lives!

Join host Yael Eckstein as she welcomes college basketball coach Bruce Pearl, who has led the Auburn Tigers to 154 wins, three Southeastern Conference championships, consecutive NCAA Tournament berths, and the program’s first ever appearance in the Final Four in 2019. While his success on the basketball court is well-documented, what might not be as well-known is his absolute dedication and love for Israel and her people. On the podcast, Yael and Coach Pearl discuss how important his Jewish faith is in his career, how his love for Israel has inspired him throughout his lifetime, and the importance of finding common ground and joining together as people of faith. Don’t miss this inspiring Conversation!

What does it mean to be truly free? As Christian theologian Karl Barth wrote, “A being is free only when it can determine and limit its activity.” And in the Jewish faith, that’s what observing the Sabbath is all about. In this second episode in her five-part series on the Sabbath, host Yael Eckstein explores why setting boundaries around time and activities on the Sabbath actually frees her to focus on what’s most important — connecting with God and with each other. Join Yael as she unpacks one of the biggest misunderstandings about the Jewish observance of the Sabbath -- all the prohibitions that surround this sacred day and what it means to actually refrain from work and just rest. As Yael explains, setting healthy boundaries can transform our lives and set us on the path to true freedom.

Have you ever wondered the spiritual meaning behind the Jewish tradition of keeping Shabbat (the Sabbath) holy? On today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein shares with us how grateful she is for the blessings of Shabbat — a holy day of rest — that transform her and her family every week! It’s a day to recharge spiritually, and Yael will share the amazing lessons of faith the Sabbath has for both Christians and Jews. For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

As the High Holy Days come to a close, 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 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. For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

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 14:16.). 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 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 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.

As America celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, host Yael Eckstein welcomes Pastor Carlos Ortiz, Church Outreach Director for the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and a longtime and ardent pro-Israel voice to the Hispanic Christian community. Pastor Ortiz, a native of Colombia who immigrated to the U.S. in 1986, was recognized for his work in building bridges between Latin American countries in 2016 when the state of Israel named him an Ambassador of Good Will. On the podcast, Pastor Ortiz shares his deep love for God’s land and her people and why he carries the love of Israel wherever he goes. Listen today to this inspiring conversation about one man’s mission to spread love for Israel to Christians everywhere.

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!

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 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 making real and lasting change. 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 paths to real and lasting change — repentance, prayer, and charity. Join us today!

We live in the so-called “selfie generation,” where our focus is often on ourselves — how we look, how many “likes” we get on social media, what we have, and what we do. The irony is that focusing on ourselves does not make us happier; rather it robs us of our joy. As the Bible teaches, what truly brings joy is giving to others. In the Jewish faith, charity is not seen as simply a good deed, but rather as a sacred obligation. It is practiced throughout the year as part of the Sabbath and Jewish holidays observances. Most Jewish homes, synagogues, schools, and even businesses have at least one special receptacle for giving charity. The ultimate goal, says Yael, is for her children to learn to give consistently and generously. Listen today to learn how these principles can help your children experience the joy of giving.

If we want our children to live according to godly — not worldly — values, then it is essential that we instill in them courage. Host Yael Eckstein shares on the podcast that courage is one of the most important values that she can pass down to her children. This vital trait is celebrated annually on the biblical observance of Purim, which commemorates the story of Queen Esther, whose courageous actions saved the Jewish people from certain annihilation. As Yael shares, it is faith that gave Esther her courage, and courage that gave her the confidence to take a stand for her people. Together, faith and courage have always advanced God’s work on earth. Listen today to this inspiring call to raise the next generation to be “strong and courageous.”

Join host Yael Eckstein as she talks with one of the unsung heroes on the frontlines of the war in Ukraine — Ilia Golberg, Chief Security Officer for the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war, Ilia Golberg has been an instrumental partner with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jew (The Fellowship) in rescuing Jews from war-torn Ukraine and in providing safety and lifesaving assistance to those who remain behind. Ilia shares with Yael how the landscape and Jewish communities have changed throughout the war — from those disbelieving that war would ever come to their country to those who are now returning so their children can resume their lives as best they can. The podcast is a fascinating look behind-the-scenes of this horrendous conflict and a poignant call to not forget that people are still living in a war zone and that the needs are even greater as the colder winter months set in. You don’t want to miss this inspiring conversation with this humble hero from the frontlines of war. Listen today! Learn how you can help vulnerable Jews in Ukraine by supporting The Fellowship and its partners’ work on the ground, providing emergency and lifesaving aid to God’s children. Come back each Sunday as Yael shares inspirational teachings on the Jewish roots of Christianity on her weekly podcast, Nourish Your Biblical Roots. For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

What’s the greatest distance between two points? As host Yael Eckstein shares on today’s program, it’s the distance between our head and our heart. On an intellectual level, we know what we believe, but acting on that belief is another thing. Bridging this distance is part of our life-long service to God, what Yael calls “faith-living.” Every year during the observance of Sukkot, the Festival of Tabernacles (Booths), the Jewish people practice “faith-living” by leaving the comfort of their homes and living in a rickety makeshift shelter known as a sukkah. As she and her family eat and sleep in their sukkah for seven days, Yael explains they are reminded that we live by faith in God, trusting Him to provide all our needs — just as the Israelites did thousands of years ago while wandering through the desert for 40 years. Listen today for this invaluable lesson for our children.

One of the most difficult practices for any of us to learn is forgiveness —asking forgiveness from God, seeking forgiveness from others, and giving forgiveness. Yet this practice is so critical to living a healthy and happy life, and its rewards are invaluable. On today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein shares how the Jewish observances of the High Holy Days — Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement — help equip her children to both ask God for forgiveness and to seek forgiveness from others. During this intense time of spiritual reflection and repentance, Yael says her children learn the importance of saying “I’m sorry” and letting go of past hurts and offenses. As Christian theologian Billy Graham once said, “Every year during their High Holy Days, the Jewish community reminds us all of our need for repentance and forgiveness” Listen today!

What is the one thing we must teach our children if we want them to never give up and never give in when it comes to their values and beliefs? We must teach them hope. On today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein shares how an unflagging hope in God’s promises has sustained the Jewish people through exiles and pogroms, persecution and even the Holocaust. Every year, on the Jewish observance of Tisha B’Av, this foundational principle of hope is celebrated as the Jewish people mourn the many tragedies that have befallen them throughout history on this very day. As Yael explains, by teaching our children that the world is not as it should be, we are equipping them to never give up. There is always hope for a better world, a better future. Listen today!

How can we raise children to be grateful when we live in a culture that’s constantly telling us that we need — and deserve — more? It’s not easy, but as host Yael Eckstein explains in this week’s podcast, the key is helping our children recognize all the blessings in their lives. Yael continues her summer series on passing on our faith to the next generation by exploring how the annual observance of Shavuot, better known as Pentecost to Christians, reinforces the principles of gratitude. As Yael explains, Shavuot is about the fruitful times in our lives, when everything is going well, and remembering that God is the source of all our blessings. Discover how the simple habit of recognizing the good can permeate our lives with gratitude. Listen today!

What’s the best way for children to learn? Teach them the power of asking questions. For millennia, the Jewish faith has held that the best way to serve God is by constantly learning and growing — and in order to learn, one must ask questions. Podcast host Yael Eckstein continues her summer series on passing on our faith to the next generation by exploring how the annual observance of Passover helps instill in her children the value of asking questions. Jewish families commemorate the most important event in Israel’s history — the Exodus from Egypt — by asking questions. Discover how this tradition encourages children to ask questions all year long — and how you can instill this valuable habit within your own family. Listen now!

Join host Yael Eckstein as she welcomes Israeli statesman and former UN Ambassador Danny Danon to the podcast, as they discuss how he successfully championed Israel and her people in an environment that’s often hostile to the Jewish state. As Ambassador Danon shared with Yael, growing up, he was inspired by one guiding principle —if you want to make change happen, you have to be in a place where you can make a difference. As an adult, Ambassador Danon was able to make a difference in how the world viewed his beloved Israel from the world’s biggest stage possible — the United Nations. Ambassador Danon talks about the challenges he faced at the UN and other insights from his new book, In the Lion’s Den, a riveting behind-the-scenes recounting of his time at the UN. You won’t want to miss this conversation as Ambassador Danon shares with Yael his great love for his country, the need to build bridges with Israel’s neighbors, and his great friendship with America’s then-UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley. Come back each Sunday as Yael shares inspirational teachings on the Jewish roots of Christianity on her weekly podcast, Nourish Your Biblical Roots. For more information on today's episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org. Listen today!

With increasing demands on our time and attention coming from all sides — emails, text messages, Zoom calls, social media — how can families today find the time to connect with each other, and more importantly, with God? For thousands of years, Jewish families have answered this dilemma with one word — Shabbat, the Sabbath. Podcast host Yael Eckstein continues her summer series on passing our faith on to the next generation by exploring how the weekly observance of the Sabbath — a 25-hour cessation of all outside activity — helps her children learn how to set priorities and focus on what’s truly important. Discover how the principles found in observing the Sabbath can help your family reconnect with each other and with God. Listen now!

According to renown Christian leader Billy Graham, the greatest legacy we can leave the next generation is not money nor the material things we’ve accumulated, but a legacy of faith and character. Passing on our faith is of paramount importance to both Christians and Jews. In Judaism, it’s called “l’dor v’dor,” from generation to generation. As we will learn in Yael Eckstein’s special podcast series, Generation to Generation, passing on faith through the rituals and holy observances that occur within the family is what has preserved the Jewish people through exiles, persecution, pogroms, and even the Holocaust. On today’s podcast, Yael explores this biblical injunction for parents to teach children about faith and shares how the lessons she learned from her parents can help us all to be “living examples” of faith for our children. Listen today!

What if you were asked to name the most important quality in a person of faith? What would you say? Honesty? Purity? Compassion? Scripture actually has an answer to this question. In honor of the Jewish holiday Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, better known to Christian by its Greek name, Pentecost, we’ll learn about the one quality that can take our faith to the next level. The biblical figure Ruth demonstrated this quality when she followed her mother-in-law Naomi back to Israel and joined the Jewish people. So did the nation of Israel when they accepted God’s Torah unconditionally at the foot of Mt. Sinai. In today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein will explain how both these biblical stories connect to the holiday of Shavuot, which is celebrated this week, and why the quality of unconditional commitment — or commitedness — to God and His Word matters the most. You can learn more about Shavuot -- the Jewish Pentecost -- at our Learn Center!

Nearly 13 years ago, a pastor in North Carolina made a life-changing decision to answer God’s call to bless Israel by bringing needy and persecuted Jews back to their biblical homeland. Four years later, this pastor enlisted his church, Hope Community Church in Winston-Salem, N.C. to join him in this mission, pledging to raise $1 million to help Jews make aliyah (immigrate to Israel). This past year, Bishop Lanier and Hope Community Church surpassed that goal, raising more that $1.5 million and bringing home more than 4,200 Jewish souls. Bishop Lanier, now The Fellowship’s Board Chairman, comes back to the podcast to share his story with host Yael Eckstein — and invites Christians to join him in this prophetic conversation with God and the Jewish people. Come back each Sunday as Yael shares inspirational teachings on the Jewish roots of Christianity on her weekly podcast, Nourish Your Biblical Roots. 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 in 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 following the Six-Day War in 1967 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?" on our Learning Center for more information.

Since last September, the people of Israel have been living out the biblical command to observe a sabbatical year as found in the Book of Leviticus. But what does that mean? For many in Israel, it has meant allowing fields to go unplowed, not planting a vegetable garden, or simply letting the ground rest. And while this biblical directive is focused on the land, there is a deeper spiritual lesson for us all. As podcast host Yael Eckstein shares, the practice of shmita, the sabbatical year, teaches us that sometimes we need to do less in order to receive more blessings in our lives. Listen now! For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

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 today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein shares biblical verses that direct us to count each day in a way that celebrates the moment. Through ancient Jewish teachers, 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.

As we pause this month to celebrate the women in our lives, host Yael Eckstein welcomes to the podcast two modern-day Women of Valor who have influenced and mentored her — Michele Bachmann, former member of the U.S. Congress and current Dean of the Robertson School of Government at Regent University, and Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America. Together, these powerhouse women discuss with Yael both the difficulties and opportunities women of faith in leadership face today, as well as the women in their own lives who influenced them. You won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation with these two women, who Yael describes not only as her role models but as role models for the next generation. Listen today! Join us on May 5th for our 3rd Annual Fellowship Fast - a time of Fasting and prayer for our world, our nation, and ourselves. Learn how you can participate.

What does it really mean to love your neighbor as yourself? As Christians and Jews, we agree this is one of the most important commandments to follow, but what does that really look like? What does it mean to love our neighbors as ourselves? On today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein shares two insights from Jewish teachings from the Bible that explain how we can obey this commandment on a daily basis. As Yael shares loving others is not dependent on our emotions, but on our actions! We always have the choice to treat others the way that we want to be treated, and when we do that, feelings of love will follow … and we can create a world full of love. Join us this Thursday, May 5th, for our 3rd Annual Fellowship Fast – a time of fasting and prayer for our world, our nation, and ourselves. Learn how you can participate. For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

For many Jews, Yom HaShoah, Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, is deeply personal. It’s a day to remember one of the darkest times in history that resulted in the horrific murder of six million Jewish souls. While it is a somber day when the entire nation pauses to remember the lives lost at the hands of the Nazis, it is also a time for us all to remember the lessons from 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 about the power of one — the value and importance of saving even one life and how even one person can make a tremendous impact in the world. Listen now!Join us on May 5th for our 3rd Annual Fellowship Fast – a time of fasting and prayer for our world, our nation, and ourselves. Learn how you can participate.For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.