“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.’”
Psalm 122:6-7 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend. 

While we celebrate many victories this week – including the one-year, historic celebration of the Abraham Accords and the capture of the final two escaped prisoners - I’m reminded by the Scriptures that we must remain vigilant in praying for continual peace.

That’s why I want to invite you to continue to pray with me and everyone at Jewish Voice on behalf of God’s people. 

ABRAHAM ACCORDS CONTINUES TO SHAPE THE MIDDLE EAST, ISRAEL AT THE HEART

Representatives from member countries of the Abraham Accords gathered in Washington last week to mark the one-year anniversary of the historic peace and trade agreements between Israel and the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.

Prior to the Accords, according to The Jerusalem Post, Israel had diplomatic ties only with Egypt, with which it signed a peace treaty in 1979, and Jordan, with which an agreement was reached in 1994.

The event was held two days after the actual September 15 anniversary date of the White House ceremony that allowed Arab states to normalize ties with Israel. And this one-year gathering happened at a time when much concern and focus in the Middle East is on Iran and their acceleration of nuclear capabilities. 

The Jerusalem Post reported that Israel’s Ambassador to the U.S. and the U.N., Gilad Erdan, said in response to the recent New York Times report indicating that Iran is just weeks away from having enough uranium for a nuclear weapon:

“I think it doesn’t make a real difference if the Iranians are one month or two months or three months [away], they are closer than ever to becoming a nuclear threshold state. And in addition to the fact that they have the most radical president ever, their supreme leader still believes that Iran should possess a nuclear bomb. This is a huge red flag to the international community: Do something about it. You cannot continue allowing Iran to drag its feet, playing its game of maneuvering, and simultaneously advancing its nuclear capability. Because we will wake up one day [and realize that] it might be too late. “This is the time to act, and I hope to see the international community getting together and making it clear to Iran that they’re going to pay a huge price for this illegal advancement.”

The Jerusalem Post also reported that Israel’s Foreign Minister, Yair Lapid, also called on other Arab countries to join the Accords, saying: "We’re going to make this a bigger and bigger event and a bigger and bigger initiative for peace in the region."

This will include helping to strengthen Israel's burgeoning ties with the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan, Lapid is reported to have said. And he also spoke of supporting Kosovo's new ties with Israel, even though the country is not part of the Accords.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett told The Jerusalem Post, “These unprecedented agreements are a new chapter in the history of peace in the Middle East. Relations between the countries are only at their beginning and are already bearing many fruits. The government of Israel under my leadership will continue to implement the agreements while striving for a stable, secure and prosperous Middle East for the future of our children.”

ISRAEL CITES ECONOMIC CRISIS FOR ALLOWING HEZBOLLAH OIL SHIPMENTS TO REACH ENERGY-STARVED LEBANON

The Times of Israel reported that the first of the oil convoys from terror groups entered Lebanon late last week. While the Iran-backed terrorists touted this as a major victory within the region, Israeli officials cited Beirut’s economic crisis for their lack of interference.

According to The Times of Israel, dozens of trucks carrying Iranian diesel arrived in Lebanon late last week, traveling through neighboring Syria in violation of U.S. sanctions imposed after the U.S. pulled out of a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers in 2018.

The shipment is being portrayed as a victory by Hezbollah, which stepped in to supply the fuel from its patron, Iran, while the cash-strapped Lebanese government grapples with months-long fuel shortages that have paralyzed the country. Hezbollah operates independently from Lebanese authorities, which are struggling to deal with a crippling energy crisis.

While Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Syria to prevent Hezbollah weapon shipments from reaching their targets, officials are concerned that targeting the fuel would be seen as needlessly harming the economic recovery of Lebanon.

The Times of Israel reported that groups of Lebanese gathered on the roadside to greet the convoy. Hezbollah’s yellow flags and banners praising the Iran-backed group and Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad decorated the streets. Many raised banners reading: “Thank you Iran,” and “Thank you Syria.” Heavy gunfire, and at least one rocket propelled-grenade, were fired in celebration.

However, many Israeli officials - and other officials within the region - see the convoy as a symbol of the dissolution of the Lebanese state. And while the oil delivery was seen as a victory for Hezbollah, the group is also facing growing internal criticism for increasingly pulling Lebanon into Iran’s orbit and for defending its political allies who resist change rather than push for reform.

ISRAELI FORCES ARREST FINAL TWO ESCAPED PRISONERS, ENDING THE TWO-WEEK MANHUNT

The recapture of the last two prisoners who escaped from Gilboa Prison late last week marks the end of the manhunt that began earlier this month.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the final arrests were made by the Israel Defense Force (IDF), Shin Bet and police special forces, based on intelligence from the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency). The operation was overseen by Brig.-Gen. Yaniv Alaluf, the head of the IDF’s Judea and Samaria Division, which is responsible for the West Bank, and by Col. Arik Moyal.

The IDF released a statement saying, “The Yamam, Shin Bet and the Haruv Reconnaissance Unit entered the city of Jenin, sealed off and surrounded the house, including use of gunfire around the building in which the fugitive terrorists were hiding. They came out unarmed and without resistance. The two terrorists were caught alive and were handed over for interrogation by the security forces.”

The Jerusalem Post reported that in order to prevent a large-scale confrontation with Palestinians, a large number of security forces entered different parts of the Jenin as a distraction. Gunmen in Jenin associated with several militant groups, including Fatah, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, had warned that they were prepared to thwart any attempt by the IDF to enter the city or its refugee camp in search of the two security prisoners. They formed a “Joint Operations Room” to repel a possible “invasion” by the IDF.

While security forces were leaving the city, clashes with Palestinians erupted in a number of locations where they threw stones and explosives and opened fire toward Israeli forces. Three Palestinians were moderately wounded during the clashes, according to the reports. No injuries were reported among Israeli forces.

The recapture of Ayham Kamamji and Munadel Enfayat is a blow to the Fatah and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) gunmen in the Jenin refugee camp who had over the past few days pledged to defend the fugitives and foil any attempt by the IDF to enter the camp or the city of Jenin, the residents said.

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for:

• God’s grace and peace to continue to permeate the Middle East and the broader region 
• God’s protection to be upon His people as Iran-backed Hezbollah – and other terror groups – continue to strengthen their grip on Lebanon and Israel’s northern border 
• God’s wisdom to be poured out on the world’s leaders in handling the nuclear threat from Iran
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

“Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for Israel is for their salvation.”
(Romans 10:1 TLV)

I’m so thankful you share my love and concern for Israel and her people. Together, by meeting needs and sharing the Good News with Jewish people,
you and I play a role in fulfilling prophecy!

The Bible tells us that the spiritual restoration of Israel is essential to the return of Jesus and the fulfillment of God’s plan.

In the verse above — Romans 10:1 — you can see that Paul urged the Gentile churches to pray for Israel’s salvation. Today, we are to do the same. And we must not only pray, but take the opportunities we are given to introduce Jewish people to Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah.

So when we pray for the Jewish people and give to help meet their critical needs, we bless Israel. And this opens the door to share the Good News — the greatest blessing!

In Israel, Jewish Voice works with more than 80 partner organizations to meet important basic needs for the most vulnerable, including groceries for struggling families and dental care for Holocaust survivors.

That’s why our goal is to raise $286,650 this fall to bring help and hope to Jewish people in Israel. This is the amount that we’ve committed to invest in this
urgently needed ministry to provide for our partners there.

Please prayerfully consider sending a gift today to help meet urgent needs and open the door to share the Gospel with God’s Chosen People.

And as I write this, Israel has experienced a spike in coronavirus cases as a result of new variants from India and South America. So many are dealing with the consequences of the pandemic — lost jobs, extended sickness, the death of loved ones and more.

But even beyond the coronavirus pandemic, Israel is under constant threat from enemies near and far:

• IRAN: The Iranian government sponsors terror groups who openly profess their violent goal: to annihilate Israel and the Jewish people.
• HAMAS AND OTHER TERRORISTS IN GAZA: These radical groups continue to fight against Israel – from using constant smaller attacks to firing rockets on Jerusalem (which led to the 11 days of violence this spring) and destroying the homes of Israeli citizens.
• WORLDWIDE HATRED: Anti-Semitism has been on the rise and the outbreak of fighting in May stirred up more incidents of violence against Jewish people in Israel and around the world.

You and I need to stand with Israel because God calls us to bless His people. The salvation of Israel is a key part of God’s plan.

We are so grateful to be headed to Ethiopia again! We appreciate your prayer covering for this Outreach – before, during and after. Your intercession prepares the way not only for the Outreach week but also for the ensuing months and even years. This Medical Clinic will be held in an area with both Orthodox and Evangelical Christians and where local Messianic Believers are already reaching out to other Jewish people. We are excited to partner with them to see Jewish people blessed in the name of Yeshua and come to know Him.

Here is some more information regarding the Outreach, the area, and how you can pray along with us during this critical time. Thank you for your prayers!

Wednesday, September 22–Wednesday, September 29 | Preparations – Isaiah 40:3

We are excited to minister to serve the Gefat Jewish people in partnership with the local Bete Kidan Messianic Congregation already ministering there.

• Pray for safety and efficiency as preparations are made
• Pray for the preparation of the region, the hearts of the people and the spiritual atmosphere

Thursday, September 30–Friday, October 1 | Travels and Adjustments – Joshua 1:9

We will have a small but excellent group of Outreach Partners joining us for this Outreach. Please pray for:

• Protection, travels, health and on-time arrivals
• Favor at each checkpoint and no delays
• Safety on the drive to the hotel and Clinic site
• Protection against disease
• Partners and staff to begin the Outreach rested and excited
• Blessing and evidence of Yeshua’s (Jesus’) love to flow from us to all whom we encounter

Saturday, October 2–Sunday, October 3 | Set-up and Clinic Opening – Philippians 4:19

These two days will be full of adjustments and preparations for the Clinic to open on Sunday. Pray for:

• Unity of the Spirit and all to work as unto the Lord
• Successful training meetings for medical/dental staff as well as Outreach Partners
• Patient lines of patients to be orderly and efficient
• Many Jewish people to hear about the Medical Outreach and come

Monday, October 4–Wednesday, October 6 | Worship and Work – Psalm 77:14

This Outreach will have medical, dental and eye care and a pharmacy, plus opportunities for spiritual ministry! Please pray for:

• The Living Waters team, taking LifeStraws® and Good News into the community
• Congregation members who will be offering prayer and sharing Jesus
• A special time of worship and prayer together Tuesday night
• Healing, signs, wonders, and miracles, confirming the life available in Jesus
• Testimonies of God’s goodness to draw many to believe

Thursday, October 7–Sunday, October 10 | Closing and Returning – Psalm 46:8

We pray for God’s Kingdom to continue expanding in this part of Ethiopia as Jewish people and their neighbors receive salvation and come together for ongoing fellowship. Pray for:

• A peaceful Clinic closing on Thursday and that we will have seen as many patients as possible, blessed the local workers and left the fragrance of Messiah in the community
• The partnering Messianic congregation will be able to follow up effectively in the community, leading to the planting of a second congregation there
• Understanding of God’s heart for the Jewish people to grow in the community
• Safe travels home and good health for each Outreach member

We usually think of joy and happiness as emotions that come to us as a result of pleasant circumstances or good news. But God’s instructions for the Feast of Sukkot reveal that we are more than passive recipients of joy. The fact that He commands Israel to rejoice shows us that joy can be our choice (Leviticus 23:40). 

Sukkot is a seven-day festival where God commands the Jewish people to do no work on the first day and come together for a sacred assembly. Synagogue services today include waving a lulav, a bundle of four specific types of vegetation, based on Leviticus 23:40, where God instructed Israel to take these branches “and rejoice before the Lord.” 

Sukkot is also a harvest festival for which every physically able male was to take the first of his fall harvest to Jerusalem as an offering to the Lord. Sukkot is also sometimes called the Feast of Ingathering because it celebrates the last harvest before winter.

The most unique observance of Sukkot is God’s command to build temporary structures and live in them for seven days. The Bible refers to these as booths or tabernacles, which is why Sukkot is also called the Feast of Booths or Feast of Tabernacles. Each family builds a sukkah (the singular of sukkot) in their yard or on their patio or balcony. We take our meals, entertain guests, and sometimes sleep in our sukkot. And we rejoice.

Rejoicing in obedience to the Lord is possible when we set our minds on the right things (Philippians 4:8). Sukkot provides a meaningful opportunity to develop this strength-giving habit and provides us with several reasons to rejoice ¬– reasons that transcend circumstances because they are based on God. Three of the many reasons to rejoice include God’s provision, His Promise and His presence.

God’s Provision 

The booths of Sukkot remind us of God’s provision for our ancestors who lived in tents in the wilderness for 40 years. God protected us, provided for our needs and supplied food each day. He made water spring from rocks, and He supernaturally prevented our clothes and sandals from wearing out through all that time. Living in a sukkah for seven days each year offers a vivid reminder of how God continues to care for us today. It may not always be in the way we want, but God provides for our needs.

God’s Promise 

As Jewish people throughout the world look up at the evening sky through the leafy roof of our sukkot, we remember God’s promise to make Abraham’s descendants as numerous as the stars of the heavens. God keeps His promises. Sukkot celebrates His steadfast love and faithfulness. 

God’s Presence

God was with Israel when we wandered in the wilderness. He was present with us in the pillars of cloud by day and fire by night. Later, His presence dwelled in the Tabernacle. Moses prayed, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here” (Exodus 33:15 NIV). Reflecting on Israel’s years in the Sinai desert reminds us of the gift of God’s presence. As Messianic Jewish Believers who have placed our faith in Messiah Jesus, we have God’s Holy Spirit dwelling within us. (1 Corinthians 3:16). God is always with us and will never leave us.  

God commanded the Jewish people to rejoice at Sukkot, showing us that, no matter what circumstances may be, joy is a choice. Even if times are hard, we can see that He has given us great reasons to rejoice because – He has given us Himself.

Applying Sukkot to Your Life

• How has God provided for you recently?
• How has God blessed you through His biblical promises?
• How might you be able to enjoy God’s presence more in your life?

“You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.”
2 Samuel 22:29 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend. 

I chose this week’s verse because it is a powerful reminder that we don’t face the darkness of the world alone. As we look at some the latest news from Israel, I strongly encourage you to focus on the eternal light of God that does not waver or fade. Join me in prayer that as the world grows darker, the Jewish people would continue to be drawn to the light of God and accept Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah.

ROCKET FIRE FLARES ALONG THE STRIP — FLAMES FANNED BY MANHUNT FOR ESCAPED PRISONERS

Late last week and through the weekend, rocket fire lit up the skies across the Gaza Strip. In the late hours of Sunday night, The Times of Israel reported terror groups along the Strip had fired a rocket towards Israel and then fired a second rocket a couple of hours later. Both were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system.

Sunday’s outbreak was the third night in a row of rocket fire along the Strip with responses from the Israel Defense Force (IDF) targeting Hamas military locations in Gaza.

The Times of Israel reported that one rocket was fired toward the Israeli town of Sderot near the Gaza border, triggering sirens there and in the surrounding community. 

Three Israelis were injured as they scrambled for shelter and another two Israelis were treated by medics for acute anxiety attacks.

In response, the IDF launched a series of airstrikes on Hamas targets, hitting four bases, including an underground tunnel and weapons storage and production facilities.

During this retaliatory attack, terrorists in the Strip launched a second rocket toward southern Israel — while the Israeli Air Force hit several more Hamas targets.

According to The Times of Israel, the back-to-back rocket attacks came amid growing tensions between Israel and terror groups in the Strip, as the ceasefire brokered in the aftermath of an 11-day conflict in May appeared poised to break down completely.

They are the fourth such attacks against southern Israel since the significant flashpoint in May between Israel and Palestinian terror groups led by Hamas. Tensions between Israel and Hamas have risen again over the past few weeks.

And The Times of Israel reports that the flames were fanned by the escape of six Palestinian security prisoners from Gilboa Prison, most of whom are Islamic Jihad members serving life sentences for terrorism. Four were recaptured over the weekend, with Islamic Jihad vowing to avenge any harm done to them or the remaining fugitives.

TERROR IN JERUSALEM LEAVES TWO ISRAELIS INJURED IN THE CENTRAL BUS STATION

The Jerusalem Post reported that earlier this week two Israeli men were injured in a stabbing attack at a store next to the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem. 

Two female Border Police patrol officers at the scene shot the terrorist.

The attacker was identified as 17-year-old Basil Shawamra from the village of Deir al-Asal al-Fauqa, near Hebron in the southern West Bank. Two additional suspects were detained.

Both stabbing victims are expected to recover from their injuries. 

Terrorist group Hamas congratulated the stabbing attack, saying, “The escalation of stabbings in occupied Jerusalem, the shootings, the increasing confrontations of popular anger in the West Bank and the demonstrations in Gaza come within the framework of the freedom intifada launched by our Palestinian people in solidarity with the heroic prisoners and confronting the brutality of the occupation against them.”

The attack came hours after another attempted stabbing attack at the Gush Etzion junction targeting IDF soldiers. That attacker was taken to Shaare Zedek Medical Center with gunshot wounds to his hand. No soldiers were injured in the attack.

Israel Police Jerusalem District Commander Doron Turgeman told The Jerusalem Post that there was “no doubt” that there is an escalation of violence taking place, stressing that police are prepared for any situation.

The defense establishment has extended its high level of alert following the escape of the six high-security prisoners last week out of the worry that the fugitives, or their supporters, might carry out attacks.

There have been three attempted stabbing attacks by Palestinians since late last week, two of them in Jerusalem.  

ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER DECLARES ISRAEL WILL DEFEND HERSELF AGAINST A NUCLEAR IRAN

The Times of Israel reported that during a visit to Moscow late last week, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid told his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, that Iran must be stopped from obtaining nuclear weapons.

As reported, Lapid told a press group following his meetings with Lavrov:

“Iran’s march towards a nuclear weapon is not only an Israeli problem, it’s a problem for the entire world. A nuclear Iran will lead to a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. The world needs to stop Iran from getting a nuclear capability, no matter the price. If the world doesn’t do it, Israel reserves the right to act.”

According to The Times of Israel, while Lapid and Lavrov were meeting in Moscow, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was meeting with Rob Malley, the U.S. envoy on Iran, to discuss “the prospects of restoring full-fledged implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action,” the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

Months of negotiations in Vienna earlier this year aimed at bringing Iran back into compliance with the 2015 deal — which former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2018 — stalled in June after hardliner Ebrahim Raisi was elected the new president of Iran.

Lapid told reporters that over the past 30 years Russia has become “one of Israel’s most significant and important partners.” And he noted that his meeting with Lavrov did not focus solely on “threats and conflicts.”

“Israel and Russia have strong and deep ties in economics, culture, tourism, energy and science,” he noted. “Without Russia, culture in the world, and in Israel, wouldn’t be the same.”

CORONAVIRUS FOURTH WAVE IN ISRAEL SHOWS SIGNS OF STILL GROWING

The Times of Israel reported earlier this week that the coronavirus reproduction rate (R rate) crossed “1” for the first time in close to three weeks, according to statistics released by the Health Ministry.

After weeks of steadily dropping, the “R rate” — indicating the number of people who will be infected by a single coronavirus patient — began to tick up again two weeks ago, and has now hit 1.01, indicating that the outbreak is growing.

According to The Times of Israel, there were 80,759 active COVID cases, with 1,114 hospitalized, 691 in serious condition and 187 of those on ventilators as of Monday morning. And more than 41,000 of the current active cases are among school-age children, and another 108,000 students are in mandatory quarantine due to exposure. Close to 56% of those who tested positive late last week were students.

In addition, The Times of Israel also reported this week that vaccination rates have decreased, with 53,526 people receiving a third vaccine shot, and just 6,232 receiving their first dose of the vaccine, compared to one week ago, when more than 7,100 got the first shot and close to 73,000 received a third dose. 

Overall, 2,870,182 have received a third dose of the COVID vaccine, which amounts to close to 31% of the population, and just over 6 million have received one dose, 65% of the total population.

Among those in serious condition, close to 67% were not vaccinated at all.

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for:

• God’s grace and peace to bring calm to the hostilities, violence and terrorism that continues to escalate along the Gaza Strip 
• God’s protection to be upon His people in the ongoing terror attacks being unleashed upon Israel and the Jewish people
• God’s wisdom to be poured out on the world’s leaders in handling the nuclear threat from Iran
• God’s guidance and grace in the midst of the continued growth of the pandemic in Israel (and around the world)
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah

Are you missing out? If you read only the New Testament, chances are you are missing the richness of the New Testament visible by understanding its Jewish roots, the very foundation upon which it was laid. 

God sent His promised Messiah, Jesus, to Earth to live among us within the context of Jewish faith and history found in the Old Testament. Jesus was Jewish. He lived a Jewish life and taught with authority from the Old Testament as the One fulfilling its prophecies. He did not come to start a new religion; faith in Jesus as the Messiah is the “filling full” of Jewish faith through a redemption plan that God ordained from the beginning. He intentionally linked to His Old Covenant system of faith. 

Jesus’ purpose on Earth was based on a Jewish foundation, on Jewish roots. The Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur offers a fundamental example of these Jewish roots of Christianity. 

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the Jewish year. It is a solemn occasion that focuses on our need for forgiveness and covering for our sins. God commanded the Jewish people to observe this Fall Feast in four specific ways (Leviticus 23:26–28):  

• Do no work
• Gather for a sacred assembly
• “Afflict oneself”
• Bring sacrifices to the Temple

Today, Jewish people observe Yom Kippur with a day of rest, a 25-hour fast from all food and drink, including water (as well as certain luxuries and pleasures) and a synagogue service. Since the Temple’s destruction in 70 A.D., Yom Kippur’s sacrifices are those of the heart: prayer, repentance and works of righteousness and charity. 

In the Tabernacle and Temple days, Yom Kippur was the one day each year the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies. He wore special garments of white linen as he took the blood of sacrificed animals behind the veil to the Ark of the Covenant and sprinkled it on the cover of the Ark, also called the Mercy Seat. Outside again, he placed his hand on the head of a perfect, unblemished goat, called the scapegoat, and recited Israel’s sins. The goat was led outside the camp, and Israel’s sins were atoned for another year.

This Day of Atonement is at the root of and reveals the Jewish essence of Jesus’ ministry on Earth. The New Testament book of Hebrews dedicates several chapters to expounding on these Jewish roots. It reveals amazing correlations between the biblical Feast of Yom Kippur and the atoning work that Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus the Messiah) did for us. In it, you will see the Jewish foundation upon which Jesus’ sacrifice was laid. Here are a few highlights.

Jewish Roots: Levite Priests and Melchizedek
The high priests came from the Tribe of Levi, yet there was one from a different order: Melchizedek, the King of Salem, whom Abraham gave a tenth of all he had (Genesis 14:18–20). 
Yeshua HaMashiach: Jesus, Our High Priest 
Psalm 110 reveals the Messiah would be a priest according to the order of Melchizedek; Jesus was not from the priests’ Tribe of Levi but of Judah, yet is a priest forever (Hebrews 7:11–28).

Jewish Roots: Year After Year
To cover Israel’s sins, the high priest had to enter the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement every year (Leviticus 16:34, Hebrews 10:1).                
Yeshua HaMashiach: Once for All
Jesus made a once-and-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10–12).

Jewish Roots: First for the Priest’s Sins
Before the high priest could make atonement for Israel’s sins, he first had to offer sacrifices to atone for his own and his family’s sin (Leviticus 16:11).
Yeshua HaMashiach: The Perfect High Priest
Jesus didn’t have to do this because He was without sin, a fitting and undefiled high priest (Hebrews 7:26–28).

Jewish Roots: Atonement Requires Blood
God proclaimed that the atonement – or covering – of our sin requires blood (Leviticus 17:11, Hebrews 9:22). 
Yeshua HaMashiach: His Own Blood
Rather than the blood of bulls and goats, Jesus supplied His own blood, bringing it into the heavenly Holy of Holies and presenting it to God to atone for our sin (Hebrews 9:12).

Jewish Roots: Entering the Holy of Holies
The high priest entered the Holy of Holies knowing that his impurity in the face of God’s holiness meant that if he did something wrong, he could die (Leviticus 16:13, Leviticus 10:1–2, 2 Samuel 6:6–7).    
Yeshua HaMashiach: Entering with Confidence
Jesus offered Himself without spot or blemish to God. Therefore, He entered the Most Holy Place without concern. His sacrifice enables us to approach the throne of God with confidence as well (Hebrews 10:14, 19, 22).

Jewish Roots: Sins Placed on the Scapegoat
Yom Kippur required the high priest to lay his hands and symbolically place the sins of Israel on a live goat known as the “scapegoat”(Leviticus 16:21–22).
Yeshua HaMashiach: Our Sins Placed on Him
Isaiah prophesied of the suffering Messiah upon whom all our sins would be placed. The New Testament Scriptures tell us that Jesus took our sins upon Him to the extent that He became sin for our forgiveness (Isaiah 53:6, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 9:26).

Jewish Roots: Symbolically Sending Israel’s Sins Away 
The scapegoat was led into the wilderness and abandoned, representing the carrying away of sin (Leviticus 16:21).
Yeshua HaMashiach: Removing Our Sin and Making Us Holy
Jesus put sin away from us for good. The blood of His sacrifice removes our sin and even makes us holy (Hebrews 9:26, 10:10, 14).

Chapters 4–10 in the book of Hebrews are based entirely on the Jewish roots of the Old Covenant. In their text, we see the filling full of God’s sovereign design. First, He established a sacrificial system that presented an overwhelming reminder of our sin’s gravity and the high price that innocent lives paid on our behalf. He promised that one day a Redeemer would come and usher in a New Covenant. Jesus the Messiah did come, and He bore away forever the sins of those who place their faith in Him (Jeremiah 31:31–33, Isaiah 53, Hebrews 7:25).

The Bible is one story, one cohesive account of God’s interaction with humanity through the Jewish people. When we set the Old Testament’s descriptions of the Day of Atonement next to Jesus’ sacrifice, as the author of Hebrews did, we see God’s marvelous attention to detail and the intentionality of His ways. We can grasp more fully the depth and magnitude of the Gospel’s good news. Understanding the Jewish roots of Christianity does this for us, and Yom Kippur is a profound example.
 

“From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.”
Psalm 3:8 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend. 

Terrorist group Hezbollah appears to be strengthening its grip on Lebanon – which means greater risk for Israel and her people. Israel is also dealing with continued unrest in Gaza and growing tension with Syria. 

So please join me and all of us here at Jewish Voice Ministries International in praying for God’s will to be done in Israel – and for His grace, protection and blessing to be upon His people . . . and those who support them. 

TERRORIST GROUP HEZBOLLAH TIGHTENS GRIP ON LEBANON

The Jerusalem Post reported late last week that an Iranian ship carrying fuel reportedly reached Syria’s territorial waters. The fuel will supposedly be offloaded at a Syrian port and then transferred to Lebanon.  

Its arrival will be a major gamechanger for the terrorist group Hezbollah. Hezbollah has been at odds with the U.S. and wants to use the fuel delivery to show it can run Lebanon’s economy without U.S. aid. 

Iran’s Tasnim News Agency noted that the “imminent arrival of Iranian fuel shipments to Lebanon coincides with the U.S. congressional statement that ‘the United States seeks to resolve the Lebanese fuel crisis and does not need to import Iranian fuel.’” 

According to sources, per The Jerusalem Post, Hezbollah will donate part of the shipment to government hospitals and care homes, with a private company announcing a sale mechanism for private institutions and electricity generators. 

What this tells us, as reported by The Jerusalem Post, is that Hezbollah, which has already taken over Lebanese foreign policy and defense policy, is now also taking over its energy policy. Soon, Hezbollah – which has its own telephone network; plays a role in Lebanon’s banking, port and airport; and has a role in supermarkets – will now be importing gas and oil, essentially making Lebanon a province within the Hezbollah empire. 

In no other place in the world does an illegal, armed militia run a country the way Hezbollah has a stranglehold over Lebanon. And its position at Israel’s northern border means that Israel’s borders just became even more dangerous – and her people at greater risk from the terrorist group.

ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES STRIKE IN GAZA IN RESPONSE TO ARSON BALLOON ATTACKS

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out a series of retaliatory airstrikes in southern Gaza earlier this week after incendiary balloons from the Hamas-run enclave sparked three fires near Israeli towns bordering the Strip.

A spokesperson for the IDF told reporters that it hit a Hamas rocket production facility and training camp in Khan Younis. According to The Times of Israel, there were no immediate reports of casualties.

The incendiary balloons launched from the Strip sparked three fires that firefighters managed to put out before they could cause significant damage.

Tensions with Gaza have remained high amid intensified efforts to shore up a ceasefire brokered after May’s war between Israel and Gaza-based terrorists.

The Times of Israel reported that the IDF’s Southern Command was preparing for the possibility that ceasefire talks from late last week could break down, leading to an upsurge in violence and renewed rioting on the border.

ISRAELI AIR FORCE STRUCK AND DESTROYED A SYRIAN MISSILE BATTERY

The Times of Israel reported that the Israeli Air Force struck and destroyed a Syrian missile battery after it launched a missile that exploded near central Israel late last week.

According to The Times of Israel, the Syrian air defense missile flew over Israel before exploding over the Mediterranean Sea. Missile fragments were later found in the Tel Aviv area. Incoming rocket warning sirens were not sounded, in keeping with the military’s policy of not triggering alarms for projectiles headed toward unpopulated areas.

The Syrian military fired the missile in response, as reported by The Times of Israel, to what Syrian state media said were Israeli airstrikes near Damascus. Israeli officials believe the missile was not intentionally fired at Israeli territory.

The IDF did not comment on the alleged strikes in Syria. 

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for:

• God’s protection to be upon His people in the continual attacks along the Strip – and along the border with Lebanon as Hezbollah continues to tighten its grip on the region
• Peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Israel and their enemies
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah
   

The Hebrew year 5782 has begun! Lately, I believe that we’re all sensing, as never before, that we are entering uncharted waters — in our own lifetimes and even in the history of the world. Prophetic voices are already vying to declare what this year will mean and hold, but if we have learned anything since early 2020, it’s that this is a season to expect the unexpected.  

What remains constant in the midst of change and challenge is our need for the Lord and His faithfulness to meet that need. Though the news gives us no certain guidance, His Word is a lamp to our feet and light to our path (Psalm 119:105). We must each seek Him for ourselves as well as seek Him together. Here are a few ways to build ourselves up in the Lord through prayer and move forward in faith into this new Hebrew year 5782.  

Pray Personally:

• That we will each be intentional to abide in the Lord and enjoy the relationship and rest only He provides
• For grace to walk in the Spirit, consistently go deep into the Word, and be devoted to prayer so we will be light amid increasing darkness
• To make the most of every opportunity to encourage other Believers and share Yeshua’s (Jesus’) Good News with pre-Believers
• For us as Believers to get into the flow of God’s prophetic timeline, which is underscored each year by the repeating rhythm of observing the Feasts
• To renew our commitment to pray as Watchmen on the Walls for Jerusalem, Israel and the Jewish people

Pray Globally for:

• Jewish people everywhere during the Fall Holy Days to come to know the Lord as they seek Him through the liturgy, traditions and special services
• Jewish Voice Ministries International as we navigate unprecedented circumstances to bring the Good News to Israel and the Nations 
• The United States in light of the 20thanniversary of 9/11 and possible threats against our country 
• Israel, the Middle East and all nations amid the shifting and shaking happening locally and globally. Pray also for the safety and souls of all those affected
• The Lord to restrain the enemy’s schemes globally and prepare Believers as His Bride for His return

LET’S PRAY:

Lord, You are our hope and our confidence! You are our source for understanding and living life during these times. We want to be in step with You. May we fully celebrate and observe the Fall Holy Days. May we enter each week into deep Shabbat restoration. Help us look to You for fortitude and grace to be salt and light, no matter what lies ahead. Give us the peace that passes understanding and the joy that comes from being in Your presence. As we remain in You and You in us, we believe we will see Your goodness in the land of the living in 5782 (Psalm 27:13)! In Jesus’ name, Amen.