For centuries, the Jewish people dreamed of returning to their ancient homeland. From Herzl’s vision to the Balfour Declaration, from the Holocaust to the UN vote, the path to modern Israel has been marked by hope, struggle, and resilience. This post traces how Israel came to be a modern-day miracle — and why its anthem, HaTikvah (“The Hope”), still captures the spirit of its people.
Israel’s Song of Hope: HaTikvah Read More »
Two Temples destroyed, 600 years apart, on the same day. What does this mean to Christians as well as Jews?
Tears over a Temple from 2,000 Years Ago This Weekend: Tisha b’Av Read More »
Our experience of the 12-Day War with Iran. We tried to keep calm and carry on as Iran rained missiles down upon the population of Israel.
Here in Israel, – a flourishing garden of Eden – we have just celebrated Tu b’Shvat, the new year for trees that falls on the 15th of the Jewish calendar month of Shvat. It is supposedly spring now, although we had snow flurries just a few days ago. A Garden of Eden I love it
ISRAEL: A FLOURISHING GARDEN OF EDEN Read More »
This crucified man wore a crown of thorns, had pierced wrists, ankles and side. His legs had not been broken to hasten death, as was often the Roman way. In fact, everything we know happened to Jesus happened to the man on the Turin Shroud.
THE REAL FACE OF JESUS? Read More »
Do you put your hands up when you praise God? Why? Why not? There was a time when I felt tearfully grateful to God for taking me out of the situation I had been in and claiming me for his own.
PUTTING MY HANDS UP FOR JESUS! Read More »
Some of you have written to me about Christmases spent alone, filled with longing. Your messages have brought to mind my first Christmas after coming to faith in 2007. I too was living alone but, that year, God had led me to meet my Boaz, Butch, and that made all the difference, even though he
REMEMBERING MY FIRST CHRISTMAS IN FAITH Read More »
Christmas is not a holiday in Israel. All the shops and restaurants are open and bustling. When we lived in Haifa, with its Christian Arab population, there were Santas and sleighs on balconies and a Christmas tree in the town…
MY CHRISTMAS DAY IN JERUSALEM Read More »
Last night, the last Chanukah candles were lit on the Chanukiah. Over eight evenings, they are kindled in increments, until all eight flames dance merrily, plus the servant candle that is used to light them. I am reminded of Chanukahs past and what they have meant to me. This year, more than ever, trusting in
WHAT CHANUKAH MEANS TO ME: THE MIRACLE OF GOD’S PRESENCE Read More »
A thought hit me as I was taking communion last week: Jesus told Jews to drink blood! I have been learning in my course here at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem that Jews in Medieval Times…
DRINK BLOOD? WHAT A DUM IDEA! Read More »
