Episódios
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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“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.
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“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.
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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!
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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.
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“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.
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“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.
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“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.
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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.
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“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.
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For Christian music fans of many generations, Petra means rock. From the band’s early years in Ft. Wayne—“playing in parks and prisons and coffee houses” to decades of international success on the biggest stages, Petra not only changed with the evolving musical landscape, they defined Christian music. And for all of those years—culminating in last year’s 50th anniversary world tour—Petra was led, on guitar and as the band’s main songwriter and visionary, by Bob Hartman.
So it was with true excitement—as fans and as fellow friends of Israel—that Bishop Paul Lanier and The Fellowship welcomed Bob Hartman to the podcast at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN.
Bob was gracious enough to stop by from his home in Tennessee to discuss his career, the musical legacy that Petra has left for people of faith, and his love for God’s people, Israel.
Listen to this uplifting conversation with Christian musician and songwriter, Petra’s Bob Hartman.
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As kids, who didn’t count down the days until the end of school and the beginning of summer vacation? Even as adults, we sometimes count down the days to an important event—a milestone birthday, a wedding, or a special vacation. But if you think about it, in counting down the days, we can mistakenly relegate those days as obstacles to get through in order to reach the anticipated event, rather than as the priceless gift that each day is.
On Shavuot, today’s podcast shares Bible verses that direct us to count each day in a way that celebrates the moment. Through ancient Jewish teachings, we will learn how counting each day—in the right way—is the secret to making every day count.
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
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Today, Jews in Israel celebrate Jerusalem Day—Yom Yerushalayim—commemorating the miraculous reunification of God’s Holy City after the Six-Day War of 1967.
But as podcast host Yael Eckstein explains, we ALL—Christians and Jews—should celebrate Jerusalem Day! Not only is Jerusalem God’s designated place where His Temple once stood and will someday stand again, but as we read in Psalm 137:5, “If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.” God does not want us to forget His eternal capital!
In today’s special Jerusalem Day episode, Yael explores the spiritual significance of Jerusalem and why its historical reunification is so important. We ALL need to recognize what God has done and is doing in Jerusalem in our times… and why both Christians and Jews should give Him thanks and praise for His miracles!
Check out our resource page on What Is Jerusalem Day? at our Learning Center for more information.
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“I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil.” (Deuteronomy 11:14)
This is the Bible verse that this week’s podcast guest quotes when speaking of a very special spot in the Holy Land of Israel.
Neot Kedumim, Hebrew for “pleasant pastures,” is a biblical nature reserve in Israel—open for all to come experience firsthand the nature and culture of the Bible. Efrat Meir-Groman is Tourism Director at Neot Kedumim, and graciously sat down with The Fellowship to bring our listeners with her to this “beautiful place.”
Full of wildlife and natural wonders from God’s Creation, Neot Kedumim brings the Bible to life. Efrat discusses the animals and nature one might find there, as well as such biblical activities such as shepherding and gathering water that people can experience today. And Neot Kedumim is a “hands-on” park, allowing visitors to see, smell, hear, taste, and touch the Bible with all five senses.
Learn more about Neot Kedumim and plan your visit today.
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
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Born in America. Raised in the Holy Land. A devoted Jewish father and husband. An IDF veteran. A veteran of Israel’s politics—having served as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Israel, as well as Bureau Chief and Foreign Policy Advisor. And now the author of a book about Israel that directly looks at the events that helped lead up to the ongoing war with Hamas.
This is Ari Harow. Besides all of these accomplishments and experiences, Ari is also part of our Fellowship family—literally. Fellowship President and CEO Yael Eckstein is privileged that Ari is her brother-in-law. And now, having shared Shabbat dinners and family memories with him, Yael welcomes to the podcast this Israeli who has devoted his life to making life better for his country, God’s people, Israel—truly his brothers’ and sisters’ keeper.
Ari shares not only his own life story of making aliyah (immigrating to Israel) as a child from the U.S. to the moment when he knew he would devote his life to serving Israel—while serving as a 20-year-old in the IDF infantry in Lebanon. He also shares about his time serving under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the many situations he navigated in that role—including the 2014 kidnappings of three Israeli boys that led to Israel’s last major war in Gaza.
Listen to this insightful conversation with an Israeli who has devoted his life to serving the people of Israel.
And read Ari Harow’s new book about his life, his career, and how a moment in Israel’s recent history set the course of today’s events, My Brother’s Keeper: Netanyahu, Obama & the Year of Terror & Conflict that Changed the Middle East Forever.
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
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“These are God’s chosen people and He’s got a message that He wants to give the rest of the world through them.”
This is what Ambassador Sam Brownback, a true friend of Israel, told Fellowship Board Chair Bishop Paul Lanier during a recent conversation on matters of faith and how Christians can stand for the Jewish state and its people.
But despite the Jewish people’s calling as God’s people, Brownback points out that “evil has come after them in almost every country they’ve been in.”
And it is this evil, this faithlessness, that Ambassador Brownback has helped combat throughout his long career as a public servant, as both Congressman and Senator, as Governor of his home state of Kansas, and as Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom during the Trump Administration.
Speaking with Bishop Lanier at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN, Ambassador Brownback shares about his first trip to Israel while serving in the U.S. Congress, his recent trip to the Holy Land in the wake of the October 7th attacks, and what people of faith can do do stand for what’s right and stand for Israel.
Listen to this insightful conversation with a true ambassador for faith and freedom.
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
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This past October—October 10, 2023 to be exact—Yael Eckstein planned to welcome Dean Michele Bachmann to the podcast to discuss the dean joining the board of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, as well as her lifelong love of Israel and her time spent there. Of course the Hamas attacks of October 7th changed those plans, and in the months since, Israel and those who support her have been busy simply meeting the needs of the Israeli people.
But in those long, hard months, Dean Bachmann has proven to be what she has always been—a true blessing to Israel—as she helps lead The Fellowship during these days when The Fellowship is needed, more than ever on the ground in the Holy Land.
A recent solidarity trip to Israel found Dean Bachmann and the rest of The Fellowship’s board visiting not only the sites of unimaginable violence and devastation left in the wake of Hamas’ attacks—including the kibbutz where Dean Bachmann once lived and worked as a teenager—but also some of the projects that The Fellowship and our faithful donors support, projects that are saving lives.
She shares about wounded IDF soldiers whose dedication to life gives her hope. She shares about elderly survivors of the Hamas attacks who have been given hope. She gives us all a glimpse into how Christians are blessing—and being blessed by—God’s people.
Listen now to learn about the current situation on the ground in Israel, and to learn what Christians in America—Christians like Michele Bachmann and like you—are doing to bless Israel.
For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.
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