Thank you so much for participating in Jewish Voice’s Operation 1226 this week. As you join with us in praying for Jewish people, Israel and the work of Jewish Voice, know that your prayers truly matter, and we are grateful.

Please watch a short video message from Jonathan Bernis, President and CEO of Jewish Voice, as he shares what the Lord has placed on his heart.

Rosh Hashanah, the first of the Jewish Fall Feasts, begins September 6 at sunset. This feast is widely celebrated among the Jewish people as the Jewish New Year. It is also called the Feast of Trumpets, where the blowing of the shofar signifies a wake-up call for repentance and restoring our relationship with God.

After Rosh Hashanah, there are other important Jewish Feasts on the calendar:

Yom Kippur: The holiest day on the Jewish calendar — a day of somber reflection in which we seek atonement for our sins before the Lord. This has been a dark year for so many — this will be a wonderful opportunity to seek assurance of His loving kindness towards us.

Sukkot: A time to remember the Lord's constant presence and provision for the Israelites in the desert following their exodus from Egypt. Sukkot also celebrates looking ahead to when Yeshua (Jesus) returns to regather His elect from the four corners (Matthew 24:31).

And then we celebrate another important event as winter approaches:

Chanukah: An eight-day holiday to commemorate the rededication of the Temple and the miracle of the oil for the lampstand lasting eight days. These Festivals have a special place in the lives of Jewish people throughout history. They’ve been a light of restoration and hope through the ages. And they can be for you today. My second reason for writing is to ask you to send a gift during the Jewish holidays — a gift that will help share the light and hope of Jesus the Messiah with Jewish people.

There’s no better way to demonstrate your heart and compassion for Israel and the Jewish people than to bless them with the Good News of eternal life. You'll help us earn the right to share that life-transforming message through providing physical care. When you give, you’ll also help meet our goal of raising $419,400 between now and the end of Chanukah!

No matter when or how much you give, your support will provide:

• Much-needed medical, dental and eye care for Jewish people in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe
• Resources and critical support to Holocaust survivors, immigrants and other Jewish people in need in Israel
• Outreach through our partnerships with Messianic congregations and ministries helping Jewish people around the world
• Opportunities to share the hope of Jesus the Messiah with Jewish communities in remote and desolate areas around the world

What a difference you can make through your support!

As you receive this email, we are on the threshold of our Jewish Voice Ministries staff Week of Prayer and Fasting, August 30 to September 3. This year, we have invited you to join us by participating in Operation 1226, an initiative to fill the week not only with our staff’s prayers but with those of our partners as well. You can learn more and sign up to participate.

Each year, our staff takes two weeks, one in the fall and another in the spring, to spend extended time together in worship and prayer. We praise the Lord for what we’ve seen Him do in the previous months and intercede for current projects, initiatives and upcoming Outreaches. We pray for you, our partners, and for others who minister alongside us. We also fast together as we seek His face and “inquire of the Lord,” as Scripture exhorts us, for the future. It’s a time of personal refreshment, corporate encouragement, and revelation and enlightenment as the Lord meets with us in powerful ways. 

As we approach this fall’s week with the Lord, we feel a particular sense of urgency and desire. In addition to participating in Operation 1226 and praying with us, here are some ways you can pray for us:

• That we come into the Week of Prayer and Fasting with hearts prepared to meet with the Lord
• That we experience the Lord’s presence  in each worship and prayer time and the gifts and ministry of the Holy Spirit  flow freely
• For each team member to hear from the Lord for themselves personally, regarding their unique ministry roles and for the ministry as a whole
• For a corporate witness among our leadership and other team members regarding what the Lord is saying to us in this season – and even for breakthrough in some of the things we’ve been waiting on Him for
• That the Lord would deeply affect us, speak to us, and profoundly prepare us for the assignments He has given us: to proclaim the Gospel to the Jew first, grow the Messianic Jewish community, and engage the Church concerning Israel and the Jewish people

Let’s Pray
Lord, we are deeply aware that we need You and can do nothing apart from You. We know that in these weeks of worship, fasting and prayer, You make Yourself known in ways that envision, embolden and empower us for the seasons ahead. May this time be transformational as we place our trust and faith in You for the days and years to come beyond this Week of Prayer and Fasting so that we will be ready – a people prepared – to be who You call us to be, to go where You say to go, and to do all You call us to do! In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May those who love you be secure.’”
Psalm 122:6 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend. 

Because you’re a true friend and partner who is willing to pray fervently and give generously in support of Israel and the Jewish people, I’m hoping I can count on you again. As I write, we’re seeing a significant escalation of tensions in Israel – with hostilities from Hezbollah along Israel’s northern border, and more activity from Iran. 

Please join with me and all of us at Jewish Voice Ministries International as we continue to pray for God’s intervention, peace and the safety of God’s people. 

HEZBOLLAH CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY FOR LARGEST ROCKET ATTACK AGAINST ISRAEL SINCE 2006

Last Friday morning, the sirens in northern Israel came to life as a barrage of rocket fire was launched from Lebanon. Israeli residents within communities near Israel’s northern border were forced to take shelter from the attack.

When the dust settled, The Times of Israel reported there were no casualties from the 19 rockets. We are grateful for the Lord’s protection in this situation.

The Hezbollah terror group claimed responsibility for the attack – the largest in scale since 2006. The Jerusalem Post also reported that Hezbollah released a statement claiming the attack was in response to the Israel Air Force airstrikes carried out early Thursday morning after Palestinian operatives fired three rockets towards the northern city of Kiryat Shemona on Wednesday.

The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) had initially retaliated Wednesday by firing some 100 artillery shells towards the launch sites and later carried out airstrikes.

According to The Times of Israel, Friday’s attack included ten rockets that were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system, six that landed in open territory and a final three rockets that failed to clear the border and landed in Lebanese territory.

No one is eager for there to be any additional escalation of hostilities – potentially leading to an all-out war. 

According to The Jerusalem Post, Brig. Gen. Ran Kohav, of the IDF, told reporters that “No side wants war but, on the other hand, we will not accept that this continues: that every two to three weeks there is firing towards the North.”

The Times of Israel also reported that the Hamas terror group expressed its “full support” for Hezbollah’s decision to launch rockets at the “Zionist enemy,” saying, “The battle with this enemy must remain an open one until [Israel] disappears.” 

Currently, Israel has conveyed to Lebanon via United Nations peacekeepers that it could intensify its response if calm is not returned to the border.

ATTEMPTED HIJACK OF THE ASPHALT PRINCESS TANKER THWARTED BY CREW, U.S. AND OMANI WARSHIPS

Early last week, according to The Times of Israel, five or six Iranian gunmen attempted to take control of the Asphalt Princess tanker and divert its course to the Islamic Republic.

As the Iranian operatives stormed the tanker, reports indicate the crew quickly sprung to action and sabotaged the ship’s engines so that it could not move any further.

The gunmen fled the ship once US and Omani warships arrived at the scene. None of the crew was injured in the hijacking attempt.

The Times of Israel last week indicated that no one has taken responsibility for the brief seizure, which underscored mounting tensions as Iran and the United States seek a resolution to their standoff over Tehran’s tattered 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

This attempted hijack comes on the heels of another incident two weeks ago when a suspected Iranian drone attack on Israeli-linked Mercer Street tanker left a British national and a Romanian dead. 

Such an attack, according to UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, is an intentional, “destabilizing action of Iran.”

Ambassador to the U.N. Gilad Erdan also said concerning the attack, that this is another opportunity for Security Council members to identify the “pivotal role the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has played in sowing violence and destruction in the Middle East and elsewhere in the world.”

ISRAEL MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS BRIEFS AMBASSADORS OF UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL – CALLING ON THEIR SUPPORT TO STOP IRANIAN TERROR AND AGGRESSION

According to the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Defense Benny Gantz and Minister of Foreign Affairs Yair Lapid hosted ambassadors of United Nations Security Council member countries for a briefing in Jerusalem last Wednesday (August 4, 2021). 

This briefing is part of the larger national effort of the State of Israel to call on the international community to condemn and stop Iranian terror and aggression in the region – sparked specifically by the recent Mercer Street tanker attack and the attempted hijacking of the Asphalt Princess.

Following the briefing, Minister Gantz and Minister Lapid issued a joint statement:

“During the past week, Israel has acted in all possible diplomatic and security channels in order to call on the international community to set clear boundaries for Iran and to cease its aggressive conduct. The Minister of Defense and Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized to the ambassadors that Israel will maintain the right to act independently in the face of any attack or threat to its citizens and sovereignty. They further stressed that the recent attacks are not part of a local or bilateral conflict – rather that this is an attack on the international community, and that the community should treat it as such and respond. Such action requires unity within the international community, and action may be taken through the UN Security Council or any other international framework that will hold Iran accountable for its actions.”

Minister Gantz also emphasized, “The Iranian people are not our enemy. The Iranian regime is threatening us and sparking a regional arms race.”

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for:

• The ceasing of hostile escalations between Hezbollah and Israel 
• Protection for Israeli families and residents along Israel’s northern border 
• God’s intervention in the midst of the diplomatic discussion about Iran and their destabilizing effect on Israel and 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

In the last Prayer Points, we shared some encouraging updates and new prayer requests regarding the Zehra drop-in program for children, which took place during our Dawro, Ethiopia, Medical Outreach in May. The Zehra (“seed” in Hebrew) program is working toward blessing children in several other ways as well. In addition to the Outreach drop-in program – where children can play and learn while their parents and families make their way through the Medical Clinic – there are other “Zehra seeds” (ministry opportunities) going on. Zehra Kids Education Program is Jewish Voice’s ministry umbrella over:

• Weekly Shabbat School materials for children in Messianic congregations in Africa
• Early Childhood Development Centers in areas where we minister
• School Fee Assistance program
• In-person school visits in communities where we conduct Outreaches, often taking place during our Outreaches

In this edition of Prayer Points, we want to highlight the Shabbat School program, and specifically the curriculum being developed for these weekly gatherings. We have partnered with another ministry to produce a customized curriculum series to meet the needs of the children and their teachers in Messianic Jewish congregations in Zimbabwe. We are so excited about the potential impact and long-range vision for these materials, not only for children but for entire families.

Will you please pray with us for:

• The extensive planning involved in making the curriculum available
• The sometimes-complex matter of delivering it to and reproducing it in remote rural areas where congregations often meet in rustic structures, under trees and in open fields
• Distribution strategies to be both practical and cost-effective
• The Lemba Children’s Coordinator and five regional coordinators who will oversee the curriculum’s distribution and use
• Every child and family who will have the opportunity to know Jesus and God’s Word more deeply through these resources
• Each person teaching and helping children believe and grow in their faith and identity
• Spiritual protection over the children and the materials that will shine the light of Yeshua (Jesus) into their understanding

Let’s Pray

Lord, may You use this beautiful and truth-filled curriculum to personally touch the hearts of children and their families with Your love. May they come to know Jesus and be confident that they are deeply loved and valued by You. We ask for Your timing, strategies, favor and provision in getting these resources into the hands and hearts of these dear ones. Please multiply the curriculum’s effectiveness through our prayers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“I will bless those who bless you [Israel] . . .”
Genesis 12:3 (NIV)

Shalom, my friend. 

Thank you for your love and compassion for Israel and the Jewish people. I’m so grateful that you are willing to stand with her through your ongoing prayers and financial support. And I pray God’s richest blessing on you for your faithfulness for His people. 

As you pray please keep in mind the news from Israel: new COVID-19 rules and restrictions, two historic diplomatic announcements in Israel, and updates on Iran. Thank you again for praying with us.  

ISRAELI “GREEN PASS” RULES IN EFFECT AS SERIOUS CORONAVIRUS CASES IN ISRAEL CONTINUE TO RISE

Late last week The Jerusalem Post reported that the “Green Pass” (a vaccine certificate) rules were now in effect — through August 8, 2021 — because of the increase in serious COVID-19 cases in Israel.

The effects of the “Green Pass” rules and restrictions are aimed at making certain events only available to people who are vaccinated, recovered or who can present a negative coronavirus test result.

These rules and restrictions apply to both indoor and outdoor events with over 100 participants. The requirement to present proof of vaccination, recovery, or a negative test from the past 72 hours only applies to people older than 12. Under that age, there are no restrictions.

In addition to the “Green Pass,” the “Happy Badge” system announced by the Israeli government in the middle of July is still in effect. The “Happy Badge” is an outline for how to safely hold events with more than 100 people. According to The Jerusalem Post, the “Happy Badge” only applies to weddings and other large celebratory events involving food and mingling, and it requires eventgoers to present a negative coronavirus test.

ISRAEL’S PRIME MINISTER ENCOURAGES ISRAELI SENIORS OVER AGE 60 TO GET THIRD COVID-19 VACCINE DOSE

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made an announcement late last week concerning the official rollout of a third COVID vaccine dose for those over 60. In addition, he urged all eligible Israelis to schedule appointments starting early this week.

The Times of Israel reported that the booster doses of the COVID vaccine will be given starting this week to those over age 60 who received their second shot more than five months ago.  

“The reality has proven that the vaccines protect against serious cases and against death,” said Bennett. “And just like you need to get a new flu shot every year, here, too, the vaccine requires a refresh.”

The Times of Israel also reported that one local poll, published at the time of last week’s announcement, showed that 72 percent of Israelis over age 60 intend to receive a third COVID-19 vaccine dose when it becomes available, 9% say they won’t get it, and the rest say they are undecided. 

AFTER 30 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS, AZERBAIJAN OPENS TRADE OFFICE IN TEL AVIV

Thirty years after establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, Azerbaijan inaugurated its Trade and Tourism office in Tel Aviv last week.

The Jerusalem Post reported that trade between the countries was about $200 million in 2020, excluding oil supplies. Israeli companies are represented in Azerbaijan in a variety of fields, from road construction to telecom and medicine.

In addition, Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov is reported to have said “Relations between Israel and Azerbaijan are of a strategic nature and are based on trust and mutual respect. Over the past three decades, we have witnessed many breakthroughs in relations between the two countries, but the opening of the official Trade and Tourism Representation is another historic event.”

The Jerusalem Post also reported that this “historic” event is a preliminary step to the opening of the Azeri Embassy.

HISTORIC DIPLOMATIC MISSION TO MOROCCO ANNOUNCED

Last week, Foreign Minister Yair Lapid announced to The Times of Israel that he will be traveling to Morocco for an official visit on August 11 to 12.

As The Times of Israel reported, the upcoming trip will be the first for an Israeli foreign minister.

The announcement came days after the commencement of the first direct commercial flights between Israel and Morocco, and a mere seven months after the countries normalized diplomatic relations in a U.S.-brokered deal.

For over a decade, official ties with Morocco had been suspended due to the Palestinian uprising in Israel in 2000 — the outbreak of the Second Intifada. But these ties have been renewed, amid a wave of normalization agreements between Jerusalem and Arab countries, since late last year.

Earlier this week, an Israeli diplomatic source told The Times of Israel that the ties with the North African kingdom “will turn into full diplomatic relations.”

LEAKED IRANIAN DOCUMENTS POTENTIALLY EXPOSE PLANS FOR CIVILIAN CYBER STRIKES

Early last week, Sky News reported that classified Iranian documents, allegedly by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, had been uncovered that detail how cyberattacks could cause damage to the West.

The alleged documents, which are indicated to be five different reports, contain worrying information, including details on how cyberattacks could be used against civilian infrastructure and systems, such as cargo ships, air filtration systems and gas station fueling systems.

More investigation is being undertaken to determine the authenticity of the of uncovered documents — including the veracity of the threat they pose.

EBRAHIM RAISI, NEW IRANIAN PRESIDENT, TAKES OFFICE THIS WEEK

New President, Ebrahim Raisi, took office this week in Iran, replacing Hassan Rouhani.

As reported by The Jerusalem Post, his ascension to power has brought nuclear negotiations between Iran, the U.S. and the world powers to a standstill for over two months — with no clear end in sight.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, remains the final word in the country, especially on major strategic issues like the nuclear negotiations.

But it has been reported that Khamenei both lined up support for Raisi to be elected president and that Raisi is expected to be his choice as his successor, given that he is 82 and has had health problems in recent years.

What this means for the future of nuclear talks and negotiations remains unclear. 

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for:

• Protection of Israelis from the Delta coronavirus variant
• God’s fruitful blessing as Israel seeks greater diplomatic relationships with Azerbaijan and Morocco
• Peace and safety amidst the unknowns with Iran — especially now with Ebrahim Raisi taking power
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah
   

What is Elul? Elul is a month on the Jewish calendar preceding the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These holidays are about repentance and right standing with the Holy God of Israel, and one doesn’t enter such a season lightly. Engaging well with the Lord on these matters requires preparation. That’s how Jewish people and Messianic Jews spend the Hebrew month of Elul.

Elul sits on the calendar between the time of year when Israel committed two of her great sins against the Lord (the golden calf and the 10 spies’ bad report) and the High Holy Days. It proves a fitting time of year to dedicate extra focus to self-examination, repentance and seeking right standing with God for the coming year. Some scholars believe this period overlapped with Yeshua’s 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. Jewish tradition holds that on Rosh Hashanah, God pronounces a judgment on each Jewish person for the coming year and, 10 days later, on Yom Kippur, He seals that judgment.

Elul is a month of intentional time reflecting on our lives with the Lord. As the days progress, our focus intensifies as we pray and ask God to reveal where we have fallen short of His laws and desires for our lives. We humble ourselves before Him in repentance, seek forgiveness and make amends with others as needed.

What is Repentance?

The Jewish tradition of repentance is called teshuvah, which means “returning.” Teshuvah includes three aspects: confession, regret and a commitment not to repeat the sin. As the Lord reveals our sins to us, we agree with Him that they are wrong, express genuine remorse and turn from them with a determination to forsake them in the future.

Elul Traditions

Along with taking stock of one’s life before the Lord, Elul traditions include blowing the shofar every morning (except on Shabbats) during the month. The shofar serves as a call to awaken the soul to repentance. Special prayers of repentance, called selichot, are recited during Elul. Another custom is to read Psalm 27 twice each day of the month and through the last day of the Feast of Sukkot, following Yom Kippur.

Preparing Your Heart for the New Year

As Messianic Jews who believe in Jesus, we understand that we have been sealed in the Holy Spirit. Still, reflection and repentance should be an ongoing part of our relationships with God. The time preceding the High Holidays is a perfect time to dedicate extra focus to assessing our lives before the Lord.

To help you participate in this season of prayerful searching, we’ve put together a list of Scriptures, one for each day of Elul, that you can meditate on, pray over and listen to the Lord regarding. We’ve alternated Scriptures centered on examination, sin and repentance with the verses of Psalm 27.

Daily Scriptures for Elul Meditations

A Jewish day begins and ends at sunset, so we’ve listed both Gregorian calendar dates that coincide with each Elul date of the Jewish calendar. For instance, Elul 1 begins at sunset on August 8 and ends at sundown on August 9.

Start your journey by praying to have an open heart, willing to hear what the Lord has to say to you. May you encounter Him more personally and intimately than ever before this Elul. May you discover afresh His love and forgiveness along with new mercies every day. And may you know His power to restore and revive you as you return to Him.

Elul 1, August 8/9, 2021                  Psalm 85:8 

Elul 2, August 9/10, 2021                Psalm 27:1

Elul 3, August 10/11, 2021              Psalm 139:23–24

Elul 4, August 11/12, 2021              Psalm 27:2

Elul 5, August 12/13, 2021              Psalm 38:18

Elul 6, August 13/14, 2021              Psalm 27:3

Elul 7, August 14/15, 2021              Psalm 51:10

Elul 8, August 15/16, 2021              Psalm 27:4

Elul 9, August 16/17, 2021              Psalm 19:12

Elul 10, August 17/18, 2021            Psalm 27:5

Elul 11, August 18/19, 2021            Isaiah 30:15

Elul 12, August 19/20, 2021            Psalm 27:6

Elul 13, August 20/21, 2021            Psalm 26:2

Elul 14, August 21/22, 2021            Psalm 27:7

Elul 15, August 22/23, 2021            Psalm 51:1–2

Elul 16, August 23/24, 2021            Psalm 27:8

Elul 17, August 24/25, 2021            Lamentations 3:40

Elul 18, August 25/26, 2021            Psalm 27:9

Elul 19, August 26/27, 2021            Psalm 119:59

Elul 20, August 27/28, 2021            Psalm 27:10

Elul 21, August 28/29, 2021            Psalm 86:11

Elul 22, August 29/30, 2021            Psalm 27:11

Elul 23, August 30/31, 2021            Psalm 51:1–2

Elul 24, Aug 31/Sept 1, 2021           Psalm 27:12

Elul 25, September 1/2, 2021         Psalm 25:11

Elul 26, September 2/3, 2021         Psalm 27:13

Elul 27, September 3/4, 2021         Matthew 3:8

Elul 28, September 4/5, 2021         Psalm 27:14

Elul 29, September 5/6, 2021         Psalm 32:5