“The Lord gives strength to His people; 

the Lord blesses His people with peace.” 

(Psalm 29:11 NIV) 

I pray that you had a blessed Thanksgiving weekend.  

Even though we’re surrounded on every side by events and circumstances that can steal our joy, we can remain confident in God’s continued presence and blessing. 

I know that I spent time this long weekend being reminded that God is in control in circumstances that feel shaky at best, and overwhelming at times.  

I’m so thankful to count you among our friends and supporters here at Jewish Voice. As we look to the final month of the year, here are a few of the news stories of note. 

One story that has led to a wide variety of headlines over the past several days is the assassination of Iran’s top nuclear scientist last Friday. It’s not clear who is responsible for the attack, but news outlets in Iran have reported different accounts of what transpired.  

Iranian leaders have vowed to avenge the scientist’s death and continue his work on nuclear progress for the nation. News reports say Iranian officials believe the assassination was carried out by Israel or an opposition group inside Iran. 

In coronavirus news, there is concern about the increase in patients requiring ventilators and the number of new cases in Israel. One outcome of this is Israel Defense Forces have issued a formal notice to soldiers in closed units to be prepared for another on-base lockdown for up to a month. In good news, vaccines from Moderna, Pfizer and AstraZeneca are showing encouraging results in their clinical trials.  

Below you’ll find more details. With all that’s going on, let’s continue to pray for the Jewish people – please join me in praying for the Lord to give strength to His people and bless them with peace. Thank you. 

Conflicting reports on how the top Iranian nuclear scientist was assassinated  

There were conflicting accounts from Iranian news agencies about how the attack on Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a top Iranian nuclear scientist, was carried out. 

The semi-official Fars News Agency said he was shot by a remote-controlled machine gun operating out of another car. The agency report said the scientist was traveling with his wife in a bulletproof car with three security personnel vehicles when Fakhrizadeh heard what sounded like bullets hitting a vehicle. He then exited the car to determine what had happened.  

At that point, the remote-controlled machine gun fired from a Nissan about 160 yards away. He was hit at least three times. The agency says the Nissan exploded and the attack lasted three minutes. 

CNN could not independently confirm Fars News’ version of the events. 

The semi-official Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA) also reported Fakhrizadeh’s vehicle was hit by gunfire, followed by an explosion and additional gunfire. The ISNA cited Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami as its source. 

“Based on reports received from members of his security detail, Mr. Fakhrizadeh's vehicle was initially targeted by gunfire, after which a Nissan vehicle laden with explosives was set off in close proximity to them as gunfire, targeting their vehicle, was continuing,” Hatami was quoted as saying. 

According to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, a state television outlet, the explosion occurred first and then gunfire by attackers. 

On Monday, Iranian news sites reported that the attack that killed Fakhrizadeh, the alleged architect of Iran’s nuclear weapons program, was carried out using an Israeli-manufactured weapon controlled by satellite. 

Iran’s English-language Press TV reported a weapon recovered from the scene of the attack bore “the logo and specifications of the Israeli military industry.” No images of this alleged weapon were published, according to The Times of Israel. 

Iranian leaders blame Israel for assassination 

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was among the country’s leaders who blamed Israel for the attack on Fakhrizadeh. He promised retaliation, saying during a cabinet meeting Saturday, “The think tanks and the enemies of Iran must know that the Iranian nation and the officials in charge in the country are brave and determined to respond to the murder in time.” 

The assassination, Rouhani said, was carried out at “the filthy hands of oppressors, in concert with the illegitimate Zionist regime.” 

Iran has provided no evidence of Israeli involvement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office declined to comment to CNN on Friday. 

Iran defense minister vows revenge after killing of top nuclear scientist 

At the funeral of Fakhrizadeh, Defense Minister General Amir Hatami warned that the killing would be avenged, according to The Times of Israel. 

“The enemy knows full well that he cannot commit a crime without getting a response from the Iranian people. The martyr’s blood will be remembered forever and the enemy made a mistake with this assassination,” said Hatami, according to Hebrew-language reports. 

“The assassination of the scientist will not stop the progress of Iran’s nuclear program but will only accelerate it. The response will come with certainty,” Hatami added. 

He said Fakhrizadeh’s killing would make Iranians “more united, more determined.” 

Israel sees sharp rise in coronavirus patients requiring ventilators 

In the 24-hour period from Sunday to Monday evening, Israel’s Health Ministry says there has been an increase of 30 coronavirus patients requiring ventilator support. One of the patients is a teenager and six of them are in their 40s. 

The Coronavirus National Information and Knowledge Center reported an overall increase in the spread of the infection over the past week and says it cannot be explained simply by an increase in testing. For three straight days last week there were more than a thousand new cases reported per day, according to YNet News. 

The majority of the newly infected people appear to be from the Arab sector (50.4%), according to the Center, with 42.4% from the general sector and 7.1% from the ultra-Orthodox. 

Moderna seeks emergency approval of vaccine after successful study results 

On Monday, pharmaceutical company Moderna said it would ask U.S. and European regulators to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine as new study results show the shot offers strong protection. 

Over the weekend, Moderna got final results that suggest the vaccine is more than 94% effective, according to The Times of Israel. 

Upon learning the results, Dr. Tal Zaks, Moderna’s Israeli chief medical officer, said, “I allowed myself to cry for the first time. We have already, just in the trial, have already saved lives. Just imagine the impact then multiplied to the people who can get this vaccine.” 

Zaks told The Jerusalem Post that Israel will be among the first in line for Moderna’s vaccine. Israel’s contract with Moderna is to receive at least two million doses – enough to vaccinate one million people. The first doses are expected to arrive sometime at the beginning of 2021. 

Let us pray together 

Please pray with me for:  

• Protection for Israel from any potential attacks by Iran in retaliation for the assassination of Fakhrizadeh – which many Iranian leaders are blaming on Israel 

• Wisdom and protection for the people of Israel as coronavirus numbers are rising 

• Continued success of clinical trials to produce effective vaccines and for Israel to get access to the necessary vaccines when they are available 

• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah and to discover the peace that can only be found in Him 

Make Your Holiday Shopping A Breeze

Jewish Voice

Black Friday Specials!

We have assembled special packages of some of the most-asked-for resources we have available! These special Black Friday packages are stuffed to the brim with books, DVDs, journals, jewelry, decorative items and more – centered around what matters to you.

Order for yourself. Give a whole package as a gift. Or separate it out for multiple people on your list. No matter how you divvy it up, it all amounts to bountiful blessings at serious savings!

Confessing the Hebrew Scriptures Package – Loaded with the DVD, devotional and 7 beautiful volumes of the CHS series that each include a workbook and an audio CD

A Rabbi Looks Package – 4 books from Rabbi Jonathan Bernis’ popular “A Rabbi Looks at” series, plus, a copy of his A Lasting Peace

Jewish Voice Ministries History Package – Includes the fascinating coffee table book about Jewish Voice’s first 50 years of ministry along with other special, JVMI-exclusive resources

Lost Tribes Package – A wall map, coffee table book, jewelry and home décor, all in one package

Stand with Israel Package – You get eight awesome products in this package – a mix of practical, personal and decorative items

Passover Package – Now you’re thinking ahead! Includes a Seder Kit, Haggadah Passover Guide and Yeshua’s Final Passover DVD, shot on location in Israel

Confessing the Hebrew Scriptures Package – $150

• Confessing the Hebrew Scriptures (CHS) DVD by Jonathan Bernis
• Confessing the Hebrew Scriptures – The Lord Your Healer
• Confessing the Hebrew Scriptures – The Lord is Peace
• Confessing the Hebrew Scriptures – The Lord Your Provider
• Confessing the Hebrew Scriptures – The Lord Our Righteousness
• Confessing the Hebrew Scriptures – The Lord My Shepherd
• Confessing the Hebrew Scriptures – The Lord Almighty
• Confessing the Hebrew Scriptures – The Lord My Banner
• Confessing the Hebrew Scriptures 90-Day Devotional

A Rabbi Looks Package – $80

• A Rabbi Looks at the Afterlife
• A Rabbi Looks at the Supernatural
• A Rabbi Looks at the Last Days
• A Rabbi Looks at Jesus of Nazareth
• A Lasting Peace

Jewish Voice Ministries History Package – $220

• Jewish Voice: A Look at 50 Years
• Jerusalem Throw Blanket
• Peace Blessing Afghan

Lost Tribes Package – $60

• Lost Tribes Map
• The Lost Tribes of Israel
• Tribes Bracelet
• Africa Box Plaque

Stand with Israel Package – $70

• Stand with Israel JVMI Car Magnet
• Stand with Israel Keychain
• Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem Bracelet
• Pray for Jerusalem Mug
• Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem Journal
• Jewish Voice Deluxe Journal
• Jerusalem Plaque

Passover Package – $75

• New JVMI Seder Kit
• Messianic Passover Haggadah
• Yeshua’s Final Passover DVD

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Your name O Most High. 

––Psalm 92:1 NKJV 

Happy Thanksgiving  

It’s the time of year when we give extra attention to gratitude to the Lord. Giving thanks is always good – even amid trials and troubles like this year has brought so many of us. It is perhaps in such times that thanksgiving returns the greatest blessings to us and is why He commands it of us. 

This Thanksgiving, may your heart overflow with peace and joy as you spend time before the Lord counting the gifts – both great and small – that He has given you, most especially, Yeshua (Jesus). And may a heart of thanksgiving fill your every day with eyes to see His goodness. 

In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Messiah Yeshua. 

––1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Have you heard of our Congregation and Leadership Development (CLD) Department? That’s a long name, but it does identify what this team does – develops congregations and their leaders. One way we do this is through visits to the countries with the most Jewish Voice-affiliated Messianic congregations. Currently, those are Zimbabwe and Ethiopia.

Generally, we conduct Messianic Leadership Trainings (MLTs) in both nations every year, with Rabbi Jonathan Bernis and several of our other leaders sharing relevant teaching and strategic instruction. In addition, each year, key CLD team members make congregational visits there as well. Although more informal than the MLT trips, these are vital, intentional times of fellowship, encouragement and equipping for the congregational leaders and others.

Due to all the travel changes and constraints this year, both internationally and within nations, we’ve been unable to make these visits. However, we are excited to let you know that two of our CLD leaders are taking a special trip right after you receive this email, from November 27 to December 10. They will meet with Messianic congregational leaders in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. These in-person interactions are so important, and this trip will be a timely touchpoint and opportunity for our two staff leaders to minister to those serving the Lord in Messianic congregations there.

They are so glad to be going and appreciate your prayers.  Here are some of the ways you can pray for them and the fruit of their ministry while there.

Please pray for them:

November 19–December 5, as they visit congregational leaders from the Beta Abraham, Bete Israel and Gefat Jewish people in Ethiopia.

December 5–9, as they visit the Lemba Messianic congregational leaders in Zimbabwe.

Please pray for:

• Safe travel, of all kinds, to and from Africa, from Ethiopia to Zimbabwe and back, and within each nation
• Protection from all injury and illness and that each COVID-19 test required for their travels will be clean and clear, enabling them to make all their travel connections with ease
• All their luggage to arrive at each destination with them and in excellent condition
• The Lord to prepare the way and open the hearts of each person they will meet with, including any unscheduled, divine appointments
• Every leg of their journeys and each ministry time to be free of interruptions and interference of all kinds

Join us in praying for fruitful meetings, effective teaching times and engaging and relevant discussions. Pray also for Holy Spirit-led ministry to the teams in each nation, with prophetic words and personal encouragement that strengthens the leaders to move forward and lead well.

Let’s pray:

Lord, thank You for these two CLD leaders who are traveling to minister in Africa. Watch over them, and their families, while they’re gone. Father, may the kingdom of darkness recede and the Kingdom of the Son, whom You love, advance as You use these JVMI staff members to equip the indigenous leaders in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. May they be fully surrendered in following You as under-shepherds among Your flock, and may You receive all the glory from the fruitfulness of this trip. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

I’m writing to you because as we enter this season of miracles, with Chanukah quickly approaching, I’m hoping you’ll partner with us to provide the opportunity for more miracles at our Outreaches in Africa. Because of the coronavirus restrictions on public gatherings in the countries where we serve, we have been finding creative ways to serve the Jewish people in need in these areas.

I have a story to share with you about one of these miracles, but first let me tell you about Chanukah.

This festive holiday will be celebrated by Jewish people around the world from December 10-18 this year.

It’s an opportunity to remember the story of how God miraculously made a single day’s supply of lamp oil last for eight days, so the Temple in Jerusalem could be rededicated.

But that’s only part of the miracle. Just before the miraculous multiplication of the oil, God had preserved His people from complete destruction. Israel was under the control of Antiochus IV who ruthlessly persecuted the Jewish people. They were forced to worship idols … or give up their lives.

And in this time of darkness, when all hope seemed to be lost, a light burned brightly. Much like the Chanukah candles. A group of Jewish survivors banded together and fought back against the oppression, overcoming impossible odds.

In truth, without God’s deliverance through their efforts, there might not even be a Christmas to celebrate today.

So when we light the Chanukah candles, we’re reminded of the miraculous power of our Almighty God. But we’re also reminded of the role we can play — following in the footsteps of the Messiah — of being a light to the world!

That’s why remembering and celebrating Chanukah builds our faith and hope — knowing He can again spark miracles in our lives!

We have witnessed miracles many times during our Medical Outreaches in Africa and we look forward to sharing more with you soon about our next Outreach events. After having to postpone Outreach events this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s more important than ever to get back to meeting the urgent needs of God’s Chosen People in Ethiopia and Zimbabwe.

The needs are even greater. More men, women and children need the medical, dental and eye care you can help provide through your support. And I anticipate a greater openness to the Gospel because of the difficulties caused by the pandemic.

When you give today, a special Year-End Matching Challenge will DOUBLE your gift — up to the $47,500 match amount.

So not only will you help provide the opportunity for Jewish people and their neighbors to receive much-needed physical care and hear about the love of Jesus, any amount you can give will be doubled by the Matching Challenge — up to the match amount.

And you’ll also help set the stage for God to work miracles like we’ve seen before during our Medical Outreaches.

Which brings me to the story I want to share.

On the last day of a Medical Outreach in Zimbabwe, a boy of about 16 poked his head into our prayer tent.

Simba* had suffered from life-long ear infections. Our medical team treated him, but he had already lost much of his hearing and they feared his hearing loss would be permanent.

We asked Simba if we could pray for him — an offer he gladly accepted.

A couple of our team members began to pray. And then more of our team gathered around, adding their prayers, including a man who translated our prayers into the local language so Simba could understand every word!

At first, Simba could hear only sounds made very close to his ears. But as we continued praying, his hearing began to noticeably improve — he was able to hear sounds from farther and farther away.

By the time we had finished praying, Simba was able to hear his name spoken from the farthest end of the tent!

A smile lit up Simba’s face! He was so happy. Everyone was overjoyed at this miraculous healing!

That’s the kind of life-changing difference you help make possible through your support. Your gift today will help fund our next Outreach so we can be there to help more people in need like Simba — whether through meeting physical or spiritual needs.

And the Year-End Matching Challenge means whatever you give before December 31, 2020, will DOUBLE — up to the match amount.

It would be one thing if the kind of healing Simba experienced were a solitary incident. But through our many outreach efforts and by the Lord’s grace, Jewish Voice workers see miracles of this kind happen over and over again.

Healed bodies. Healed minds. And healed souls, as people — sometimes whole families -- come to experience the love and salvation of Jesus. In fact, on the last day of our Outreach in Ethiopia, an entire busload of Jewish people gave their lives to our Messiah, Jesus! Another miracle!

Just as God miraculously saved His people from their enemies nearly 2,200 years ago during the incredible events that inspire our upcoming Chanukah observance, He continues to work miracles today. Men, women and children are healed and saved from their sin through faith in Jesus.

When we faithfully go and share His great love with people in need, we get to be a part of these miracles! And through your partnership -- faithful giving and praying — you are a part of these miracles! What a blessing when we say yes to being a part of the work God is doing.

We believe God has so much more He wants to accomplish through you and through our Outreaches to Jewish communities -- including more miracles. Please partner with us again today.

Your generous gift of any amount will double -- up to the Matching Challenge amount.

If you’re able to give, we’d like to send you our 2021 Jewish Voice Wall Calendar.

It’s filled with beautiful color photographs from around the world and an overview of the work you make possible through your giving.

You’ll also find inspiring Scripture verses throughout. Each month shows U.S., Canada, U.K., Israel and biblical holidays. It also marks the Hebrew months and years. And there are additional pages that explain the Jewish observances.

This calendar will look great in your home or make a nice gift for a loved one.

And remember, because of the generosity of a special group of supporters, all gifts given up to $47,500 will be doubled to meet critical physical and spiritual needs at our upcoming Outreaches in Africa. Thank you.

The first waves of the coronavirus in the spring of 2020 seem like forever ago, don’t they? It’s sometimes hard to believe we’re still dealing with this disturbing, disruptive pandemic. 

Little did we at Jewish Voice know, when we began a blog series to offer hope and encouragement in the midst of the lockdown efforts to curb the virus, that things would last long enough to extend the series to nine weeks. 

Then, when we realized the devotions are relevant to any tough season of life and decided to compile them into a book, we thought that surely by its release, COVID-19 would be a memory.

Yet here we are, still in the midst of it all and still needing to hear words of hope.

NOW AVAILABLE

Hope in the Midst is a collection of nine separate devotional series, each seven days long and authored by various Jewish Voice staff members during the first several months of the coronavirus pandemic.

This devotional is the perfect gift to encourage your friends and family this holiday season!

Each devotional set is focused on a different book of the Bible, and together, they create a resource to find hope in the midst of any trial you face. At the same time, Hope in the Midst is a snapshot of a period in history when most of the world stayed home in a season of isolation that vastly altered our lifestyles as we tried to stop the spread of the coronavirus global pandemic of 2020.

Hope in the Midst is a book that can be revisited during any season of difficulty, suffering or uncertain waiting – to lift your spirits and refocus your heart on God’s hope that is always in our midst.

Get your copy today to bolster your faith and keep as a treasured resource to help you through any of life’s challenges.