Episode 94: 52 Sabbaths: Unwrapping The Gift Of God’s Rest with David Hoffbrand
In this episode, Ron and Matt Davis interview David Hoffbrand about his book, '52 Sabbaths: Unwrapping the Gift of God's Rest.' They discuss the importance of the Sabbath, its significance in the Bible, and its relevance in modern life. David explains that the Sabbath is not just about rest but also about restoring relationships and finding wholeness. He emphasizes the need to prioritize family and invest in faith and trust. The book provides 52 reflections on different aspects of the Sabbath, helping readers understand and apply its principles in their lives.
Episode 93: The Jewish Road Ahead
Matt and Ron Davis discuss their year-end impact report and their mission to help Christians understand the roots of their faith and help Jewish people make sense of Jesus.
They highlight the dilemma of Jewish identity and the misidentification of Jesus among both Christians and Jewish people. They emphasize the urgency of the times and the need to be a voice in the wilderness.
The conversation also covers their methods of spreading the message, including writing a book and fundraising for projects in Israel. They conclude by calling for support and prayer for their ministry.
Episode 92: Speak To The Heart Of Jerusalem with Candyce Hyslip
Do you feel worn down? There's lots of places and opportunities to feel it. The politics, the divisions, the world situation, the wars, the rumors of wars, the devastation and hatred we see on every screen we face - it's all there.
In this episode, Matt & Marilee Davis sit down with Candyce Hyslip to look into the recent turmoil in Israel following the Hamas attacks and the distressing rise of anti-Semitism. What does it look like to pray and the significance of being physically and emotionally present for those enduring suffering. The truth is, two months into the war in Israel, it's easy to desensitize, disconnect, and disengage.
Candyce talks through how the Lord revealed to her how to not only pray FOR, but pray WITH those who are suffering, but also to bring comfort through our words, gifts, and meals.
Episode 91: Why This Hanukkah Is Different…And The Same
In Episode 91 of The Jewish Road Podcast, titled "Why This Hanukkah Is Different...And The Same," we look into the essence of Hanukkah, connecting its historical roots to the present-day challenges facing the Jewish people.
Hanukkah began as a story of resistance against Antiochus IV, a ruler intent on eradicating Jewish identity and practices. This year, as we light the menorah, our reflections take on a deeper, more urgent tone. We find ourselves amid a continued conflict following the October 7 war, where the threat to Jewish existence is ever-present, this time posed by a radical Islamist group, Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization.
What makes this Hanukkah different isn't the nature of the threat -historically, the Jewish people have faced numerous existential threats -but its global reach. The shadows of hatred and violence extend beyond Israel, seeping into streets and campuses worldwide, affecting Jews in every corner of the globe.
Episode 90: Why The Israel Story Isn’t Resonating With This Generation with David Hoffbrand
Continuing our dialogue with David Hoffbrand, Episode 90, titled "Why The Israel Story Isn't Resonating With This Generation," shifts the focus to the present and future of Israel's narrative.
We look into the complex reasons behind the growing disconnection between modern global Christians and Israel, including:
Exploring the reasons behind the church's indifference or even opposition to Israel.
Examining the impact of replacement theology and anti-Semitism.
Understanding the cultural shift in post-Christian England.
This candid conversation seeks to understand God's unwavering heart for Israel amidst a generation that often seems at best indifferent, and at worst, hostile. David's insight into the issue is profound, highlighting the critical need for dialogue and education on the historical and spiritual significance of Israel.
Episode 89: The Jewish Jesus - Reconnecting With The Truth About Jesus, Israel, & The Church with David Hoffbrand
The truth is, miss out on the fact that Jesus is Jewish and you’re missing out on Jesus. You could go to church every Sunday, read your Bible everyday, and even lead a Bible study, and unless you look at Jesus in His Jewish context, you're missing something.
In this episode of The Jewish Road podcast, we're joined by David Hoffbrand, author, church leader, and musician from Brighton, England, to discuss his thoughtful book, "The Jewish Jesus - Reconnecting With The Truth About Jesus, Israel, & The Church." It should provoke some thoughtful questions:
What does it mean for our Christian faith that Jesus was Jewish?
How can we truly bridge the Old and New Testaments?
What would it look like to know Jesus as His first disciples did?
Episode 88: Who Is A Jew? The Anti-Semantics Of The Chosen People with Avner Boskey
In episode 88 of the Jewish Road podcast, "Who Is A Jew? The Anti-Semantics of The Chosen People," we look into the origins and implications of words like 'Jew', 'Israeli', and 'Zionism', alongside the associated "anti" language that often paints a distorted picture. Living a mere 62 seconds away from the threat of a rocket from Gaza, Avner offers a perspective that is as grounded as it is enlightening. There's a raw authenticity in his words, reflecting his deep-rooted love for Israel despite its challenges.
Episode 87: O God, Do Not Keep Silence
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.
Episode 86: 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.
Episode 85: 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.
Episode 84: Human Shields & Heavenly Protection: Understanding God As Our Shield
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.
Episode 83: Pray For Israel By Name with Michael Mistretta of FIRM
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.
Episode 82: Can There Be Peace Between Jews & Arabs with Tom Doyle
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.
Episode 81: 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.
Episode 80: Hope In The Holy Land
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.
Episode 79: The War In Israel
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.
Episode 78: From Feast To Forever: Sukkot
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.
Episode 77: The Scapegoat That Became The G.O.A.T.
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.
Episode 76: No Longer Bound: Released From Sin Into Salvation
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.
Episode 75: Cast My Sins Into The Depths Of The Sea
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."