This episode of the Jewish Road podcast dives into the timely relevance of Psalm 83, a biblical passage that feels as if it was ripped straight from today's headlines. The psalm is a fervent plea, calling on God to not remain silent in the face of evil. As the quote goes, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"—and the same might be said about divine silence. This episode explores the deeply unsettling plans of evil forces aimed at the annihilation of God's people, plans that go beyond mere military strategy to touch upon a darker, more insidious agenda.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In today's episode, we welcome Justin Kron, founding director of the Kesher Project and co-creator, producer of the groundbreaking documentary, "Hope in the Holy Land." With deep roots in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and years of hands-on experience leading tours to Israel, Justin provides an invaluable perspective on this incredibly complex and emotionally charged topic. We talk about the nuances of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, offering insights that go beyond typical political talking points.

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.

Explore the profound significance of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, as it connects to God’s desire to dwell with His people from Eden to future prophecies. Uncover the historical, theological, and future implications of this ancient festival in this eye-opening episode.

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.

The human soul seems hardwired to long for atonement—a strong, sometimes desperate, desire for forgiveness and release. This is a sentiment that echoes across cultures and religious practices, revealing a shared yearning to be set right with God. As we delve into Day 9, we find in the story of the Akedah a vivid representation of how far God was willing to go to grant us that atonement. "God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son," Abraham tells Isaac, echoing a promise fulfilled through Jesus (Genesis 22:8). Akedah literally means, “The Binding,” and recounts the story of Abraham taking his “one and only son” Isaac to the top of Moriah to sacrifice him.

There is the practice of Tashlich, a deeply symbolic ceremony that resonates with believers of all backgrounds. As the sun sets and the day comes to an end, many Jewish people flock to rivers and streams, emptying their pockets or throwing pieces of bread into the water. This simple yet powerful act serves as a physical embodiment of letting go, a casting away of sins and burdens. For Christians, it's hard not to think of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the Messiah, who makes it possible to truly cast our sins "as far as the east is from the west."

Central to the Days of Awe is what we call Shabbat Shuvah, or the "Sabbath of Return." Situated between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, this Shabbat holds a special significance. It serves as a momentary pause, a sacred interval for personal and communal reflection. In a season filled with introspection and repentance, Shabbat Shuvah invites us to come home - to return to the Lord with all our hearts. For Christians, this idea of "returning" finds its full expression in the grace and redemption offered through Jesus, our Messiah.

The human soul carries a deep yearning for atonement. In cultures around the world and across the broad expanse of religious thought, rituals and traditions abound, highlighting the lengths we go to find relief from the weight of our mistakes and misdeeds. The Jewish people are no different. As followers of Jesus, we know that our atonement not only covered our sins once for the next year, but also forgave our sins once and for all.

The concept of Tzedakah, often translated as “charity,” but more accurately understood as righteousness or justice. Giving isn't merely a charitable endeavor, but an ethical obligation. For Christians, this resonates deeply with the New Testament teachings on almsgiving and love for neighbor. Here, the idea of 'faith without works is dead' rings loud and clear.

These Days of Awe invite us into the heart of prayer, or Tefillah, in Hebrew. Prayer is a universal act, a meeting place between the human and the divine, and during these days, it takes on an even more profound significance. Tefilah is less about asking God for what we need, and more about aligning ourselves with God’s will. For Christians, the idea of interceding with Jesus as our mediator adds a layer of grace to this sacred time.

Let’s look into the essence of Teshuvah, which in Hebrew means "returning" or "repentance." While the word "repentance" might conjure up images of regret and shame, Teshuvah is about turning toward something as much as it's about turning away from something else. It's about re-aligning ourselves with God. The month preceding the High Holy Days, known as Elul, is traditionally a time to begin this process of self-examination and repentance. It's like a warm-up for the spiritual marathon that lies ahead.

The sound of the shofar (ram’s horn) calls us to something extraordinary - Yom Teruah, commonly known as the Day of Trumpets. This isn't just any call; it's an announcement, a heralding of something majestic. The trumpet's sound penetrates the soul, reminding us to awaken from our spiritual slumber. For Christians, the trumpets hold a dual meaning: they remind us of God's sovereignty and offer a glimpse into future prophetic events, like the return of Jesus.

As the Days of Awe kick off, we find ourselves on the cusp of a deeply spiritual journey. It's a time to pause and reflect, to account for the year that's been and prepare for the one that's coming. The Jewish tradition teaches that during these Ten days, three books are opened in the heavenly courts: the Book of Life, the Book of Death, and the Book of the In-Between. Each person's fate for the coming year will be inscribed in one of these books based on their deeds. While this may sound intimidating, it's also a beautiful reminder that our actions have consequences - both in this world and the next.