The Jewish Road Podcast

All Things Restored (featuring Sebastiaan van Wessem)

What if the way we’ve been taught to read the Bible is missing something essential?
In this episode, Sebastiaan Van Wessem shares his journey from traditional church growth thinking into a deeper rediscovery of Scripture’s Jewish foundation. What began as personal tension turned into a theological shift that reframed everything.
At the center of that shift is a concept called restorationism - the idea that God’s plan has always been to restore Israel, the nations, and ultimately all of creation.
This conversation invites listeners to step into a bigger story - one that connects Genesis to Revelation and challenges how we understand the Gospel itself.
Key Takeaways
The Gospel is more than personal salvation - it’s about restoration of all things
The book of Acts reveals a pattern of restoration, not just mission strategy
Israel’s role in Scripture is central, not optional
Replacement theology continues to shape modern thinking
The early believers understood the Gospel within a Jewish framework
The “one new man” requires humility and theological recalibration
Restoration begins now, not just in the future
Chapter Markers
 00:00 – Introduction and background 02:00 – The catalyst for questioning long-held beliefs 06:00 – Rediscovering the Jewish roots of Scripture 10:00 – The influence of Michael Heiser and shifting theology 14:00 – Auschwitz, history, and theological weight 18:00 – What is restorationism? 22:00 – The book of Acts as a restoration blueprint 28:00 – Israel, the nations, and the Gospel 34:00 – One new man and the challenge of unity 42:00 – Overcoming replacement theology 50:00 – Practical steps toward reconciliation 57:00 – Final reflections and future hope
If this conversation stirred something in you, don’t leave it there.
Visit https://thejewishroad.com for more conversations that reconnect Scripture, Israel, and the bigger story of the Gospel.
To learn more about Sebastiaan Van Wessem’s work, you can explore his book All Things Restored - available on Amazon - and connect with his ministry through https://kngdmalliance.org, where you’ll also find details about upcoming gatherings in Europe.
Take a step beyond listening. Read. Engage. Show up if you can.
Because this story isn’t just meant to be understood - it’s meant to be lived.

The Forgotten Gospel (featuring Brianna Tittel)

Why do so many people disengage from the Old Testament - especially books like Leviticus?
In this episode, Brianna Tittel shares her journey from a struggling faith to a deeper understanding of Scripture as a unified story. What began as frustration turned into discovery when she realized Jesus was reading the Bible very differently than she was.
Through that lens, even Leviticus begins to open up - not as an outdated law code, but as a central part of the Gospel story.
This conversation invites listeners to rethink assumptions, reconnect the story, and rediscover the Jewish foundation of faith.
Key Takeaways
The Bible is one unified story, not two disconnected parts
Jesus read the Hebrew Scriptures differently than most modern readers
Leviticus is central, not optional, to understanding the Gospel
The Torah is God’s instruction, not an outdated system
Replacing or erasing leads to theological confusion
The Church has often lost connection to its Jewish roots
Rediscovery begins with humility and curiosity
Chapter Markers
00:00 – Introduction and connection 02:00 – Brianna’s faith journey and crisis 05:00 – The question that changed everything 08:00 – Discovering the Jewish roots of Scripture 11:00 – Why Leviticus matters 15:00 – Jesus and fulfillment of the Torah 19:00 – Living out the Torah today 23:00 – Jews, Gentiles, and the one new man 27:00 – Why the Church needs this conversation 32:00 – Writing the book and future vision
Visit thejewishroad.com to explore more conversations that reconnect Scripture, Israel, and the Jewish roots of the faith. 
To learn more about Brianna Tittel and her book The Forgotten Gospel, and to engage with her writing and teaching, connect with her through her website and available resources. Listening, learning, and sharing are simple ways to step deeper into the story.

Why Narrative Matters More Than Ever (featuring Hillel Fuld)

In a world flooded with information, why does truth feel harder to find?
Hillel Fuld shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to one of the most recognizable voices advocating for Israel in the digital space. 
After October 7th, everything changed. What was once a growing business became a mission to bring clarity in the middle of confusion.
This episode explores the deeper battle behind the headlines - the fight for narrative, the spread of misinformation, and the responsibility each of us carries in shaping what others believe.
Key Takeaways
Narrative often shapes perception more than facts alone
Trust, once built, creates influence that can’t be ignored
Misinformation spreads faster when it’s simple and emotional
Israel’s story is often distorted when removed from historical context
Social media gives everyone a voice, whether they use it or not
Truth requires intentional effort, not passive consumption
Influence is not about size of audience, but clarity of message
Chapter Markers
 00:00 – Introduction and Hillel’s background 02:00 – From tech to advocacy after October 7th 04:00 – The importance of narrative in modern conflict 06:00 – Misconceptions about Israel 08:00 – Influencers, media, and misinformation 11:00 – America’s role and shifting perspectives 14:00 – Christian Zionism and shared values 16:00 – Why Israel matters historically and spiritually 18:00 – Aliyah and returning to Israel 21:00 – Resilience in the face of conflict 23:00 – Using your voice in today’s world
Visit thejewishroad.com for more conversations, resources, and biblical context around Israel and the Jewish people. To follow Hillel Fuld’s work and stay up to date with his real-time insights and advocacy, connect with him across his platforms online. Listening and engaging are simple ways to stay informed and be part of the conversation.

What's Really Happening in Iran (featuring Shah Afshar)

What do Iranians actually think about what’s happening right now?
In this powerful and personal conversation, Shah Afshar offers a rare insider perspective on life under the Iranian regime and the current conflict involving Israel and the United States. His story challenges assumptions and brings clarity to a complex moment.
But this isn’t just political. It’s deeply personal and spiritual. Shah reflects on oppression, hope, and what it means to hold both justice and compassion at the same time.
This episode invites listeners to move beyond headlines and into a deeper understanding of people, faith, and the possibility of freedom.
Key Takeaways
Many Iranians oppose the current regime and long for change
The Iranian people and the government are not the same
Cultural and religious narratives deeply shape perception
War creates both hope for freedom and grief for loss
Faith plays a central role in how people interpret current events
The church in Iran is growing, but with complexity
Understanding requires listening beyond headlines
Chapter Markers
00:00 – Introduction and current global context 02:00 – Life under the Iranian regime 05:00 – Why the world is paying attention now 08:00 – The reality of Iranian public sentiment 11:00 – War, justice, and moral tension 13:00 – The growing church in Iran 16:00 – Faith, freedom, and spiritual awakening 18:00 – Shah’s personal story and ministry 21:00 – Jews, Christians, and shared identity 24:00 – Hope for Iran’s future
Visit thejewishroad.com for more conversations, resources, and biblical insight into Israel, Iran, and the Middle East.

Ambulances in a War Zone: Magen David Adom (featuring Uri Shacham)

What happens when emergency responders become targets?
In this gripping conversation, Uri Shacham of Magen David Adom shares what it means to serve on the front lines of Israel’s most intense moments. 
From the horrors of October 7th to ongoing missile attacks, Uri brings listeners into the real-time tension of responding to crisis while under threat.
But beneath the chaos is something deeper. A calling. A shared mission that transcends background, belief, and fear. Thousands of volunteers across Israel step into emergencies not because it’s safe, but because it matters.
This episode is a raw and honest look at courage under fire, the power of preparation, and the quiet strength of people committed to saving lives no matter the cost.
Key Takeaways
Magen David Adom serves as Israel’s national ambulance and blood service
90% of its 39,000 responders are volunteers from diverse backgrounds
Medical care begins within seconds of an emergency call
October 7th introduced unprecedented danger, including targeted attacks on responders
Responders often treat neighbors, friends, and their own communities
Preparedness and training are central to national resilience
Even in war, humanitarian work extends beyond borders to help others globally
Chapter Markers
00:00 – Introduction and current global context 02:00 – What Magen David Adom does 06:00 – Uri’s personal journey into emergency service 10:00 – Unity across diverse communities in Israel 12:00 – October 7th: what changed 16:00 – Responding under fire and targeted attacks 20:00 – Building resilience after tragedy 24:00 – Ethical decisions in crisis zones 28:00 – Stories of courage and sacrifice 32:00 – Support from global partners 36:00 – Current conflict with Iran 40:00 – Faith, miracles, and hope
Visit thejewishroad.com to explore more conversations, biblical insight, and resources connected to Israel and the Jewish roots of the faith. 
And to learn more about Uri Shacham’s work with Magen David Adom, or to support their mission of saving lives in Israel, visit savinglivesinisrael.org. Both are simple ways to stay engaged and respond in a meaningful way.

The Road Ahead for The Jewish Road

As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a year of challenge, recovery, and renewed calling. 
In this special episode, we uncover the ancient story behind Hanukkah - and how it points to the greater miracle still to come. 
From a dreidel in ancient Greece to divine doors opening in modern Israel, we explore how God’s covenant faithfulness continues to unfold before our eyes.
The Jewish Road is stepping into a new partnership with the government of Israel - helping tell her story to the nations and helping the church understand its part in that story. 
Along the way, we share updates on health, hope, and the incredible ways God is still writing the story of His people.
Key Takeaways:
The dreidel tells more than a children’s story - it proclaims that “a great miracle happened there” and points to the greater one still to come.
Hanukkah reminds us that God always preserves His people, even when the world plots their end.
Prophets like Zechariah foresaw a coming deliverance that’s still future and messianic.
God’s pattern of deliverance is consistent - He always raises a redeemer for Israel.
A new partnership with Israel’s government opens opportunities to help tell her story faithfully to the church.
The global church must rediscover its calling to stand with the Jewish people in truth and love.
God’s faithfulness to Israel guarantees His faithfulness to us; the story is not over.
Chapter Markers:00:00 – A Year-End Reflection04:10 – Redeeming the Dreidel10:15 – “A Great Miracle Will Happen Again”17:30 – Ron’s Health Update and God’s Mercy25:00 – A Divine Opportunity with Israel34:45 – Helping Israel Tell Her Story42:00 – The Call of “The Few”48:00 – Closing Blessing: Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
God’s promises to Israel are alive and unfolding before our eyes. Join us in standing with the covenant people of God - explore more resources at thejewishroad.com, come to Israel with us, and be one of The Few who help tell this story to the world.

Did Jesus Celebrate Hanukkah?

Most people think of Hanukkah as the “Jewish Christmas,” a cultural celebration with candles, dreidels, and chocolate coins. But the real story is far older, far weightier, and far more connected to the story of Jesus than many Christians realize. 
Hanukkah is a story about attempted erasure, courageous resistance, and God’s unstoppable commitment to preserve His covenant promises.
In this episode, we walk through the rise of Antiochus, the Seleucid king who sought not only to dominate Israel but to erase its identity - banning circumcision, outlawing Torah, desecrating the Temple, and demanding assimilation. 
Yet when the majority gave way to cultural pressure, a few refused to bow. The Maccabees stood when others surrendered, preserving the line through which Messiah would one day come.
And 150 years later, during this very feast, Jesus walked in the Temple and declared Himself the Light of the World. The same God who preserved His people through the few stands faithful today. 
Hanukkah isn’t merely history; it is a lens for understanding the spiritual battles of our own moment and the hope of the King who will come again.
Key Takeaways
Hanukkah is rooted in real biblical history - not legend - and is foreshadowed in Daniel’s visions.
Antiochus Epiphanes sought to erase Jewish identity and break the covenant line of David.
The Maccabees embodied “the few” whom God uses to preserve His promises.
The real miracle of Hanukkah is God’s covenant faithfulness, not just the oil.
Jesus celebrated Hanukkah (John 10:22) and used the feast to reveal His identity.
The spirit of Antiochus - the antichrist spirit - still rises in every generation.
Hanukkah points forward to the return of Messiah, the true Light of the World.
Chapter Markers
00:00 – Childhood stories, Hanukkah misunderstandings 04:00 – What Hanukkah looked like generations ago 07:00 – Setting the biblical-historical stage 11:00 – Daniel’s prophecy and the rise of Antiochus 16:00 – The desecration of the Temple 20:00 – The Maccabees and the courage of the few 25:00 – Guerrilla war and the rededication of the Temple 29:00 – The legend of the oil vs. the real miracle 33:00 – Jesus and Hanukkah in John 10 38:00 – The spirit of antichrist then and now 43:00 – The coming Deliverer and the hope ahead
Explore more resources and upcoming events at thejewishroad.com.Discover where we’ll be sharing the Hanukkah story across the country at thejewishroad.com/light. Join The Few who make this work possible by supporting The Jewish Road and helping us tell the story that holds the whole Bible together.

Why Most Jewish People Reject Jesus - And How That Can Change (featuring Murray Tullis)

For many Christians, the divide between the church and the Jewish people feels ancient and immovable. But every divide has a story - and far too often, it’s a story Christians never heard. 
In this episode, we sit down with long-time friend and ministry leader Murray Tilles of Light of Messiah Ministries to uncover why Jesus remains such a point of pain for many Jewish families, and why the church’s calling toward Israel is more urgent than ever.
Murray shares his own journey from a deeply religious Jewish upbringing in North Carolina to the moment he prayed “in Jesus’ name” - words he never imagined he would say. 
His story isn’t abstract. 
It’s threaded with family tension, synagogue life, anti-Semitism, and the surprising power of Scripture to reshape identity. And it’s a window into the very real barriers Jewish people face when confronted with a “Christian” Jesus who feels historically disconnected from their people.
Together, we explore why the New Testament is far more Jewish than most Christians realize, why Paul’s “to the Jew first” mission still matters today, and how today’s rising anti-Semitism is creating unexpected openness among Jewish communities - if the church knows how to build trust. 
Murray helps believers move from abstract support to real relational bridge-building, from sentiment to substance, from generic evangelism to meaningful connection rooted in God’s covenant faithfulness.
Key Takeaways
Many Jewish people associate Jesus with centuries of suffering done “in His name,” making belief in Him feel like a betrayal of their people.
Murray’s journey began not with pressure but with Scripture - especially Isaiah 53 - leading him into a relationship with Israel’s own Messiah.
Paul’s model was never “either Israel or the nations.” His strategy was always “to the Jew first,” expecting the church to carry that mantle.
Replacement theology remains one of the biggest obstacles preventing Christians from seeing Scripture as one unified story.
Today’s cultural moment - including post-October 7 Jewish vulnerability - has opened new doors for relationship and witness.
Simple gestures - apples and honey, Hanukkah blessings, relationship-first approaches - create space for meaningful spiritual conversations.
The continued existence of the Jewish people is itself a testimony to God’s covenant promises and ongoing plan for Israel and the world.
Chapter Markers
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 00:19 – Meeting Murray & Ministry Connections 00:58 – Growing Up in a Religious Jewish Home 03:15 – Encountering Scripture for the First Time 04:19 – Discovering Jesus in the New Testament 05:28 – Family Tension, Cost, and Reconciliation 07:43 – Why Jesus Is Hard for Jewish People 09:57 – Anti-Semitism, History, and Misunderstanding 14:37 – The Jewishness of Jesus 17:39 – The Church’s Calling “To the Jew First” 22:51 – How Light of Messiah Reaches Jewish People 26:56 – Openness Since October 7 30:22 – Conspiracy Theories & Rising Confusion 33:06 – God’s Faithfulness to Preserve Israel 36:22 – How to Connect With Murray & Next Steps
Explore more resources, episodes, and guides at thejewishroad.com.
Connect with Murray Tilles and Light of Messiah Ministries at LightofMessiah.org and on Instagram @LightOfMessiahATL.
Learn about the Lausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism at lcje-na.org, including the upcoming Atlanta conference.
Become one of The Few who stand with us and help advance this work at thejewishroad.com.

How to Read News About Israel (featuring Nicole Jansezian)

In a world where Israel is headline news every day, most people are trying to interpret events through a fog of bias, misinformation, and instant reaction culture. 
We sat down with longtime Jerusalem-based journalist Nicole Jansezian to ask a simple question that’s not simple at all: 
How do we know what’s actually true? 
What unfolded was an inside look at the fractured media landscape inside Israel and the ideological forces shaping the region.
Nicole helps us slow down and understand why the Middle East defies the easy categories most Westerners reach for. 
Israel’s political divisions don’t map onto America’s left-right spectrum. Palestinian society is not monolithic. And both sides live with historic, cultural, and religious dynamics that rarely show up in the headlines. 
When we oversimplify, we miss the deeper story - and the deeper human reality.
This conversation is for anyone who wants discernment in an age of propaganda. We explore why speed has replaced accuracy, why influencers often outrun truth, and why we need a long view shaped by Scripture, not by algorithms. 
For Christians seeking to understand Israel, this isn’t just geopolitics - it’s about returning to the story God has been telling since Genesis and learning to see the world the way He sees it.
Key Takeaways
Israel’s internal political spectrum is far more complex than the American left–right divide.
Headlines often frame events without context, leading to widespread misunderstanding.
Influencer-driven “news” prioritizes speed and virality over verification.
Propaganda is not always overt; sometimes it’s subtle, soft influence that shapes perception.
Ideology - religious, historic, territorial - drives Middle Eastern decisions more than economics.
The media environment inside Israel is deeply divided, with competing narratives shaping public opinion.
Christians must pursue discernment by slowing down, asking better questions, and grounding their understanding in Scripture.
Chapter Markers
 00:00 – Welcome and introduction from Jerusalem 01:20 – Nicole’s story: from Queens to the Middle East 04:00 – Why Israeli politics don’t mirror America 08:30 – Divisions inside Israel after October 7 13:45 – How to read news with discernment 16:45 – The rise of influencers and the loss of verification 21:00 – Why analysis is disappearing from modern news 23:00 – Ideological drivers of the Middle East 30:20 – Propaganda and soft influence 37:00 – Where to follow Nicole’s reporting
To go deeper into conversations that reconnect the whole Bible and illuminate God’s ongoing story with Israel and the nations, explore more resources at thejewishroad.com, join us on an upcoming trip to Israel, consider becoming one of The Few who support this work regularly, and follow today’s guest at nicjan.com and on her YouTube channel for on-the-ground reporting from Jerusalem.

Bringing Heaven Here (featuring Brad Gray & Brad Nelson)

Most of us learned the Lord’s Prayer before we understood what it was doing. It became a ritual, something recited rather than lived. 
But when Jesus’ words are returned to their original world - the Jewish people under Roman rule, the long ache for redemption, the hope of a coming kingdom - the prayer opens up in ways most modern readers have never seen. It becomes less a mantra and more a mission.
In this conversation with Brad Gray and Brad Nelson of Walking the Text, we explore why context is not a luxury but a lifeline. 
Jesus wasn’t offering a poetic devotional. He was giving His disciples a framework for partnering with God, joining the story that began in the Exodus, and learning to embody the kingdom He announced. 
Every line reaches back to Israel’s history and forward to God’s future, shaping a people who would carry His reign into the world.
From the clash of kingdoms under Rome, to the Jewish practice of communal prayer, to the way the early disciples finally recognized the kingdom at Shavuot, this episode invites us to see the prayer not as ancient words but as a daily blueprint. 
This is what it means to bring heaven here - to live as a people formed by the Father, trusting His provision, forgiving like He forgives, and resisting the powers that distort His world.
Key Takeaways
Context is not extra; it’s everything. Jesus assumed His listeners knew the Jewish, historical, and literary world behind His words.
The Lord’s Prayer sits at the “center of the center” of the Sermon on the Mount - Matthew’s way of spotlighting Jesus’ mission.
Every phrase echoes the Exodus story and frames Jesus as the new Moses leading a new Exodus.
“Daily bread” held layers: Israel’s wilderness manna, Rome’s grain system, and the hope of Messiah’s provision.
Ancient Jewish prayer was communal, formational, and participatory - not merely expressive.
Jesus’ kingdom message is not about escaping earth but joining God’s work of renewing it.
Salvation isn’t the finish line; it’s the starting point for disciples who bring God’s reign into the world.
Chapter Markers
 00:00 — Why Context Changes Everything 01:20 — What the Biblical Writers Assumed We Knew 04:20 — Discovering the Bible in “Technicolor” 06:15 — When the Lord’s Prayer Becomes Personal 09:00 — The Prayer’s Literary Center and the New Exodus 10:20 — Rome, Herod, and the Clash of Kingdoms 14:45 — Why the Disciples Needed to Be Taught to Pray 18:40 — What Jesus Is Really Forming Through This Prayer 21:00 — Kingdom, Salvation, and the Mission of Disciples 26:30 — The Phrase That Transformed Everything 29:00 — Why “For Thine Is the Kingdom…” Isn’t Original 31:50 — The Film, the Book, and the Global Project 38:00 — The Vision Behind Bringing Heaven Here
Explore more resources, teachings, and Israel study opportunities at https://thejewishroad.com.
To connect with Brad Gray and Brad Nelson, and to find the film The Lord’s Prayer and the book Bringing Heaven Here, visit https://thelordsprayer.com - your one-stop hub for the film, book, and upcoming series.