Tabatha and I just returned from Odessa, Ukraine, where 20 years ago the MJBI officially launched our very first school. Valentin and Tatyana Sviontek hosted a large 20-year anniversary conference to celebrate. We were joined by Dr. Wayne and Bonnie Wilks, and Pastor Olen and Syble Griffing. It was a special time to be with these heroes who pioneered this great ministry in the Former Soviet Union! There were
By Bonnie Saul Wilks, MJBI Staff Writer There are several reasons Jewish people around the globe gleefully indulge in milk and cheese products during the season of Shavuot. Here is one: Traditionally God’s chosen people celebrate receiving the Torah on this feast, and it is important to recount how necessary and beneficial the Torah is to life! It is compared to the nourishment and sweetness of milk and honey, “Like
Wind, Fire, and Smoke! By Rabbi Matt Rosenberg The Jewish holiday of Shavuot is the greatest testament to the faithfulness of God on the Hebrew calendar. The word Shavuot literally means “weeks” because we count seven weeks plus one day (fifty days) from Pesach (Passover) to the day of Shavuot. For many Christians, Shavuot is known as Pentecost, which in Greek means the “fiftieth day.” It was also the day
By Bonnie Saul Wilks, MJBI Staff Writer If you have ever traveled to Israel, you will remember the myriad of date palm trees dotted across the arid landscape. The sweet, soft, and fresh dates these trees produce are nothing like the dried ones that you can find in a grocery store in the states. They are amazingly plump, rich, and delicious. For over 5,000 years, Israel has produced delicious
“I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their slave masters, for I know their pains. So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians…” Exodus 3:7, TLV Are you under the bondage of slavery? ADONAI has made the way! Jacob and his sons fled from a great famine to the land
Where is God? Where are You? by Rabbi Seth N. Klayman Two Esther-Prompted Questions to Ponder for Purim Where is God? That’s a question that has occupied the minds of theologians, philosophers, and everyday people for ages. It’s also a question that confronts us when we read the biblical Book of Esther. The events described there serve as the backdrop to the celebration of the Jewish holiday of Purim. In
Yiddish Mama’s Kitchen: Mishloach Manot By Bonnie Saul Wilks, MJBI Staff Writer Purim! It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Jewish celebrations! One beautiful tradition surrounding the holiday of Purim is Mishloach Manot, which means in Hebrew “sending portions.” The distribution of food baskets during this joyous holiday began in Jewish culture originally to make sure each family in community had enough food for a festive home celebration. This custom continues in two significant ways. Baskets of food can be sent as a creative expression of love and appreciation to colleagues, friends, and family members. Also the poor can be remembered by financial or food donations to the local synagogue. If you want to give a Purim gift basket this year, it should include at least two different
While we in America were joyously celebrating a brand new year earlier this month, our friends in Israel were feeling anything but joy. The last days of 2016 were quite difficult for those living in the Jewish state. The United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 2334 with a 14-0 vote. It states that Israeli communities and cities in Judea and Samaria (commonly referred to as the West Bank) have no legal validity and are a flagrant violation of international law. This also includes Jewish neighborhoods in East Jerusalem. The United States abstained from voting in Resolution 2334, even though we had the power to veto the resolution. Thankfully, there are no real immediate legal ramifications for Israel. However, this puts yet another brick in the wall of the diplomatic efforts
As if 2016 has not already been an amazing year, I am actually writing this letter to you as I sit on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. There is a thunderstorm moving across the water toward our hotel, and lightning is lighting up the sky while the waves crash soothingly on the shore. The holiday season is upon us – both Hanukkah and Christmas on the same date this year! All over Israel, bakeries are readying their traditional Hanukkah food – sufganyiot (essentially, a jelly-filled donut). It is truly a season of great joy, hope and light! Sweet and satisfying food is just one of many reminders of this. Extended time with our families, giving gifts, and serving others add to the special nature of these holidays. All
THE NER TAMID | THE ETERNAL HANUKKAH LIGHT By Barri Cae Mallin Seif, PhD “Then came Hanukkah, it was winter in Jerusalem. Yeshua was walking in the temple around Solomon’s colonnade. Then the Judean leaders surrounded Him, saying, ‘How long will You hold us in suspense? If You are the Messiah, tell us outright!’” John 10:22-23. Hanukkah, also known as the Feast of Dedication, the Festival of Light, the Feast of Lights, means different things to different people. To Jewish children, it means a gift every night for the eight nights of Hanukkah. To the Jew, it can mean a similar holiday as to Christmas with its commercialism. However, to the believer in Yeshua Jesus, the holiday has a special meaning. The word Hanukkah is found in the following Bible verses. It
