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.

“In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. 
In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.” 

(Exodus 15:13 NIV) 

As you will see below, there is a great deal in the news regarding Israel. In the U.S., there is also no shortage of significant news stories. While we stay informed about all that is going on in our world, let’s hold tight to God’s unfailing love for us and the confidence we can have knowing He guides us in His strength – not ours. 

Below you will find multiple stories about Iran – from an undisclosed nuclear site to cyberattacks on Israeli businesses. You will also read about new additions to Israel’s military – Sa’ar military ships from Germany and a one-of-a-kind F-35i stealth jet from the U.S. This jet is America’s solution to providing a qualitative military advantage to Israel over United Arab Emirates and any other Arab countries who purchase F-35s. 

As coronavirus numbers surge across the U.S., many states are implementing new restrictions. In Israel, the pandemic news is focused on vaccines and the continued easing of restriction. 

Please read more below and continue to be in prayer for Israel as well as the ministry of Jewish Voice. We appreciate your commitment.  

UN nuclear watchdog says Iran’s response regarding undeclared site “not credible” 

Last week, the nuclear watchdog for the United Nations said Iran’s explanations concerning the presence of nuclear material at an undeclared site in the country were “not credible.” 

Iranian authorities provided some information about the site, but the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in a report that “the agency informed Iran that it continues to consider Iran’s response to be not technically credible.” 

“A full and prompt explanation from Iran regarding the presence of uranium particles of anthropogenic origin … at a location in Iran not declared to the agency is needed,” the report said, according to Saudi Arabia-based Arab News. 

The report did confirm that Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium is more than 12 times the limit allowed in the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers: China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. 

The 2015 agreement has been falling apart since U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in May 2018 and then re-introduced crippling economic sanctions on Iran. 

To retaliate, since May 2019, Iran has been breaking the limits on its nuclear activity detailed in the agreement. 

Recent cyberattacks targeting Israel linked to Iran 

Two ransomware attacks that have targeted companies in Israel are being traced back to Iranian threat actors, multiple sources told ZDNet, a U.S.-based business technology news website. 

The attacks began in mid-October and have increased this month, repeatedly aimed at Israeli companies of all sizes using the Pay2Key and WannaScream ransomware strains. 

Hackers broke through corporate networks, stole company data, encrypted files and requested huge payouts to deliver a decryption key. 

Islamic scholar says Iran carried out cyberattacks against Israeli desalination and power plants 

In a November 6 sermon in Iran that aired on Iranian Khorasan Shomali TV, Iranian cleric Rahim Mahdavipour said the Islamic Republic carried out at least two cyberattacks against Israel’s desalination plants and power plants. He claimed the latest one successfully targeted Israel’s power plants. 

On October 30, the Israel Electric Corporation confirmed there was a power outage in many areas across the country. They stressed it was not caused by a cyberattack. The Israeli cyber authority did not comment, according to Fox News. 

Israel Navy gears up to receive next generation of missile ships 

The Israel Navy is looking forward to receiving its Sa’ar 6-class corvette missile ships from Germany. These ships will help defend Israel’s strategic maritime assets from enemies, including Hezbollah. The first of six should arrive in early December and become operational in the next year or two. 

They “are armed with the best defensive and offensive combat systems that are at the forefront of world military technology,” said Eli Sharvit, commander of the Israeli Navy, according to The Jerusalem Post. 

The navy protects Israel’s largest strategic depth, both above and below the surface of the sea, which is almost double Israel’s land mass. It also guards strategic infrastructures, including natural gas rigs and commercial shipping lanes, which bring in 98% of Israel’s imports. 

Providing protection again Hezbollah is a priority. The terrorist organization has stockpiled an estimated arsenal of 130,000-150,000 missiles and rockets north of Israel. They are intended to strike at the civilian home front and strategic infrastructures such as gas production rigs and naval and commercial vessels in Israeli shipping lanes. 

The Sa’ar 6 ships are part of Israel Defense Force’s new multidimensional warfare strategy designed to quickly and efficiently defeat the enemy. 

Israel takes delivery of one-of-a-kind stealth jet from U.S. 

Last Wednesday, the unique, experimental F-35i fighter jet landed at Israel’s Tel Nof air base after flying in from the U.S. 

The F-35i “is the only one in the world and unique for the IAF (Israel Air Force),” a source in the Air Force recently told The Jerusalem Post. The source also said Israel wanted this plane so it could integrate and certify unique Israeli technology into it. 

Israel will be among first to get Moderna coronavirus vaccine 

On Monday, Moderna’s Israeli chief medical officer, Dr. Tal Zaks, said Israel would be among the first countries in line to receive its coronavirus vaccine. The U.S. biotechnology company had just announced initial results showing the effectiveness of the vaccine to be 94.5%. 

Zaks predicts the first doses would reach Israel early in 2021. “It’s around the corner,” he said, according to The Times of Israel. 

Netanyahu defends Pfizer deal as “very good investment” 

On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s agreement with U.S. pharmaceutical company Pfizer to receive eight million doses of its coronavirus vaccine. The agreement had been called into question by Israeli media, The Jerusalem Post reported. 

“This is a very good investment in the health and life of you, the citizens of Israel,” Netanyahu said. He continued, saying he is confident that “if Pfizer provides vaccines to the world’s leading countries, it will provide exactly the same to us.” 

Last week, Pfizer revealed interim analysis of its Phase III study showing the vaccine is 90% effective. Last Friday, Israel signed a contract with Pfizer. 

Coronavirus cabinet approves opening of strip malls and more grades returning to school 

Israel’s coronavirus cabinet approved the reopening of strip malls throughout the country in low-infection zones, effective Tuesday, November 17. 

In addition, grades 5-6 have been approved to return to school next week and grades 11-12 the week after, according to The Times of Israel. 

Let us pray together 

Please pray with me for:  

• The truth to be revealed concerning Iran and the presence of nuclear material at any undeclared sites 

• Protection for Israel from cyberattacks by Iran 

• Wisdom and protection for the people of Israel as coronavirus restrictions continue to be lifted 

• 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 

Have you ever witnessed someone receive a gift that was so needed and so perfect for them that you knew it would change their lives? Have you known the joy and sense of fulfillment from being the person to give such a gift? It’s as if all the happiness of the recipient is given right back to you.  

You can give that kind of life-changing gift to a Jewish child, woman or man right now. 

This holiday season, when you shop the Jewish Voice gift catalog, you provide Jewish people and their neighbors with gifts that make a radical difference in their lives.  

Take a look at our most popular gift items below or browse through the full gift catalog to find the gift that inspires you most. 

Where Most Needed 

Can’t decide what to give? A multi-faceted ministry such as JVMI encounters needs at every turn. Give with the assurance that we’ll use your gift where the need is greatest. 

Individual LifeStraw® 

Clean water is vital to health. Lifestraw® personal water filters provide a Jewish person with safe drinking water for up to a year. 

Two Bibles in Native Language 

Transform the spiritual lives of two people with the powerful, life-giving Word of God in their own language.  

General Medical for Africa Outreach 

Give the gift of healing to people who live without access to medical care. You’ll relieve pain, restore eyesight or even save a life. 

Resources for Children’s Ministry 

Oh, the smiles you’ll generate when you provide resources for projects that share the Gospel and show precious children how much they are loved. 

Want to see more options? Look through the full Jewish Voice gift catalog, and see just how much of a difference you can make in the life of a Jewish person in need. 

“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,
the purposes of His heart through all generations.”

(Psalm 33:11 NIV)

I am thankful that no matter what is happening in the world, we know “the plans of the Lord stand firm forever,” as stated in Psalm 33. Our God is at work to accomplish His plan for His glory.

As you already know, it was announced that Joe Biden is the president-elect for the United States. Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered his congratulations and pointed to his “long and warm personal relationship” with Mr. Biden. He also tweeted his thanks to President Trump in a separate message.

In other news, last week the United Nations passed an update to its annual resolution regarding Israel's status as an “occupying force” in “Palestinian territory” including East Jerusalem. Although this is not a new resolution, this new version goes as far as only referencing the Temple Mount by its Muslim name.

Among the countries which voted in favor of the resolution were United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Sudan. Apparently, the changing political climate provided by the Abraham Accords did not extend as far as their votes in the UN.

In coronavirus news, Israel continues to lift restrictions to try and help the economy even while the Health Ministry objects due to concerns about the infection rate rising. And Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working to get access to the Pfizer vaccine that’s showing early clinical trial success.

You’ll find more details in the news stories below.

Huge majority backs anti-Israel resolutions at UN assembly – including UAE, Bahrain and Sudan

Last week, a committee at the United Nations General Assembly passed a series of resolutions critical of Israel by overwhelming majorities.

The motions are passed each year by the UN’s Special Political and Decolonization Committee, with minimum adjustments. In December, they are ratified by member states.

Gilad Erdan, Israel’s new ambassador to the UN, took part in the debate before the vote. According to The Times of Israel, he passionately pleaded for the countries to reject the motions but was unsuccessful.

“What is the point of these resolutions? Just to pave the way for future resolutions?” he asked. “By supporting these resolutions, you are not only wasting UN resources, you are also sabotaging any chances of future peace.”

The UAE, Bahrain and Sudan – the three Arab countries that recently signed normalization agreements with Israel – did not alter their traditional voting pattern and supported all resolutions critical of Israel.

United Nations only uses Muslim name to reference Temple Mount

During last week’s meeting of the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, 138 UN countries approved a draft resolution that referred to the Temple Mount only by its Muslim name of al-Haram al-Sharif.

The resolution, titled “Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem,” was one of seven pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel resolutions the committee passed.

Nine countries voted against the resolution: Australia, Canada, Guatemala, Hungary, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru and the United States. Sixteen countries abstained from the vote this year, compared to 13 last year.

The resolution did mention the connection between Jerusalem and three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. But the reference to the Temple Mount, the location of the ancient Jewish Temple and the most holy site in Judaism, by only its Muslim name is viewed as an attempt by UN member states to delegitimize and erase that well known history, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Other countries have promised to move their embassies to Jerusalem

Passage of the UN resolutions took place as the Trump administration has led efforts to call attention to Israel’s link to Jerusalem, the capital of the modern State of Israel. This has included encouraging UN states to relocate their embassies from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

To date, the U.S. and Guatemala have moved their embassies to Jerusalem. According to The Jerusalem Post, a number of other countries have promised to, including Brazil, the Czech Republic, Honduras, Malawi, Kosovo and Serbia.

Netanyahu hails Pfizer vaccine breakthrough, says in talks to bring it to Israel

On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the promising results of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine trial and vowed to bring it to Israel, according to The Times of Israel.

Pfizer said early data on the vaccine suggests the shots may be a surprisingly robust 90% effective at preventing COVID-19. That puts the U.S. pharmaceutical company on track to apply for emergency-use approval from the Food and Drug Administration later this month.

Chezy Levy, the director-general of Israel’s Health Ministry, later confirmed that Israel is in talks to acquire the COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Pfizer and BioNTech.

More restrictions rolled back while coronavirus coordinator issues warning about rise in infection rate

Late last week, Ronni Gamzu, Israel’s coronavirus coordinator, warned the public about a renewed rise in COVID-19’s basic reproduction number. He said this could make it difficult to continue easing restrictions at the planned pace.

Nonetheless, the government gave final approval to reopening street stores – which began last Sunday. There is a limit of four customers at a time per store. Vacation cottage businesses were also allowed to begin operating again, with some restrictions.

Health officials objected to the decision, urging a more gradual reopening of the economy, schools and more, The Times of Israel reported.

“Even with the Health Ministry persisting with its objection to any easing, we had to enable some level of commerce in Israel,” Gamzu explained. “We need to strike a balance and prevent the collapse of many commercial sectors.”

Gamzu said mass testing and quickly isolating cases is the only way other than a lockdown to stop infections. He repeated his request for Israelis to get tested even if they aren’t experiencing symptoms since most infections are caused while carriers are asymptomatic.

Let us pray together

Please pray with me for:

• Peace throughout the U.S. in this post-election week
• More countries to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move their embassies from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem
• Wisdom and protection for the people of Israel as coronavirus restrictions continue to be lifted
• Continued success of clinical trials to produce an effective vaccine, including the Pfizer vaccine that is showing positive early results
• Jewish people to recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as their Messiah