The United States has an established history of standing with Israel. Since President Truman supported the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, the U.S. has been a staunch ally of the Jewish State.

One of the biggest moments in recent memory happened three years ago. On May 14, 2018, in honor of Israel’s 70th anniversary, the new U.S. Embassy opened in Jerusalem. This was after spending decades in its temporary home in Tel Aviv. I’m so thankful that even in the midst of the sweeping changes the new administration is making, they have recently affirmed that the U.S. Embassy will remain in Jerusalem.

America’s continued recognition of Jerusalem as the de facto capital of the Jewish State is a powerful statement to the world of Israel’s right to exist.

It’s so important for us to continue this strong stance because Israel still has many enemies fighting against her. Some are more subtle – like countries within the United Nations which cast Israel as an aggressor against Palestinians. Some are far from subtle – like Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas – who openly call for Israel’s destruction. In fact, as I write this, Iran may be closer to developing a nuclear weapon than ever before. And, unfortunately, anti-Semitism is an ongoing battle for Jewish people no matter where they live.

It is critical for you and me to stand with Israel and the Jewish people.

In doing so, we are part of God’s historic and prophetic plan. The embassy move aligns with this plan to restore Israel with Jerusalem as her capital. It is part of a chain of events leading up to the return of Jesus!

And you and I can be part of more prophecies being fulfilled by declaring your support for Israel and her people right now. A key way you can do this is by sending a gift to support the work of Jewish Voice in Israel.

Our ministry to Jewish people in Israel has always been important, but the coronavirus pandemic and the economic shutdowns hit the country especially hard. So many who were just barely getting by – from Holocaust survivors to recent immigrants to single moms – found themselves in great need for even basic supplies like groceries.

Your support means we are able to step in and help meet these needs while sharing the Gospel. We want each person to come to know the love and hope of their Messiah, Jesus!

As my way of saying thank you for your gift of any amount, I would like to send you our “I Stand with Israel” Car Magnet.

I hope to hear from you soon. The only way this life-changing ministry can continue and prosper is with your support. Thank you.

“Adonai is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will glorify Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him” (Exodus 15:2). 

The word glorify has several related meanings. One indicates that when we glorify God, we worship or praise Him. Another meaning is to reveal God as glorious. Yet another definition of glorifying is to light up or shine.  

When the Lord called His people out of Egypt to be His own, He called us out of slavery to a new, free life. He also called us out to glorify Him. 

In the wilderness, God instructed the Israelites to build the tabernacle where His glory would reside. He chose to make His home with His people, so we would know Him and know that He is our God. It required gold and silver and fine linens, outstanding and beautiful things that would reflect the glorious nature of God. When His glory filled the Tent of Meeting, all Israel stood and worshipped Him.  

Centuries before the Exodus, God told Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, that he would make his descendants a blessing to the whole world. All were created to give God glory and praise Him – but Scripture tells us particularly the Jewish people. In the book of Isaiah, He says that He formed Israel to proclaim His praise. Psalm 29 instructs us to bow down to His beauty and ascribe to Him the glory He is due.  

New Testament writers all exhort Believers to glorify God alongside of Israel. We’re called to glorify Him with our bodies and with our lives so that others can see God through us. Paul made a profoundly motivating statement about how people responded to his life and testimony when he revealed to the Galatians, “And they praised God because of me.”    

Passover reminds us that God has called us out not only to worship Him but to be a light to the whole world. And isn’t that the kind of life we want as Believers? One that gives Him His proper praise and reveals His goodness and majesty? One that points the people around us to Him? 

“In the same way, let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) 

Scriptures 

Exodus 8:1, Exodus 29:44–46, Exodus 40:34, Exodus 33:10, Isaiah 43:21, Psalm 29:2, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Peter 2:12, Galatians 1:21–24 

Reflection Questions: 

• What are some of the ways you glorify God? How does He shine through you? 

• God has created each of us uniquely. We have different gifts, talents and skills. What are some of yours, and do you think God is glorified when you use them? 

• Who in your life needs to see God more clearly? How can you shine the light on Him to give them hope? 

“So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, to bring them up out of that land into a good and large land, a land flowing with milk and honey”
(Exodus 3:8). 

Passover is a wonderful time of remembrance when we reflect on & how God delivered and provided for His Chosen People. For 40 years, He sustained our ancestors in the wilderness. In a desolate land, He provided manna for food and water from rocks. Through all that time, the clothing of the Israelites never wore out.

He had promised to give His people a new home, a Land of our own. It was a spacious and good land, fertile and abundant. The Israelites were free, and we were on our way to a new life in the Land God had already allocated to us. 

As Believers, we’ve been given a new life as well. When we received Jesus, God’s Word says we actually became new creatures, and our old life has passed away. And it’s not only new life but abundant life flowing with living water. We are no longer slaves, and Jesus has removed from our backs the burden of our sin.

Remembering the Israelites’ journey in the wilderness, we realize that they didn’t always trust that God’s Word was true. As a result, the whole generation that came out of Egypt – all except Joshua and Caleb – missed out on the Promised Land. 

We, too, can miss enjoying our new life in Messiah when we seek after other things, choose our own way or let fear overtake us. Let’s press on, as Paul urges us, to lay hold of what God has offered us. As we trust in God, we’ll be like a tree planted by a river, with roots consistently absorbing the living water no matter the season.  

“For He satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness” (Psalm 107:9). 

Scriptures 

Exodus 16:15, Numbers 20:8, Deuteronomy 29:4, 1 Corinthians 5:17, John 10:10, John 7:38, John 4:14, Isaiah 53:11, Numbers 14:28–30, Philippians 3:14, Jeremiah 17:7–8 

Reflection Questions 

• What “good land” has God given to us through the gift of Jesus and the Holy Spirit? What is the “abundant life” Jesus talked about?  

• If He has already given it to us, why don’t we continually experience it?  

• What can you do to help yourself more consistently recognize and live in the life God has given you as you engage in your daily life? 

“Adonai went before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead the way and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light. So they could travel both day and night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night never departed from the people” (Exodus 13:21–22). 

God called the Israelites out of Egypt, freeing them from bondage to evil masters, not to be without guidance or covering. He led them with His presence in pillars of cloud and fire. He directed them where to go, when to move and when to rest. The Lord still does this for us today. 

Later, He gave Moses the Torah, full of instructions on how we should follow Him as His specially selected people.  When He sent Jesus to usher in the New Covenant, He gave His Holy Spirit to those who believe in Him, writing His law on our hearts and guiding us into all truth. 

As Jesus selected His disciples, He often simply said, “Follow Me.” When Peter wanted to know John’s future, Jesus essentially told him that his business was to follow Him regardless of anyone else.  

Deuteronomy 13:5 gives us an idea of what it means to follow God spiritually. In telling Israel to follow the Lord, Moses revealed it includes fearing Him – having reverent respect for Him and yes, even some awed fear – obeying Him, listening to His voice, serving and clinging to Him.  

But, Isaiah notes that each one of us has gone our own way rather than following the Lord. As Moses prepared to die, he presented a choice to the Israelites, explaining that choosing to follow and obey God was the same as choosing life for themselves. The same choice is ours each day.  

As we remember Passover, the Exodus and the wilderness, we are grateful for the Lord’s leadership of the Israelites then and thankful too for how He guides us into life today. 

“But thanks be to God, who in Messiah always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us reveals everywhere the aroma of the knowledge of Himself” (2 Corinthians 2:14). 

Scriptures 

Exodus 15:13, Joshua 1:8, Jeremiah 31:31–33, John 16:13, Isaiah 53:6, Luke 5:27, John 21:22, Deuteronomy 30:19–20 

Reflection Questions 

• In a world that emphasizes influence and leadership, we’re all called to follow. Are you more prone to following, or do you catch yourself wanting to take the lead? 

• How do you think your life or employment role affect how you follow God? 

• For you, as a Believer, in what ways is choosing to follow God each day the same as choosing life over death?  

“I will take you to Myself as a people, and I will be your God. You will know that I am Adonai your God, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians”
(Exodus 6:7). 

The Israelites had suffered as slaves in Egypt for 430 years. When God called them out of bondage, He called them into a deeper relationship with Him. He promised to be their God, and they would be His people, and He would walk among them. He said they would be His “inheritance” and His treasured possession. 

The God who created the universe and who owns the whole Earth selected a people to be His special prize – Israel. Passover commemorates the Lord saving His people and drawing us closer to Him. We belong to Him, and He belongs to us.

As Believers in Jesus, we have been brought near to God, reconciled to Him through Messiah’s sacrifice. The Jewish people were first His children, but Gentile Believers have been adopted into the family, and He is Father to us all. We belong to Him, and the Holy Spirit bears witness confirming that we are part of God’s family. Nothing and no one can change our relationship with Him now that we have trusted Jesus.

We have been drawn into a priceless relationship with the Almighty God. As His children, we’ve been given the tremendous privilege of calling Him our “Abba,” or “Father.” It is a precious gift to savor. 

“But whoever did receive Him, those trusting in His name, to these He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). 

Scriptures 

Exodus 19:5, Leviticus 26:12, Deuteronomy 4:20, Deuteronomy 14:2, Ephesians 2:3, Romans 5:12, Romans 14:8, John 10:29  

Reflection Questions 

• Think about how God’s love compelled Him to provide the remedy for the separation that your sin caused between you. 
• What does it mean to you that God has called you to be His own? 
• How does that affect your daily life and interactions with Him? 
• Spend some time thanking Him for your salvation and being a part of His family. 

“Adonai gave the people favor in the eyes of the Egyptians and let them have what they asked for. So they plundered the Egyptians” (Exodus 12:36). 

God saved the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt and sent them off into the wilderness as free people. Our ancestors had to leave in a hurry – so much so that their bread didn’t have time to rise, and they took the dough still in their bowls. Yet, even in their haste, they were able to take their livestock. Not only that, God instructed the Israelites to outright ask the Egyptians for their valuable articles of gold, silver and clothing – and Egypt obliged. God supplied the Israelites with an abundance as they set off into their new lives. 

Like the Children of Israel, we, too, have been supplied by God, equipped for the new life of freedom He has given us. Not only has He promised to take care of our practical needs for things like food and clothing, but He has also given us an abundance of spiritual riches.  

Scripture reveals that, through the Holy Spirit, God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing along with everything we need to live godly lives. He has supplied us with spiritual armor, spiritual gifts, His Word, and everything we need for doing His will and the works He has prepared for us.  

God provided for the Israelites as they left Egypt – and through 40 years of wandering – and we can trust Him to prepare us for our life journeys as well.  

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3). 

Scriptures 

Exodus 12:34–38, Matthew 6:31–33, Philippians 4:19, Ephesians 1:3, Ephesians 6:10–17, 1 Corinthians 12:27–28, Ephesians 4:11–13, 2 Timothy 3:17, Hebrews 13:31, Ephesians 2:10, Deuteronomy 29:4  

Reflection Questions 

• When we first place our faith in Jesus, we may not realize it at the time, but we embark on a journey. Take a few moments to look back on your life since then. 

• How did God spiritually equip you for the various life events and challenges you’ve faced along the way?  

• What has He supplied you with for your journey with Him?

Israel has three national holidays within one week of each other in the Hebrew months of Nisan and Iyar. This year, they all land in April.

The apostle Paul urges us to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). We believe that’s part of what standing with Israel means.

Yom HaShoah – Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day

The Holocaust is also known as the Shoah, which is the Hebrew word for “catastrophe.” Yom HaShoah (YOHM Ha-SHO-ah) then means “Day of the Catastrophe” and is a day of remembering victims and heroes of the Holocaust.

Yom HaShoah is designated for the 27th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in 1941.

The observance begins in the evening, as the Hebrew day starts at sunset. Places of entertainment are closed, and flags fly at half-mast. According to the law passed in 1955, radio and television stations broadcast programs focused on the special nature of the day. Ceremonies and services are held all over the country. At Yad Vashem, the national Holocaust memorial museum, six giant torches are lit, representing the six million Jewish people killed in the Holocaust.

In the morning, a siren sounds for two minutes throughout the country. During that time, Israel stands still in honor of those who lost their lives in the Holocaust or survived its horrific trauma. Work stops. People walking along streets stop. Drivers pull to the side of the road and stop, often getting out to stand by their vehicle for the duration of the memorial siren.

For more about Yom HaShoah, including a Holocaust survivor’s story, see “Yom HaShoah, Keeping the Cry Alive.”

Yom HaZikaron – Israel’s Memorial Day

Yom HaZikaron (YOHM Ha-Zee-kar-OHN) is a solemn day remembering and honoring those who lost their lives fighting to defend and preserve Israel’s freedom. In the early years of statehood, fallen soldiers of the War of Independence were honored on Israel’s Independence Day. However, the mixing of mourning and celebration was hard for families grieving such relatively recent losses.

In 1963, the Knesset, Israel’s governing body, signed into law the designation of Iyar 4, the day before Independence Day, as the national Memorial Day. The placement of the two national holidays makes for a profound connection. Without the sacrifices of those who fought for Israel, there would be no independence. So, first, Israel honors, then they celebrate.

Since its establishment, the day of remembrance has been extended to include soldiers who died in battles prior to statehood, as well as fallen members of the police, General Security Service and Mossad intelligence agency.

The Knesset put much thought into establishing traditions for Yom HaZikaron. They determined the day would be marked by the sounding of a siren, similar to that on Yom HaShoah, candle-lightings, ceremonies in schools and military cemeteries as well as special prayers.

A one-minute siren opens the day of observance at 8:00 p.m., followed by a national ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. A second siren sounds at 11:00 a.m., this one for two minutes. Television and radio stations broadcast programming honoring the fallen. Some include a scrolling list of names, highlighting the fact that each one represents a valuable life with their own story, sacrifice and family left behind. At 1:00 p.m., a national service honors the victims of terrorist attacks.

In the evening, a torch-lighting ceremony closes the day. Flags that have flown at half-mast all day are raised, and the celebration of Israel’s Independence Day begins.

For more about Yom HaZikaron, see “A Surprising Veteran of Israel’s War of Independence.”

Yom HaAtzmaut – Israel’s Independence Day

Upon the foundation of honoring those who gave their lives for the Jewish homeland, Israel celebrates her hard-won freedom with Yom HaAtzmaut (YOHM Ha-AHTZ-mah-OOT). You many know Israel’s rebirth as a nation to have taken place on May 14, 1948. On the Hebrew calendar, that date was Iyar 5. Israel celebrates her Independence Day annually on this date, which means the date on the Gregorian calendar fluctuates from year to year.

Along with official ceremonies and religious services, Yom HaAtzmaut is a day filled with fun and recreation. All over the Land, people attend concerts, festivals, picnics, and barbeques, go hiking, to the beach and enjoy themselves.

Fireworks light up the night sky, and the nationally prestigious Israel Prize is bestowed on selected individuals with outstanding accomplishments in various fields. Major categories include humanities, science, culture, and lifetime achievement and exceptional contribution to the nation, with prizes awarded in several subfields on a rotation cycle from year to year.

For more about Yom HaAtzmaut, see “Who Has Heard of Such A Thing?.”