The Jewish Road Podcast

An Iranian Christian View of the Iran-Israel Conflict (featuring Shah Afshar)

What happens when a Muslim from Iran meets Jesus in America - then watches his homeland go to war with Israel? 
Shah Afshar was born and raised in Iran, shaped by a shame-based culture, a devout Muslim family, and the pressure to uphold family honor. But everything changed when he encountered a group of joyful American college students and heard the name of Jesus - not as a prophet, but as Savior.
In this episode, Shah shares his powerful journey from Islam to Christianity, the cultural weight of honor and shame, and what he sees unfolding in the Middle East today. 
With a foot in both worlds, he gives insight few can offer: why 80% of Iranians quietly cheer when Israel strikes military targets…and why Persians and Jews have a deeper shared history than most realize.
Key Takeaways
Why Shah sees honor and shame as central to understanding Iranian culture
What it’s like to leave Islam and follow Jesus as a Persian
The truth about Iran’s Jewish population - and how Persians and Jews once lived side by side
Why many Iranians support Israel in secret
How Jesus - not politics - is the only path to true peace in the Middle East
Chapter Markers
00:00 – Meet Shah Afshar: From Iran to the U.S. 03:00 – Growing up Muslim in a shame-based culture 05:45 – Depression, academic pressure, and thoughts of suicide 08:00 – The hippies who introduced him to Jesus 10:30 – Calling on Jesus without theology - and finding peace 13:15 – Starting the first Iranian Christian church in America 15:00 – What changed after the revolution in Iran 18:30 – Why many Iranians secretly support Israel 21:00 – The cost - and hope - of a Persian uprising 24:00 – Jesus as the only answer to generational hate 26:00 – Persians are not Arabs: cultural and ethnic clarity 29:00 – Are the Jews still God’s chosen people? 32:00 – One new man: Jew and Gentile united in Messiah
 
To learn more about Shah’s work and story, visit shahzamfactor.com.
For more episodes, teaching, and insights into the Jewish roots of your faith, head to thejewishroad.com.
Be a light. Be a voice. Be a blessing.

Is This the Spark? - Iran, Nukes, and the End of Negotiation

The ground is shaking beneath Israel. And most of the world isn’t paying attention.
Fresh off a 17-day trip through the land - along war-torn borders and ancient prophetic fault lines - we return with a warning: something is building. 
The people are exhausted. The hostages are still missing. Iran is preparing for war. And while embassies evacuate, the Church scrolls past in silence.
This episode isn’t casual listening. It’s a wake-up call. The stage is being set. And if we’re not watching, praying, and standing with Israel, we’ll miss what God is doing right in front of us.
 
Key Takeaways
Many Israelis aren’t just calling for a ceasefire - they’re simply done.
There’s a growing sense of urgency around Iran and a potential escalation.
The church plays a vital role in this unfolding story, whether it realizes it or not.
Israel needs friends. More specifically, Israel needs the church to be alert and engaged.
Chapter Markers
00:00 - Back from Israel: Roommates, jetlag, and setting the tone 04:12 - Why this trip was different: Not just places, but people 07:50 - The current state of Israeli life: Between rockets and recreation 11:05 - The war and the hostages: What Israelis are really saying 14:25 - Iran’s rising threat and U.S. response 18:10 - Biblical prophecy, Russia, and where this could all lead 20:30 - A call to the church: Wake up, pay attention, and stand with Israel
 
Stay connected with The Jewish Road as we continue to share firsthand accounts, prophetic insights, and biblical context from Israel. Subscribe to the podcast, share this episode, and don’t forget to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Why Didn't His Brothers Recognize Him? - The Story of Joseph, Through Jewish Eyes

Joseph was thrown into a pit. Sold into slavery. Locked in prison. But God had a plan - a plan bigger than anyone could see. A plan that would save his people. 
Sound familiar?
Joseph isn’t just a historical figure - he’s a foreshadowing of the Messiah. 
From his betrayal by his own brothers to his rise to power in Egypt, every detail points to something greater. His story echoes through time - straight to the life, death, and resurrection of Yeshua.
But here’s the real question: Why didn’t his brothers recognize him? And why don’t so many Jewish people recognize Jesus today?
In this episode, we uncover the hidden layers in Joseph’s story and how they connect to Israel’s ultimate redemption. 
If you’ve ever wondered why the Jewishness of Jesus matters, this one’s for you.
Key Takeaways
Joseph & Jesus - The Parallels Are Uncanny. Betrayal, suffering, redemption - it’s all there.
Why Didn’t His Brothers Recognize Him? And what does that reveal about Israel today?
God’s Plan Was Bigger Than They Knew. What they meant for evil, God meant for good.
The Exodus is Coming. Not just in ancient Egypt - there’s another one on the horizon.
Chapter Markers
[00:05] - Welcome to The Jewish Road Podcast [02:15] - Joseph’s Story: More Than Just a Coat of Many Colors [08:42] - The Parallels Between Joseph and Jesus - Foreshadowing the Messiah [14:30] - Why Didn’t His Brothers Recognize Him? A Clue for Today [19:20] - The Hidden Exodus Prophecy in Joseph’s Last Words [24:15] - How This Changes Everything - Seeing the Story Through Jewish Eyes [30:55] - Call to Action: What If There’s More to the Story?
Listen Now & Discover What You’ve Been Missing.
This isn’t just history - it’s prophecy in motion. Are you seeing the full picture?
Start watching the Joseph video series at TheJewishRoad.com/Joseph and prepare for what’s next.
 

Silence Feeds Evil - The Story That Keeps Repeating

Silence has never stopped evil - it only fuels it.
We've seen it before. Nazi Germany. 9/11. Tehran, 1979. 
And now, once again, the world is looking away. As thousands are slaughtered in Syria, as anti-Semitism spreads like wildfire, and as Israel faces existential threats, the silence is deafening.
In this episode, we unpack the ancient and modern battle against the Jewish people - and why the story of Esther, Mordecai, and Purim is more relevant than ever. 
The enemy’s tactics haven’t changed. Neither has the need for bold voices to rise up.
Esther had a choice: speak up or stay silent. You have the same choice today.
Key Takeaways
Silence feeds evil. History shows that when the world stays quiet, the worst atrocities unfold.
Israel is under attack - again. The enemies of the Jewish people are always calling for annihilation, and today is no different.
The Book of Esther is about courage. God’s name is hidden, but His hand is clear - just like today.
Evil always overplays its hand. Haman thought he had won - until the tables turned.
This is your Esther moment. Will you speak out, or will you look away?
Chapter Markers
[00:05] - Welcome to The Jewish Road Podcast
[01:15] - Syria in Flames - And No One Is Talking About It
[06:42] - The Media’s Silence and the Rise of Anti-Semitism
[11:30] - History Repeats: The Enemies of Israel Have the Same Goal
[14:20] - The Story of Purim - A Battle Against Annihilation
[19:15] - Esther, Mordecai, and the Power of Speaking Up
[25:48] - The Chilling Words of Martin Niemöller - Why Silence Is Never Neutral
[30:55] - The Biblical Chiasm in Esther - God's Hidden Hand
[37:10] - Yarden Bebas’ Bold Stand in Gaza - “I Was Born a Jew, I Will Die a Jew”
[41:25] - The Call to Action - Will You Be Silent, or Will You Speak?
Stand With Israel. Speak the Truth.
This is no time for silence. The battle against the Jewish people is ancient, but the call remains the same: who will stand?
Learn more and stay engaged. Visit TheJewishRoad.com for resources, events, and ways to get involved.
Speak out. Share this episode. Tell the truth. Push back against the lies.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Evil thrives when good people do nothing. This is your time.
Because if we don’t speak now, who will?
 

IDF Soldiers Speak Out - Why They Left Everything to Fight for Israel (featuring Max Long & Noy Leyb)

They had jobs. They had plans. Then October 7th happened.
Two IDF soldiers left their comfortable lives to fight for Israel. Now, they’re walking through NRB wearing shirts that say, “I'm an IDF Soldier who fought in Gaza. Ask me anything.” 
And the world needs to hear their answers.
This isn’t just a war in Israel - it’s a war of truth. 
Hamas hides behind civilians, while the world looks away. Universities echo propaganda. Social media spreads lies. 
And Jewish voices? They’re being silenced. But these soldiers aren’t backing down. 
They’ve seen the tunnels. They’ve held the evidence. They’ve lost friends in the fight. 
Now, they’re exposing the truth and calling Christians to stand with Israel - before it’s too late.
If you think you know what’s happening in Israel, think again.
Key Takeaways
The war is bigger than you think. It’s not just rockets - it’s tunnels, hostages, and deception.
Hamas hides. They build terror operations in schools, mosques, and hospitals, but only wears uniforms when on stage. The rest of the time they dress like civilians.
Universities are battlegrounds. Jewish students are being attacked for speaking the truth.
Silence is deadly. When the world ignores evil, it thrives.
Chapter Markers
00:07 | Meet the IDF soldiers - life before and after October 7th02:08 | Leaving behind American success to fight for Israel06:03 | Inside Gaza: tunnels, hostages, and Hamas’ human shields10:01 | The truth the media won’t tell you14:33 | Why the Church must take a stand now28:54 | How to get involved - Strong Voices for Israel
Lies spread fast. Truth needs a voice.
Hear firsthand what’s really happening. Stand with Israel. Share their stories.
🔹 Visit thejewishroad.com🔹 Host a speaker at strongvoicesforisrael.org
Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim - Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
 

It's Not Just Political - Why the War for Israel Is Spiritual (featuring Moshe)

Israel is exhausted. 
The war has stretched on for 15 months. 
The weight of it - physically, emotionally, spiritually - is crushing. And yet, as the world watches, the narratives surrounding Israel are being twisted beyond recognition. 
Lies, conspiracies, and political maneuvers flood the headlines, and the church is left asking: 
What is actually happening?
In this episode, we sit down with Moshe - an Israeli with deep personal ties to the military, the land, and the people of Israel. 
He’s lived through war. 
He’s lost friends. 
He’s seen firsthand what’s at stake. 
And he’s here to cut through the noise.
We’re talking about the spiritual and political storm surrounding Israel, the unsettling rise of global anti-Semitism, and why the world is obsessed with placing Israel at the center of every conflict. 
But more than that, we’re wrestling with prophecy, the longing for peace, and the hard truth that Israel is searching for a savior - just not the Savior.
If you care about Israel, if you want to see through the media fog, if you want to understand what the Bible actually says about the days we’re living in - this episode is a must-listen.
Because what’s happening in Israel isn’t just political. 
It’s spiritual. 
And it’s unfolding right before our eyes.
Key Takeaways
The real situation on the ground in Israel - and why the media gets it wrong.
Why Israel is desperate for peace, and how that desperation sets the stage for dangerous compromises.
The disturbing global shift toward anti-Zionism and why it matters to the church.
How Israel’s spiritual hunger is growing - but not yet for Yeshua.
The role of prophecy in today’s events and how the Bible has already laid this out.
What Christians must understand about standing with Israel in these days.
Chapter Markers
00:00 | Welcome & Moshe’s background01:45 | The media war against Israel02:45 | Israel’s desperation for peace - why it matters07:27 | What Trump’s statements on Gaza really mean09:26 | The injustice of the hostage situation14:27 | The spiritual side of this war - what prophecy says18:26 | The financial battle behind global politics26:00 | Israel’s place in the coming global conflict28:38 | What Christians don’t understand about Israel
The world is shifting fast, and Israel is at the center of it all. If you want to stay informed with truth - not media bias - follow Moshe on Instagram at @mo_shigo for real-time updates from the ground.
For more deep-dive conversations about Israel, the Bible, and the Jewish roots of our faith, visit TheJewishRoad.com and subscribe to The Jewish Road Podcast.
Because understanding Israel means understanding the heartbeat of God’s story.
Listen now. Because the more you understand, the more you can stand.
 

Why Silence in the Church Is Dangerous for Israel - and Gospel (featuring Moshe)

There’s a growing question in our culture - why should we care about Israel?The answer is bigger than politics, bigger than history. It’s biblical.
Since October 7th, the conversation has changed. The battle isn’t just on the ground - it’s in the media, in our churches, and in the hearts of believers. 
Anti-Zionism is on the rise, and many don’t even see it.
In the first episode of this two-part conversation, we sat down with Moshe Sigulim, a Messianic Jew who holds citizenship in Israel, Canada, and the U.S., to unpack the spiritual war behind the headlines. 
From ancient antisemitism to modern-day propaganda, we expose the undercurrents shaping how the world sees Israel - and why the church cannot afford to stay silent.
Key Takeaways
God’s covenant with Israel still stands - and ignoring it has consequences.
The propaganda war is real - and it’s influencing the next generation.
Many churches are unknowingly embracing replacement theology - and it’s leading them into dangerous territory.
History repeats itself - what happened in 1930s Germany is unfolding again.
Chapter Markers
[00:00] – Why antisemitism is never really new
[05:30] – How October 7th changed everything
[12:15] – The rise of anti-Zionism in the West
[20:40] – The church’s role in standing for Israel
[28:10] – What history tells us about today’s conflicts
[35:00] – How to fight the spiritual battle for truth
Call to Action
This isn’t just about Israel. It’s about the gospel, the church, and God’s promises.
Stay informed. Listen in and join the conversation.
Challenge replacement theology where you see it.
Follow us at TheJewishRoad.com for more content connecting the Old and New Testaments.
History is being written. Will the church stand with Israel or stay silent?
 

The War You Don't See - How the Media Is Fueling a Lie (featuring Mati Shoshani)

The War You See… and the War You Don’t
Life in Israel is a paradox - cafés are full, but the weight of war is everywhere.
Soldiers are in and out of battle.
Families grieve.
The fate of hostages hangs in the balance.
But beyond the physical war, there’s a media war - and right now, truth is losing.
In this episode, we sit down with Mati Shoshani, an IDF reservist and media powerhouse, to pull back the curtain on how the world is being deceived.
From Hamas’ hostage propaganda to mainstream media spin, we expose the dangerous narratives shaping public opinion - and what’s at stake if the world doesn’t wake up.
Key Takeaways:
Israel is fighting on two fronts - the battlefield and the battle of public perception.
Global media bias is fueling anti-Israel sentiment, with outlets choosing to lie, not just omit facts.
The hostage releases aren’t humanitarian gestures - they’re psychological warfare.
Western churches must take a stand - ignoring this moment could repeat the mistakes of history.
Chapter Markers:
00:01 – Life in Israel: Normalcy & War Colliding02:30 – Why the media war is as critical as the military one04:41 – How BBC, CNN, and global outlets distort the truth06:00 – Hamas’ staged hostage releases—what’s really happening09:35 – No moral equivalence: Terrorism vs. Israel’s self-defense13:56 – Gaza’s future: The real problem isn’t Israel21:41 – The West Bank, Judea & Samaria - historical truth vs. political narrative26:01 – The Church’s Role - choosing between good and evil
What’s Next?
The battle isn’t just on the ground - it’s in the headlines, in conversations, in churches. What side will you be on?
📍 Listen now, stay informed, and take a stand.
🔗 The Jewish Road🔗 TBN Israel

Bring Them Home or End the War? - Why Israel''s Answer Is Both

Welcome back to Season 7 of The Jewish Road Podcast! If you’ve ever watched Fiddler on the Roof, you know the classic scene - Tevye, the village milkman, listens to two men argue, nods at the first and says, “You’re right.” 
Then he hears the other side and says, “You’re right.” 
A bystander protests, “They can’t both be right!” And Tevye, caught in the tension, sighs, “You’re also right.”
That’s Israel today. Stuck between two truths - both undeniably right, both in direct conflict.
On one side, Israel must do everything possible to bring home the hostages taken by Hamas. It’s not just strategic; it’s a sacred, deeply ingrained Jewish value. 
On the other side, Hamas must be defeated decisively, or this will happen again. Over and over.
So, what’s the right answer? Like Tevye’s dilemma, both are right. And that’s the tension Israel - and the Jewish world - wrestles with today.
Key Takeaways
The Jewish Value of Life: Israel’s relentless pursuit of hostage rescue is rooted in Pidyon Shvuyim - the ancient Jewish principle of redeeming captives.
The Threat of Hamas: If not stopped, Hamas will continue using hostage-taking as leverage, forcing Israel into impossible choices.
Living in the Tension: The paradox of war - how do you fight when your enemy hides behind civilians?
Wisdom in Holding Contradictions: In Jewish thought, struggling with opposing truths isn’t a weakness - it’s what it means to be Israel, “one who wrestles with God.”
Chapter Markers
[00:00] – Fiddler on the Roof and the art of holding two truths[04:30] – Israel’s hostage dilemma and the principle of Pidyon Shvuyim[10:15] – The danger of negotiating with terrorists[15:40] – The impossible choices Israeli leaders face[20:55] – The bigger geopolitical shifts at play[30:10] – What this means for the future of Israel and the Jewish world[40:00] – What’s coming this season on The Jewish Road Podcast
 
This season, we’ll be tackling big questions, real tensions, and biblical insights that bring clarity to confusing times. 
We’ve got some incredible conversations lined up with Israeli insiders, faith leaders, and historians who will help us unpack what’s happening on the ground.
- Follow the podcast to stay in the loop.- Leave a five-star review (we’d love to hear your thoughts!).- Share this episode with someone who needs a clear, grounded perspective on Israel today.- Visit TheJewishRoad.com for more resources, articles, and upcoming events.
Until next time - Sha'alu shalom Yerushalayim. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Shalom.
 

Hanukkah: From Darkness to Light

In our final episode of 2024, we reflect on the historical, biblical, and prophetic significance of Hanukkah - the Festival of Lights. 
Together, we explore the story of the Maccabean Revolt, the rededication of the temple, and how God’s faithfulness preserved the Jewish people so the Messiah could come. We also uncover the deeper meaning of Hanukkah, connecting the light of the menorah to Yeshua, the Light of the World. 
This season invites us all to rededicate our lives to God and embrace His faithfulness as we step into a new year.
Key Takeaways:
God’s Faithfulness in History: Hanukkah reminds us of the Maccabees’ victory over Antiochus IV Epiphanes and God’s preservation of His covenant people.
The Temple’s Rededication: After its desecration, the Jewish people restored the temple, marking it with an eight-day celebration that still shines brightly today.
A Greater Miracle: Hanukkah represents more than the oil lasting eight days—it’s about God protecting His people so the Messiah’s arrival could be fulfilled.
The Messiah and Hanukkah: Jesus celebrated Hanukkah, as recorded in John 10, pointing to Himself as the ultimate Light and fulfillment of God’s promises.
A Season of Renewal: Just as the temple was rededicated, we are called to rededicate ourselves to God, becoming lights in a world that desperately needs His hope.
Chapter Markers:0:00 – Wrapping up 2024: Hanukkah and the Messiah.5:10 – Exploring the Maccabean Revolt and God’s deliverance.15:30 – The rededication of the temple and the Festival of Lights.23:00 – Jesus and Hanukkah: Understanding John 10.30:15 – Rededicating our lives to God in this season.38:50 – Gratitude and hope as we look ahead to 2025.
As we celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas together, let’s pause to reflect on God’s unchanging faithfulness and His call for us to be lights in this world. Let’s embrace this season as a time to rededicate ourselves to Him, just as the temple was rededicated so many years ago. Join us at the https://thejewishroad.com/hanukkah for resources to bring Hanukkah into your home and connect with the Jewish roots of your faith. Together, we can shine His light and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Sha'alu Shalom Yerushalayim!