Episodes
-
We are truly living in prophetic times as described in God’s Word, aren’t we? It began with the Book of Exodus, when God redeemed Israel from Egypt and promised to bring them home on “eagles’ wings.”
On today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein will explore how the Bible prophesied about the times we are in right now—and what this means for us in our personal and spiritual lives. As people of faith, we are called to be God’s partner in fulfilling biblical prophecy today, making this point in history such an exciting time to be alive!
Listen now, as the people of Israel prepare to celebrate Aliyah Day—and then learn more about aliyah, the prophetic work of bringing God’s people home to Israel.
-
“It has taken courage to birth these nations.”
These words are an enduring theme in the life and work of Bishop E.W. Jackson—a pastor, an attorney, a U.S. Marine, and a Christian friend of Israel. A proud American who also stands for the Jewish state, Bishop Jackson sat down recently with Yael Eckstein to discuss his own experiences and his thoughts on the ongoing violence being experienced not just by the people of Israel, but by Jewish people around the world.
Bishop Jackson’s own military service gives him some insight into the struggles Israel faces—defending herself on the battlefield and in the international media. But he shares with Yael his own commitment to standing for Israel now, just as when he was a Marine, “the stewardship of my country was in my hands.”
It’s this stewardship that these two friends in faith and fellowship discuss in this inspiring conversation that once again shows how Israel’s Christian friends are supporting her in her greatest time of need.
Learn more about Bishop Jackson’s S.T.A.N.D. (Staying True to America’s National Destiny) project and listen to his daily podcast, E.W. Jackson for America.
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
-
Episodes manquant?
-
As the High Holy Days come to a close, Jews around the world spend one last day in an intense celebration with God before resuming their normal routines.
Simchat Torah, which means “Rejoicing in the Torah,” is unlike any other observance we experience in synagogue.
As host Yael Eckstein describes in today’s podcast, the entire congregation—from the youngest children to the oldest adults—takes out the Torah scroll and joins in a never-ending circle of dancing and singing. The celebration marks the completion of reading through the Torah, from Genesis to Deuteronomy, before the reading cycle begins again.
But the lesson of Simchat Torah, says Yael, lasts all year long. Simchat Torah is a reminder that the way to stay close to God and transform inspiration into action throughout the year is through His Word.
Learn more about this amazing celebration in today’s powerful podcast.
Visit our Learning Center to learn more about Simchat Torah.
And for more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
-
Do you know the one holy day that the entire world will celebrate in Messianic times?
According to the prophet Zechariah, it’s the Festival of Tabernacles, or as it’s called in Hebrew, Sukkot (Zechariah 4:16).
Unity among all of God’s children is a major theme of this joyous biblical celebration that is part of the High Holy Days that Jews around the world have been observing. Host Yael Eckstein looks to the lessons of Sukkot on practical ways to bring us together.
In a world that is increasingly divided, the celebration of Sukkot encourages a spirit of unity that can bring goodness, pleasantness, and blessings to our lives.
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
-
“I’m sorry.”
It’s been said that these are two of the hardest words to say. We’ve all found ourselves needing to apologize… and dreading it. And we’ve all been hurt by someone who wouldn’t apologize for what they did.
In this special episode about Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, Yael Eckstein explores how those two words relate to the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Admitting our wrongdoings, committing to change, and moving forward is what Yom Kippur is all about.
When we sincerely say, “I’m sorry,” God has mercy and God forgives. And those two little words—“I’m sorry” —have the power to heal relationships and change the future for the better.
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
-
How many of us think about repentance as we celebrate and usher in a New Year on January 1?
When Jews usher in the Jewish New Year on Rosh Hashanah, the main focus is on repentance, or teshuvah, which means to “return” to God and to who we really are. The sound of the shofar, the ritual trumpet, signals this time to reflect on the past twelve months, fix any behavior that isn’t helpful, and return to God who is waiting with open arms.
In this special Rosh Hashanah episode, host Yael Eckstein shares the Jewish perspective on the meaning of repentance, its significance for both Christians and Jews, and how it has the power to nourish our souls and transform us into the people we are meant to be!
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
And learn more about the High Holy Days by visiting our Learning Center.
-
“Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people…”
These biblical words, from Joel 2:15-16, are used by Pastor Lou Engle to describe an upcoming gathering of people of faith, of A Million Women, of one million Esthers, who are called to gather on the Mall in Washington, D.C., on the holiest day of the Jewish year, Yom Kippur—the Day of Atonement.
This week, Yael Eckstein sits down with Lou Engle to discuss this monumental event, in which the Jewish people’s Christian friends will come together in prayer and fasting—to pray for Israel in her time of need, to pray for America, and to pray for our world.
Join us for this inspiring conversation, in which Lou and Yael discuss carrying on legacies of faith and how we have all been called, like Esther was, “for such a time as this.”
Learn more about A Million Women—An Esther Call to the Mall.
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
-
Did you know that God has an alarm clock for our souls?
Beginning a month before the start of the High Holy Days, the sounds of the shofar, the biblically mandated trumpet, can be heard throughout synagogues across the world, calling people to reflect, repent and return to God.
On this podcast, Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, continues exploring the significance and meaning of the Jewish High Holy Days, focusing on one of the primary rituals of this holiest time on the Jewish calendar: the sounding of the shofar.
Yael explores why the Jewish people use a shofar to prepare themselves for the new year, and how its many sounds are a call to self-improvement, to repentance, and to return to God during these holy days.
Join Yael as she explains the symbolism and messages of the shofar, and how its sounds should be reverberating in our daily lives.
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
And learn more about the High Holy Days by visiting our Learn Center.
-
Every year, Jewish people in Israel and around the world take a special spiritual journey.
And on today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein shares how preparing for the upcoming High Holy Days can teach us all—Christians and Jews, alike—about connecting with God and ourselves.
In coming weeks, Yael will explore how the sounds of the shofar awaken the soul; how Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, teaches us about the gift of repentance; and how Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, teaches us the power of forgiveness. We’ll discover the blessings of unity that Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, teaches. And we’ll see how this holy season ends with a celebration of God’s Word on Simchat Torah—bringing God and His word with us into the new year.
Yael begins the journey by looking at the three spiritual paths—repentance, prayer, and charity—that help prepare us for the High Holy Days. Join us for this unique spiritual journey.
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
-
Have you ever noticed how many “30 Day Challenges” our society gives us? Challenges to lose weight, to learn a language, to straighten up your house, or even straighten up your finances! The world loves to give us month-long challenges.
But did you know the Jewish people have been doing a 30-Day Challenge for thousands of years?
That’s right! The Hebrew month of Elul began last night at sunset. And so did an ancient biblical Jewish practice—one Jesus likely participated in. During Elul, the Jewish people prepare themselves spiritually for the High Holy Days, which begin with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and conclude on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This annual month-long challenge—performed by generations of Jewish people—lays the groundwork for real and lasting change.
Host Yael Eckstein shows us that it takes a full 30 days to connect with God, nourish our souls, and make spiritual changes that last, setting us up for a successful year to come and a blessed life ahead!
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
-
The Bible isn’t just stories of epic happenings and holy miracles. It’s not all Noah filling the ark or David defeating Goliath, mighty armies falling at the hands of God’s people or great heroes rising from humble beginnings.
God’s Word is full of meaning—even in the places we might not expect. And this week’s podcast is one of those places.
Host Yael Eckstein takes a look at a passage in Scripture (Leviticus 2:4-7) that gives us a biblical history lesson—about the sacrifices and offerings that were brought to the Tabernacle, and then to the Temple. And, as Yael explains, even though we no longer bring the sacrifices described in the Bible, these verses still contain eternal messages relevant to our lives today—teaching us all to be grateful.
Yael talks about how meeting the needy who The Fellowship helps restore her own perspective and sense of gratitude. And she shares the prayer that she recites the first thing each morning as soon as she opens her eyes.
Discover how to better cultivate a grateful heart so that you can have an attitude of gratitude—feeling blessed, joyful, and thankful every single day of your life.
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
-
“How does a nation come to Jerusalem?”
That’s a question that comes up during Yael Eckstein’s latest conversation—with former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman. A Nobel Peace Prize nominee and the co-architect of 2020’s groundbreaking Abraham Accords, Friedman freely shares about his work in the ambassadorship. And aside from his time in the embassy, the ambassador has also enjoyed a long and respected legal career and a second career as an author.
His new book, One Jewish State—its foreword by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and out on September 3—looks hopefully and thoughtfully at the possibility for peace in Jerusalem. And during his conversation with Yael, Ambassador Friedman also shares his wisdom on life and faith—ultimately sharing an answer to the afore-mentioned question that was given more than two thousand years ago by the prophet Isaiah.
So listen now to this insightful and inspirational conversation with a true servant and ambassador for America, for Israel, and for all people of faith.
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
-
“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)
These words from the Bible—spoken from the Gentile Ruth to her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi—were quoted in a Christian publication in 1932.
As anti-Semitism rose in Germany—soon to spread across Europe, along with the Second World War—even then, Christians were standing up for their Jewish brothers and sisters. In this particular article, taken from the published archives of the Assemblies of God (AG), church leaders call on Christians to be like Ruth, supporting their needy Jewish loved ones.
This instance of bravery ended up on the right side of history. But it was just one in a long line of Christian and Jewish bridge-building and fellowship displayed by this denomination founded back in 1911. By 1915, the AG is condemning anti-Semitism in Europe—long before the Holocaust, Jews faced pogroms in Russia and elsewhere. And as soon as the Nazis began their rise to power, the AG voiced their stance against anti-Semitism and for the Jewish people, loudly and to the world.
This history of friendship between Christians and Jews is why Yael was excited to invite AG Director of Communications and Public Relations Mark Forrester to the podcast. Having served the AG for 16 years, Mark also published Trending Up: Social Media Strategies for Today’s Churches in collaboration with close friends across denominational lines.
A true bridge builder, Mark shares instances of historic and heroic support for the Jewish people. And a true friend of Israel, Mark talks about his first trip to Israel, as well as a visit to a southern kibbutz near Gaza shortly before the October 7th attacks. Join Yael for this inspiring conversation.
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
-
What is the one thing we must teach our children if we want them to never give up on their values and beliefs? We must teach them hope.
On today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein shares how perpetual hope in God’s promises has sustained the Jewish people through enslavement and exile, through pogroms and persecution, and even through the Holocaust. Each year, on the Jewish observance of Tisha B’Av, this foundational principle of hope is celebrated as the Jewish people mourn the many tragedies that have befallen them throughout history on this very day.
As Yael explains, by teaching our children that the world is not as it should be, we are equipping them to never give up. There is always hope for a better world and a better future. Listen now!
-
If you’ve ever felt like giving up, today’s episode is especially for you.
In less than two weeks, Jews around the world will observe the darkest day on the Jewish calendar, Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the month of Av. On this day, Jewish people weep for something that happened more than 2,000 years ago—the destruction of both the First and Second Temples that once stood in Jerusalem. But, while this is a day of deep sorrow, host Yael Eckstein explains it’s also one of great hope—a hope that has sustained the Jewish people through the centuries.
As people of faith, we should never lose hope. We worship a God of love, mercy, and compassion, and He is fulfilling His promises from the Bible. Listen now to this encouraging message.
Learn more about Tisha B’Av.
-
“My heart is broken for the Jewish people, and I want to help in any way that I can.”
These words, from an elderly farmer in America, longing to help the people of Israel—God’s people—in their time of need inspired Rabbi Daniel Korobkin when he heard them recently. As the rabbi tells Yael Eckstein in this podcast conversation, “it shook so many of us so deeply… it was moving to see this kind of care.”
This friendship and shared faith—this fellowship—between Christians and Jews is what drew Rabbi Korobkin to The Fellowship—the decades of bridges built by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, of blessed memory, and continued today. Since 2021, Rabbi Korobkin has served on the board of IFCJ Canada, where he also serves as Senior Rabbi for Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto.
Being born and raised in the U.S.—where he also taught and served congregations before moving north—as well as learning from his mother’s experiences surviving the Holocaust as a young girl on one of the kindertransports has positioned Rabbi Korobkin to understand and appreciate not only The Fellowship’s supporters, but so many of the Jewish people in need we help.
And it is this life of experiences—from the U.S. to Canada, from synagogue to soup kitchen, from America to Israel—that Rabbi Korobkin shares with Yael in this inspiring conversation on shared faith, on what friendship and support Israel today, and how The Fellowship and our friends around the world are showing the Jewish people that they might be, as Balaam says in the Book of Numbers, “a solitary nation”—but while they are “alone, they’re not lonely.”
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
-
“I’m amazed to see all the love.”
That’s what Ohad Roth of the Jerusalem Development Authority (JDA) said when he visited the U.S. this year. That’s what he said about the love he and his fellow Israelis felt from their Christian friends in America. Friends like The Fellowship’s faithful supporters.
Roth, the JDA’s Director of Tourism, and Anat Landa, the Director of International Conferences for the organization, were gracious enough to take a few minutes from their very busy schedule to sit down with The Fellowship at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN.
In the U.S. to represent the city of Jerusalem, Roth and Landa discuss how the biblical history of the Holy City make it so special, how it is also a vibrant city with much to offer visitors today, and how Israel’s friends around the world can support her and her people by visiting.
Learn about the Jerusalem Development Authority.
And to learn more about the historical and biblical significance of God’s Holy City, download our free Bible study on Jerusalem: God’s Holy City.
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
-
“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” (Psalm 77:11)
When he sat down to speak with The Fellowship, this is the psalm that Pastor Tony Suarez mentioned in his discussion of Israel—and the responsibility that people of faith, both Christian and Jewish, have to “learn the Scripture” and tell “the history of the Jewish people.” We all, as people of faith, must remember what God has done, and is doing. And His people, Israel, are certainly evidence of that.
A longtime friend of both Israel and The Fellowship, Pastor Suarez sat down with Dr. Paul Paino of The Fellowship’s Church Relations Department, to discuss his life and ministry, and the role that Christians play in supporting Israel.
Pastor Suarez reminds us all that “We must be vocal, we must be public, and at times demonstrative in our love and support for Israel because it’s time to stand for the Jewish people and their land.” And in doing so—in standing for and supporting God’s people—we are His “hands and feet.”
Join us for this inspirational conversation between two men of faith as they discuss our biblical mandate to stand for, to support, and to bless Israel—and learn more about Pastor Tony Suarez at Revivalmakers.
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
-
Have you ever noticed that the irony of our times is that we have more time-saving technology, but less time to spend on the things that really matter to us?
In this episode, host Yael Eckstein talks about how the ancient observance of the Sabbath—a time to relax, rethink, and reset—is exactly what we all need to combat the challenges of today’s modern world. Yael takes a closer look at the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt, how tired and hopeless they felt, and the lessons that we can learn today about finding freedom from all the stuff that enslaves us.
We’ll learn that if we can reclaim the practice of the Sabbath, each in our own way, we will find more time for joy in our lives!
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
-
“One generation commends your works to another.” (Psalm 145:4)
Early in his podcast conversation with Yael Eckstein, Pastor Dumisani Washington quotes these words of King David when speaking of the lessons of faith his parents passed down to him. And it is this continued generational legacy—to younger generations and to other people of faith—that Pastor Washington and Yael focus on in this inspiring discussion.
Pastor Washington joins Fellowship President and CEO Yael Eckstein to discuss how they’ve both learned from those before them—not only learning lessons from struggles and difficulties, but learning to celebrate community.
Speaking of his lifework creating community between the Christian community, the Black church, and the Jewish people, Dumisani Washington tells how music, world news, and his own first visit to the Western Wall built those bridges that he continues to work on today.
Learn more about the work of Pastor Dumisani Washington at the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel and Truth to Power Live, and read his book, Zionism and the Black Church.
- Montre plus
