The Jewish Road Podcast

What’s In, And Not In, The Headlines

The clock keeps ticking, and we're 18 days into the war in Israel. As news headlines whip by at a blinding pace, they often miss the mark, leaving gaps that need to be filled. We're here to fill them. Episode 86 of the Jewish Road podcast looks into the news narratives that are spinning uncontrollably. More alarmingly, there's a noticeable silence from quarters that should be vocal - particularly the American church.
What is causing the silence among church leaders?
Are they uninformed, indifferent, or is there something more to it? 
It's about more than just filling in the gaps; it's about understanding the complexities and the moral imperatives at the heart of the situation. Don't just be a spectator; be a participant in a much-needed discourse. Listen in to challenge your perspectives, ignite your compassion, and be better prepared to advocate for a cause that needs your voice now.

Living Six Miles From Lebanon with Efraim Goldstein

In our latest episode, episode 85, titled "Living Six Miles From Lebanon," we were graced by the unexpected but deeply enriching presence of Efraim Goldstein, a missionary with Chosen People Ministries. What started as a prayer night in our community turned into an eye-opening conversation when Efraim walked in and we decided to hit the record button.
Efraim has been in ministry with his wife, Jeannie, since 1975. They've spent the last few decades in Israel, serving communities and sharing the love of Yeshua. Currently, Efraim pastors the Light of Galilee Congregation in Nahariyya, a city that lies just six miles from the Lebanese border. His congregation is unique as it consists of both Jews and Arabs, and he even co-pastors with a Lebanese Christian.
His early years in a Conservative Jewish home in the Bronx instilled in him a deep love for his Jewish heritage. However, it was in college, amidst the turbulence of the 1960s counter-culture, where he discovered Yeshua as the promised Messiah. Ever since, he's carried a burden to share this life-changing message, especially within Israel. According to Efraim, "Israel is one of the most open places to share the message of Yeshua with other Jewish people. All you need is some courage, and the willingness to share your faith."
As if the night couldn't get any more remarkable, a Jordanian Christian friend of ours joined us toward the end. We seized the opportunity to capture her perspective on how the current events in Israel and Gaza are affecting the Jordanian Arab community.
Right now, Efraim is heading back to Israel, to a community on edge as tensions with Hezbollah escalate. We invite you to keep him, his family, and his congregation in your prayers.
This episode provides firsthand insights into what life really is like so close to conflict and how faith plays a pivotal role in navigating these uncertain times. 

Human Shields & Heavenly Protection: Understanding God As Our Shield

In today's world, misinformation spreads rapidly, making our role as truth-bearers more critical than ever. We're not just presenting different perspectives on the biblical story, but also to unveil the whole truth against a backdrop of global narratives rife with deception. It's a challenging mission, but it becomes more manageable when we remember who our ultimate shield is.
In the midst of rising tensions and unsettling circumstances, the concept of shields takes on a deeper meaning. Episode 84, titled "Human Shields and Heavenly Protection," explores the dichotomy of earthly and divine shields.
While we hear about organizations like Hamas using innocent lives as human shields, there's an age-old truth in scripture that has stood the test of time: the Lord is our ultimate shield.
For Abram, it was a covenantal promise. For David, a source of courage when enemies closed in. From Genesis to Revelation, the message is consistent and clear - God is a protective force, a sanctuary in times of crisis.
So as we work to debunk false narratives that create division, let's not forget where our ultimate trust should be anchored - in God, our ever-present shield and guide in all truth.

Pray For Israel By Name (with Michael Mistretta)

In this episode, we're honored to sit down with Michael Mistretta from FIRM, the Fellowship of Israel Related Ministries. FIRM is an incredible organization that is changing lives on the ground in Israel, especially during these tumultuous times.
They've recently launched a deeply moving campaign: Pray for Israel By Name. It's an initiative that calls us all to pray for hostages by writing their names on the palms of our hands, inspired by the powerful words in Isaiah 49:16, "...I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands."
Feeling helpless about the situation in Israel? You're not alone. With a staggering death toll and 200 hostages kidnapped by terrorists at this time, we all feel a sense of urgency. But remember, each statistic is a human being, someone who's dearly missed and prayed for.
Prayer is the best way we can join God in a rescue mission, right from where we are. When Isaiah wondered if God had forgotten Israel, God reassured him, saying, "...I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands."
And the power of collective prayer is real. Just last week, 30 missing people were found safe. Even more miraculously, a mother named Avital and her two children managed to escape their kidnapper in the Gaza Strip and return to Israel safely on foot. We believe that your prayers can make a difference in bringing more people home.
Alongside this impactful campaign, we'll also learn more about Michael's own story. How did a man born in Canada end up in Israel? What has been the transformative work in his heart? Tune in to find out more.
So, will you join us and commit to Pray for Israel By Name? Your prayers are more powerful than you might think. Find out more about FIRM and this campaign by going to prayforisraelbyname.com.

Can There Be Peace Between Jews & Arabs (with Tom Doyle)

In our next can't-miss episode of the Jewish Road Podcast, "Can There Be Peace Between Jews And Arabs?", we sit down with Tom Doyle, who's been on the ground in places like Gaza, the West Bank, and throughout the Middle East. Amid the pain of conflict and the rise of groups like Hamas, Tom uncovers a different story — one that mainstream media often overlooks. So why should you tune in?
This episode takes you inside amazing stories of faith from the most unlikely places. You'll hear about the extraordinary risks Muslims are taking to follow Jesus — risks that involve their personal safety, their relationships, and sometimes even their lives. To give you a glimpse into the life-changing decisions being made, Tom and his team ask every Muslim two crucial questions before they decide to follow Jesus. These questions offer you a perspective that goes far beyond the evening news and takes you deep into the heart of what's actually happening on the ground.
The conversations we share with Tom are a powerful reminder that even in regions rife with conflict and hardship, hope and transformation are possible. So, if you're struggling to reconcile what you see in the headlines with a faith that calls for love and hope, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover how you can be part of a new narrative — one that's already changing lives and could very well change yours.
Follow Tom and the amazing ministry his family is doing at Uncharted Ministries.

The New Anti-Semitism (with Olivier Melnick)

In this urgent episode of the Jewish Road Podcast, we sit down with Olivier Melnick to tackle the issue of antisemitism—a problem more widespread and relevant than many realize. Especially given last week's tragic attacks that ended over 1,300 Israeli lives, this is a conversation we can't afford to ignore. Olivier, a French Messianic Jew, provides crucial insights into the origins and endurance of antisemitism, from its Biblical beginnings to its alarming resurgence in the modern world.
Why should you tune in? Because this issue isn't confined to Israel and Gaza. As we speak, anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian rallies are cropping up globally, even right here in our own city of Lexington, Kentucky. The fight against antisemitism is happening in our backyards, and it's time we all take notice. We discuss the factors fueling this hatred today and extend a heartfelt call to action for Christians in Western churches. This episode urges us all to go beyond passive concern and step up as defenders of justice and peace.
In a world reeling from violence and division, let this episode be your call to stand up, speak out, and act. Because indifference and ignorance are not options — especially now.
Follow Olivier at Chosen People Ministries and find his books on Amazon.

Hope In The Holy Land (with Justin Kron)

We have the distinct privilege of welcoming Justin Kron, a friend deeply invested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and someone who brings a well-rounded perspective to the table. As the founding director of the Kesher Project and the co-creator and producer of the documentary "Hope in the Holy Land," Justin helps to unpack the layers of this deeply rooted conflict that affects Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike.
With years of hands-on experience, leading tours in the Holy Land and engaging with people on both sides of the conflict, Justin provides insights that go beyond common narratives. This isn't about dismissing political complexities; it's about diving into them to uncover the human stories that are often overshadowed.
Justin takes us through some of the pivotal moments and key players in the history of this geopolitical struggle, offering a more nuanced understanding of what is at stake. This isn't just about territorial disputes or religious differences. It's about people's lives, their histories, and their futures.
Follow Justin at The Kesher Project and watch the movie at Hope In The Holy Land.

The War In Israel

We start season five reluctantly, sooner than we thought, and the subject matter feels devastating.
We come to you with a burdened heart, focusing on the conflict tearing through the Holy Land of Israel. As we record this episode, rockets rain down and families are torn apart. This isn’t just a geopolitical issue, it's yet another somber chapter the Jewish people are living and dying through.
Hatred has clouded compassion, making this not just about territory, but about the human heart. It's deeply personal for us, for the people we love, and it should be for you too. So, in the midst of this sorrow, what are we called to do?
In a world that often trivializes such conflicts into hashtags and headlines, we don't forget the genuine spiritual warfare happening behind the scenes. Israel is at a critical juncture. The need is urgent.
We invite you to join us in this moment marking the beginning of a battle for the heart and soul of the Jewish nation, recognizing that when words fail and actions seem inadequate, our prayers can still reach the heart of God. 

From Feast To Forever: Sukkot And The Coming Kingdom

In "From Feast to Forever: Sukkot and the Coming Kingdom," we unpack the richness and layers of Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles. Beginning with its historical roots, we show how Sukkot serves as a mirror for God's desire to be present with His people. The festival isn't just a one-off event, it's deeply connected to a theme woven into the fabric of the meta-narrative. From the Garden of Eden to future prophecies, God's ultimate goal has always been to dwell among His people.
There are some little-known aspects of Sukkot, including its extensive number of sacrifices. Ever wonder why 70 bulls were sacrificed during this holiday? It's a figure symbolizing God's outreach to the nations of the world. We discuss the significance of this ritual ending in 70 AD and its implications for the future.
This episode also explores how Sukkot appears in the New Testament, specifically in the story of the Transfiguration. Like the disciples, many of us find ourselves asking: When will He bring the kingdom?
As we move through the episode, we'll see that the festival of Sukkot provides valuable insights into this question.
If you've pondered God's bigger plan for humanity, this episode offers a look into how Sukkot encapsulates both God's past actions and future promises. You'll find a deepening understanding of this feast as not just an ancient tradition, but a vital part of God's ongoing narrative with us.
 

The Scapegoat That Became The G.O.A.T. (Yom Kippur)

Here we are, at the peak of the Ten Days of Awe, Yom Kippur. It's the Day of Atonement, a time when many Jewish people fast, pray, and attend synagogue services.
This solemn day carries enormous significance. It's not just a day to say sorry, but to truly reflect on one's actions and seek genuine atonement.
While the weight of the day is profoundly felt in Jewish communities, it also offers an extraordinary moment for us as followers of Jesus to recognize Him as our ultimate atonement.