The Jewish Road Podcast

Why Christians Should Care About The Jewish High Holy Days

Ever been on a hunt for your glasses just to find them perched on your head? Or searched for your phone while you're actually holding it? Sometimes the things we're looking for are right in front of us, hidden in plain sight. We wrote this guide with our Christian friends in mind for that very reason. You might think that the upcoming Jewish High Holy Days aren't for you, that they're exclusively a 'Jewish thing.' We get it, but hear us out. We're not saying you're wrong for thinking that way, but we do believe you're missing out on something truly transformative. We invite you to take a closer look, to consider the deeper connections, and to broaden your understanding of faith by acknowledging its roots. So stay with us; you might just discover something you never knew you were missing.
The Ten Days of Awe, also known as the High Holy Days, are a significant period in the Jewish calendar. These represent the last three festival days given to Israel in Leviticus 23 in the Hebrew Bible, or what we at The Jewish Road like to call Act One of a two-act play. These festival days are actually called Moedim in Hebrew, or “Appointed Times.” These are God’s appointed times for Israel in which He laid out the course of history for Israel and, in fact, the world as He brings everything to fulfillment in His kingdom. 
We should note that there are seven appointed times or festival days given to Israel in Leviticus 23, and they were all prophetic. Four of them have been historically fulfilled, leaving the final three festival days that occur in the fall as prophetic and yet to be fulfilled.  
Having said that, the first appointed time on the Fall calendar is in Leviticus 23:23-25, the Feast of Trumpets or Yom Teruah in Hebrew, the Day of Blowing Trumpets. This is the first of the High Holy Days on Israel’s calendar and it is celebrated today as Rosh Hashanah or the Jewish new year.  However, if we look at verse 23 we read that this day is a solemn rest and memorial that occurs on the first day of the seventh month, Tishrei. The first month on the Hebrew calendar is Nisan, the time of Passover in the spring. How is this disparity reconciled? Jewish people traditionally began to celebrate this holiday as Rosh Hashanah as the civil new year on Israel’s calendar, beginning during the second Temple period. It is strictly traditional as the new year is in the spring. Interestingly, the Babylonians celebrated their new year at this time and we believe that Israel brought that tradition with them some time after the Babylonian captivity. 
The blowing of the shofar or the trumpet was meant to bring Israel’s attention to a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal as we turn our attention to God. It is a time when people take a hard look at their lives and actions over the past year. 
Traditionally, this begins what is called the Ten Days of Awe. It's believed that God opens the Book of Life on Rosh Hashanah and seals it on Yom Kippur, deciding the fate of each individual for the upcoming year.
Why is this season important? Well, it's a rare pause, a collective breath for introspection. It’s not just about asking for forgiveness, but also about forgiving others and oneself. 
In Jewish tradition, it's a time to set the tone for the year ahead, wipe the slate clean, and start anew. It’s why on the civil calendar, the Jewish community calls this the Jewish New Year. You’ll probably see on your local TV news a Happy New Year wish to “our Jewish friends” and you’ll see a graphic of apples and honey, that your new year may be sweet.
But really, this isn't just a religious exercise; it's a deeply human one, a call from the Creator to not only look back, but also look forward.

Faith In The Midst Of Fear

Are you faced with a challenge that feels too big to handle? Do fear, anxiety, or worry keep you awake at night? In this episode of The Jewish Road Podcast, titled "Faith In The Midst Of Fear," we turn to one of the most well-known stories in the Bible: David vs. Goliath. But this episode isn’t just about a young boy and a giant man; it's about something deeper.
What gave young David the courage to face Goliath? What did he know about the character of God that allowed him to have faith in the face of fear? It's a question we all should be asking ourselves when we find ourselves in seasons of doubt and uncertainty.
This episode isn't about heroes and villains; it's about understanding Who our God is and what He promises to do for us. It's about recognizing that, at its core, every story in the Bible is a story about God - and so is your story.
If you're in a place where obstacles seem insurmountable and fear feels overpowering, this episode is here to remind you: both faith and fear demand fulfillment. The choice of which to believe in lies with you.
Join us for an inspiring conversation, filled with hope and encouragement. This is a message for anyone in a season of fear, offering a perspective shift that can make all the difference. It's time to remember what David knew and face our giants with unwavering faith.
So tune in, especially if you need a timely reminder of God's character and promises. Let's explore together how faith can overcome fear, no matter the size of the challenges we face. Your story is a story about God, and it's time to believe in that.

The Road Half Traveled

Ever felt like you're missing a piece of the puzzle in your faith journey?
Or that there's more to the story of Jesus that remains unexplored?
Or, as a Jew, have you grappled with the idea of embracing Jesus, feeling it might mean forsaking your cherished heritage?
If this hits home for you, then this episode of The Jewish Road Podcast has your name on it.
In "The Road Half Traveled," we invite you on an extraordinary journey that goes beyond the typical narratives heard in Sunday school or synagogue. As Messianic Jews ourselves, we're standing at the fascinating intersection of faith where Jewish tradition and Christian understanding meet.
Picture it as a two-act play, with Jewish and Christian communities each attending a different act and missing the full performance. We're here to guide you through the entire show, revealing the profound links between Act One and Two, the Old and New Testaments.
We tackle real struggles, like challenging dialogues with Jews intrigued about Jesus but anxious about losing their identity, or Christians seeking to uncover the Jewish roots of their faith but unsure where to start. 
So, whether you're a Christian keen to dive deeper into your faith's roots or a Jew wrestling with your view of Jesus, join us in this down-to-earth conversation. It's time to journey down the full length of The Jewish Road and unveil the captivating story that unites us all.
Are you ready? Pop in those earbuds, and let's journey on "The Road Half Traveled" together.

Merging Mourning With Hope

Did you know that both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem - central to Jewish faith and history - were destroyed on same day, centuries apart? It's as if time stood still to mark a profound period of loss and mourning for the Jewish people.
To put this in perspective, imagine if another event of the magnitude of September 11th happened again on the same date, but centuries later. The sheer coincidence would be staggering, wouldn't it? This is the reality of Tisha B'Av, a day of deep mourning in Judaism.
But Tisha B'Av is not just about the past, it's also about resilience and hope for a better future. It's a significant piece of the historical puzzle that informs our present faith and influences our shared journey. As followers of Jesus, understanding these roots can give us a richer, more nuanced perspective of our own faith.
Tune in to this episode where we delve into the significance of Tisha B'Av and its relevance for us today, even if you’re not Jewish.

The Church: God’s Commissioned People

In this third and final episode in our “Two Chosen People” series, we journey into understanding the role and identity of God's Commissioned People – the Church.
As we have previously explored, God's chosen ones are two distinct, yet intimately connected groups – the Covenant People (Jews) and the Commissioned People (the Church made up of Jews and Gentiles). After having looked into the unique journey of the Covenant People in our last episode, it's time to unpack the complexities of the Commissioned People – the Church.
From its birth at Shavuot, or Pentecost, the Church was initially entirely Jewish. Yet, it evolved, expanding to welcome the Gentiles, or the Nations, and turning into a vibrant blend of Jews and Gentiles. Paul's metaphor of Gentiles being grafted into Israel's tree beautifully illustrates this unity in diversity.
In this episode, we explore the divine calling of the Church – its mission to go out into the world and make disciples of all nations, beginning with the Jewish people and extending to every corner of the globe. This divine commissioning is not just a task or responsibility, but a significant part of the Church's identity.
We also look into the implications of this divine commission, the struggles, and triumphs, the challenges, and victories experienced by the Church in carrying out this mission.
Join us as we celebrate this “Unprecedented Union” and God's plan for unity and mutual enrichment. Together, we look at how our roots intertwine and the wondrous ways God uses His Commissioned People to accomplish His divine will.

Israel: God’s Covenant People

Genesis 12:1-3 — The verses that marked the start of an extraordinary covenant.
Not by number, not by strength, but by divine decree – Israel, God's Covenant People.
This episode unfolds the story of Israel, a nation marked by faith, struggle, and divine covenants. But what makes them 'God's Chosen People'? What does 'chosenness' mean, and why Israel?
We start with a journey back in time, back to the genesis of the nation of Israel. We touch upon the pivotal figure of Abraham, his extraordinary faith, and the divine promise that would forever change the course of history. As we trace the lineage of Abraham to the twelve tribes of Israel, we examine the covenant, its implications, its conditionalities, and its everlasting nature.
Listen to our latest podcast episode, "Israel: God's Covenant People," as we continue the exploration of the question, "Are There Really Two Chosen People?"
🎧👆 #NewEpisode #PodcastSeries #Israel #GodsCovenantPeople #TwoChosenPeople #StayCurious

Two Chosen People: An Unprecedented Union

Prepare yourselves for a profound revelation that challenges our preconceived notions. Buckle up, for we are about to dive headfirst into an eye-opening journey through a new three-episode series: "The Unprecedented Union."
In this series, we unveil a truth that might shatter your previous understanding: There are not one, but two chosen people of God! Now, stay with us as we unpack this concept of God's Covenant People and Commissioned People.
For centuries, we've believed that the Jewish people alone held the title of God's chosen people. And yes, they still do! But here's where we have to take a deep dive: God's chosen people also include the Commissioned People, which encompasses both Jews and Gentiles. 
Over the course of three episodes, we'll explore the prophetic significance of Israel's restoration, backed by Biblical proofs and passages. We'll delve into the promises given to God's Covenant People, the Jewish people, and witness the miraculous rebirth of the nation despite insurmountable challenges.
Our hope is that this series will challenge your understanding of faith, history, and the intricate tapestry of God's redemptive plan. It will inspire you to appreciate the roots of your faith and cultivate a deeper appreciation for both the Jewish people and the Church.
Join us on The Jewish Road Podcast for an unforgettable journey through "The Unprecedented Union."

Denial & Resistance - The Continuing Battle To Acknowledge The Holocaust

On this episode of The Jewish Road Podcast:
We discuss the importance of remembering the Holocaust in the face of a history that is quickly being erased and how we are being threatened again as a people to be destroyed from the face of the earth.
We begin by reflecting on the stories of Holocaust survivors and the Jewish people’s fierce determination to remember the names of those whose lives were lost, not just the 6 million Jews, but the entire 11 million slaughtered by the Nazi regime because they did not fit their mold. No doubt, for those who have experienced the loss, the Holocaust has had such a profound impact on our people. Unfortunately, there are more alive today who don’t know it even exists.
Whether it is ignorance or denial, we look at the ways in which some people have tried to erase the Holocaust from history. We discuss the challenge of educating younger generations about the Holocaust, especially as fewer survivors still share their stories.
Despite these challenges, we also focus on the resilience and determination of the Jewish people, who have persisted in keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive despite attempts to silence them. We explore the ways in which Jewish communities worldwide have come together to preserve the memory of those lost in the Holocaust, and to honor their legacy.
Overall, this episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering the Holocaust, especially in the face of ignorance and denial. We hope it will inspire our listeners to take action and join us in the fight against intolerance and hate, as we strive to build a better future for all people.

Opening Your Tent And Table

We welcome Candyce Hyslip to discuss Biblical hospitality, specifically what it means to open your home and heart to strangers and foreigners.
Throughout the conversation, we explore the concept of hospitality and its significance in both the Old and New Testaments, or what we like to call Act One and Two. We examine the story of Abraham and Sarah, who welcomed three strangers into their home and provided them with food and shelter. This story serves as a quintessential example of the importance of hospitality and the blessings that come with it.
The conversation then moves to the New Testament, where Yeshua lived out the spirit of hospitality. He ate with those considered on the fringes of society and welcomed all who came to Him, regardless of their station in life. We look at how this type of hospitality should be a model for us today, as we seek to open our hearts and homes to those around us.
Hospitality not only blesses those who are welcomed, but also the ones who open their tent and table. When you open your home and heart to the stranger, it can enrich relationships, create community, and be an act of service toward God.
Overall, we explore the concept of hospitality and its importance in our lives. It's a must-listen for anyone who wants to learn more about how to live out the principles of hospitality in a meaningful and impactful way.

The Story Behind The Story Of The Resurrection

In this episode of The Jewish Road Podcast, we explore the significance of the Resurrection in Messianic theology. The Resurrection is not merely a Christian doctrine, but is rooted in Jewish scripture, foretold in the Tanakh.
As Isaiah 53 prophesied, the Messiah would suffer and die as a sacrificial lamb, but also "see His offspring and prolong His days." Scholars have long debated how the Messiah could both suffer and live on, with some suggesting that it is His moral teachings that "live on" after His death. However, we argue that the Resurrection is necessary for fulfilling this prophecy, and that Yeshua's physical resurrection is significant for all.
Furthermore, the Resurrection is not merely an event in the past, but it has a present and future impact. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul writes that if Yeshua had not been raised from the dead, then our faith is in vain. But, since He has indeed risen, we can have hope in the resurrection of the dead and the promise of eternal life.
Moreover, the Resurrection is not only about life after death but also about life before death. Yeshua's Resurrection proved that He is the promised Messiah and that His teachings and way of life are true. As a result, we are called to live a resurrected life, which means living in obedience to His teachings and being transformed into His likeness.
Join us as we delve into the significance of the Resurrection its implications for our lives. Listen to this episode of The Jewish Road Podcast to gain a deeper understanding of the Resurrection and how it affects our faith, connecting Act One and Two of the Story.