Nourish Your Biblical Roots with Yael Eckstein

Hanukkah, a season of God’s light and miracles, is probably one of the most well-known Jewish holidays, primarily because of its proximity to Christmas. But do you know what miracles are remembered and celebrated during this season?

Join Yael Eckstein for a four-part podcast series on Hanukkah, exploring the many lessons of faith this holiday has for us. Today, Yael tells us the miraculous story of the Maccabees, and how their courage and faith in God were a huge turning point in history for the Jewish people.

Hanukkah is a reminder that a single act of bravery can be turned into one of God’s miracles!

Learn more about Hanukkah in our Learning Center.

And listen to more of Yael’s teachings on her daily podcast, The Chosen People.

We all know that giving to those in need is important… but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. When we’re short on time or money—or both—it’s can be hard to give away what little we have.

But on this podcast episode, host Yael Eckstein turns the concept of giving completely on its head. She explores verses in the Book of Exodus in which God commands the Israelites to contribute to His purposes. In this Bible passage, we’ll discover a hidden message in the original Hebrew that will change your perspective on giving—and your capacity to receive.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

And listen to more of Yael’s Bible teachings on her new podcast, The Chosen People.

What will your legacy be?

Maybe it will be how successful you were in your career. Or maybe it will be how much you loved your family.

In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein turns to the Bible to show how we can leave behind a strong legacy of faith. When we prioritize doing good deeds and supporting the people in our lives in positive ways, we create a lasting impact that reaches far beyond our own lifetime.

Every day is a chance to create a legacy of faith that will impact generations to come—and today’s episode will show you how.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

And listen to more of Yael’s Bible teachings on her new podcast, The Chosen People.

So, you want to make a real difference in the world… but you don’t know where or how to begin.

As we’ll learn on today’s podcast, we can make a difference in the lives of others by simply asking, “How are you doing?” In a world where so many people are hurting, we should never underestimate the power of greeting every person with genuine care. It can save a life—even our own!

This week, host Yael Eckstein explores the Bible story of Joseph’s time in an Egyptian prison and how the simple act of greeting those around him—with sympathy and with understanding—changed his life, and ultimately, changed the lives of millions of people.

Each one of us, just like Joseph, can bring more of God’s light into the world and take care of those around us—and in this episode, we’ll discover how.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

And listen to more of Yael’s Bible teachings on her new podcast, The Chosen People.

We are truly living in prophetic times as described in God’s Word, aren’t we? It began with the Book of Exodus, when God redeemed Israel from Egypt and promised to bring them home on “eagles’ wings.”

On today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein will explore how the Bible prophesied about the times we are in right now—and what this means for us in our personal and spiritual lives. As people of faith, we are called to be God’s partner in fulfilling biblical prophecy today, making this point in history such an exciting time to be alive!

Listen now, as the people of Israel prepare to celebrate Aliyah Day—and then learn more about aliyah, the prophetic work of bringing God’s people home to Israel.

“It has taken courage to birth these nations.”

These words are an enduring theme in the life and work of Bishop E.W. Jackson—a pastor, an attorney, a U.S. Marine, and a Christian friend of Israel. A proud American who also stands for the Jewish state, Bishop Jackson sat down recently with Yael Eckstein to discuss his own experiences and his thoughts on the ongoing violence being experienced not just by the people of Israel, but by Jewish people around the world.

Bishop Jackson’s own military service gives him some insight into the struggles Israel faces—defending herself on the battlefield and in the international media. But he shares with Yael his own commitment to standing for Israel now, just as when he was a Marine, “the stewardship of my country was in my hands.”

It’s this stewardship that these two friends in faith and fellowship discuss in this inspiring conversation that once again shows how Israel’s Christian friends are supporting her in her greatest time of need.

Learn more about Bishop Jackson’s S.T.A.N.D. (Staying True to America’s National Destiny) project and listen to his daily podcast, E.W. Jackson for America.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

As the High Holy Days come to a close, Jews around the world spend one last day in an intense celebration with God before resuming their normal routines.

Simchat Torah, which means “Rejoicing in the Torah,” is unlike any other observance we experience in synagogue.

As host Yael Eckstein describes in today’s podcast, the entire congregation—from the youngest children to the oldest adults—takes out the Torah scroll and joins in a never-ending circle of dancing and singing. The celebration marks the completion of reading through the Torah, from Genesis to Deuteronomy, before the reading cycle begins again.

But the lesson of Simchat Torah, says Yael, lasts all year long. Simchat Torah is a reminder that the way to stay close to God and transform inspiration into action throughout the year is through His Word.

Learn more about this amazing celebration in today’s powerful podcast.

Visit our Learning Center to learn more about Simchat Torah.

And for more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Do you know the one holy day that the entire world will celebrate in Messianic times?

According to the prophet Zechariah, it’s the Festival of Tabernacles, or as it’s called in Hebrew, Sukkot (Zechariah 4:16).

Unity among all of God’s children is a major theme of this joyous biblical celebration that is part of the High Holy Days that Jews around the world have been observing. Host Yael Eckstein looks to the lessons of Sukkot on practical ways to bring us together.

In a world that is increasingly divided, the celebration of Sukkot encourages a spirit of unity that can bring goodness, pleasantness, and blessings to our lives.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“I’m sorry.”

It’s been said that these are two of the hardest words to say. We’ve all found ourselves needing to apologize… and dreading it. And we’ve all been hurt by someone who wouldn’t apologize for what they did.

In this special episode about Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, Yael Eckstein explores how those two words relate to the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Admitting our wrongdoings, committing to change, and moving forward is what Yom Kippur is all about.

When we sincerely say, “I’m sorry,” God has mercy and God forgives. And those two little words—“I’m sorry” —have the power to heal relationships and change the future for the better.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

How many of us think about repentance as we celebrate and usher in a New Year on January 1?

When Jews usher in the Jewish New Year on Rosh Hashanah, the main focus is on repentance, or teshuvah, which means to “return” to God and to who we really are. The sound of the shofar, the ritual trumpet, signals this time to reflect on the past twelve months, fix any behavior that isn’t helpful, and return to God who is waiting with open arms.

In this special Rosh Hashanah episode, host Yael Eckstein shares the Jewish perspective on the meaning of repentance, its significance for both Christians and Jews, and how it has the power to nourish our souls and transform us into the people we are meant to be!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

And learn more about the High Holy Days by visiting our Learning Center.

“Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people…”

These biblical words, from Joel 2:15-16, are used by Pastor Lou Engle to describe an upcoming gathering of people of faith, of A Million Women, of one million Esthers, who are called to gather on the Mall in Washington, D.C., on the holiest day of the Jewish year, Yom Kippur—the Day of Atonement.

This week, Yael Eckstein sits down with Lou Engle to discuss this monumental event, in which the Jewish people’s Christian friends will come together in prayer and fasting—to pray for Israel in her time of need, to pray for America, and to pray for our world.

Join us for this inspiring conversation, in which Lou and Yael discuss carrying on legacies of faith and how we have all been called, like Esther was, “for such a time as this.”

Learn more about A Million Women—An Esther Call to the Mall.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Did you know that God has an alarm clock for our souls?

Beginning a month before the start of the High Holy Days, the sounds of the shofar, the biblically mandated trumpet, can be heard throughout synagogues across the world, calling people to reflect, repent and return to God.

On this podcast, Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, continues exploring the significance and meaning of the Jewish High Holy Days, focusing on one of the primary rituals of this holiest time on the Jewish calendar: the sounding of the shofar.

Yael explores why the Jewish people use a shofar to prepare themselves for the new year, and how its many sounds are a call to self-improvement, to repentance, and to return to God during these holy days.

Join Yael as she explains the symbolism and messages of the shofar, and how its sounds should be reverberating in our daily lives.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

And learn more about the High Holy Days by visiting our Learn Center.

Every year, Jewish people in Israel and around the world take a special spiritual journey.

And on today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein shares how preparing for the upcoming High Holy Days can teach us all—Christians and Jews, alike—about connecting with God and ourselves.

In coming weeks, Yael will explore how the sounds of the shofar awaken the soul; how Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, teaches us about the gift of repentance; and how Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, teaches us the power of forgiveness. We’ll discover the blessings of unity that Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, teaches. And we’ll see how this holy season ends with a celebration of God’s Word on Simchat Torah—bringing God and His word with us into the new year.

Yael begins the journey by looking at the three spiritual paths—repentance, prayer, and charity—that help prepare us for the High Holy Days. Join us for this unique spiritual journey.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Have you ever noticed how many “30 Day Challenges” our society gives us? Challenges to lose weight, to learn a language, to straighten up your house, or even straighten up your finances! The world loves to give us month-long challenges.

But did you know the Jewish people have been doing a 30-Day Challenge for thousands of years?

That’s right! The Hebrew month of Elul began last night at sunset. And so did an ancient biblical Jewish practice—one Jesus likely participated in. During Elul, the Jewish people prepare themselves spiritually for the High Holy Days, which begin with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and conclude on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This annual month-long challenge—performed by generations of Jewish people—lays the groundwork for real and lasting change.

Host Yael Eckstein shows us that it takes a full 30 days to connect with God, nourish our souls, and make spiritual changes that last, setting us up for a successful year to come and a blessed life ahead!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

The Bible isn’t just stories of epic happenings and holy miracles. It’s not all Noah filling the ark or David defeating Goliath, mighty armies falling at the hands of God’s people or great heroes rising from humble beginnings.

God’s Word is full of meaning—even in the places we might not expect. And this week’s podcast is one of those places.

Host Yael Eckstein takes a look at a passage in Scripture (Leviticus 2:4-7) that gives us a biblical history lesson—about the sacrifices and offerings that were brought to the Tabernacle, and then to the Temple. And, as Yael explains, even though we no longer bring the sacrifices described in the Bible, these verses still contain eternal messages relevant to our lives today—teaching us all to be grateful.

Yael talks about how meeting the needy who The Fellowship helps restore her own perspective and sense of gratitude. And she shares the prayer that she recites the first thing each morning as soon as she opens her eyes.

Discover how to better cultivate a grateful heart so that you can have an attitude of gratitude—feeling blessed, joyful, and thankful every single day of your life.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“How does a nation come to Jerusalem?”

That’s a question that comes up during Yael Eckstein’s latest conversation—with former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman. A Nobel Peace Prize nominee and the co-architect of 2020’s groundbreaking Abraham Accords, Friedman freely shares about his work in the ambassadorship. And aside from his time in the embassy, the ambassador has also enjoyed a long and respected legal career and a second career as an author.

His new book, One Jewish State—its foreword by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and out on September 3—looks hopefully and thoughtfully at the possibility for peace in Jerusalem. And during his conversation with Yael, Ambassador Friedman also shares his wisdom on life and faith—ultimately sharing an answer to the afore-mentioned question that was given more than two thousand years ago by the prophet Isaiah.

So listen now to this insightful and inspirational conversation with a true servant and ambassador for America, for Israel, and for all people of faith.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)

These words from the Bible—spoken from the Gentile Ruth to her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi—were quoted in a Christian publication in 1932.

As anti-Semitism rose in Germany—soon to spread across Europe, along with the Second World War—even then, Christians were standing up for their Jewish brothers and sisters. In this particular article, taken from the published archives of the Assemblies of God (AG), church leaders call on Christians to be like Ruth, supporting their needy Jewish loved ones.

This instance of bravery ended up on the right side of history. But it was just one in a long line of Christian and Jewish bridge-building and fellowship displayed by this denomination founded back in 1911. By 1915, the AG is condemning anti-Semitism in Europe—long before the Holocaust, Jews faced pogroms in Russia and elsewhere. And as soon as the Nazis began their rise to power, the AG voiced their stance against anti-Semitism and for the Jewish people, loudly and to the world.

This history of friendship between Christians and Jews is why Yael was excited to invite AG Director of Communications and Public Relations Mark Forrester to the podcast. Having served the AG for 16 years, Mark also published Trending Up: Social Media Strategies for Today’s Churches in collaboration with close friends across denominational lines.

A true bridge builder, Mark shares instances of historic and heroic support for the Jewish people. And a true friend of Israel, Mark talks about his first trip to Israel, as well as a visit to a southern kibbutz near Gaza shortly before the October 7th attacks. Join Yael for this inspiring conversation.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

What is the one thing we must teach our children if we want them to never give up on their values and beliefs? We must teach them hope.

On today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein shares how perpetual hope in God’s promises has sustained the Jewish people through enslavement and exile, through pogroms and persecution, and even through the Holocaust. Each year, on the Jewish observance of Tisha B’Av, this foundational principle of hope is celebrated as the Jewish people mourn the many tragedies that have befallen them throughout history on this very day.

As Yael explains, by teaching our children that the world is not as it should be, we are equipping them to never give up. There is always hope for a better world and a better future. Listen now!

If you’ve ever felt like giving up, today’s episode is especially for you.

In less than two weeks, Jews around the world will observe the darkest day on the Jewish calendar, Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the month of Av. On this day, Jewish people weep for something that happened more than 2,000 years ago—the destruction of both the First and Second Temples that once stood in Jerusalem. But, while this is a day of deep sorrow, host Yael Eckstein explains it’s also one of great hope—a hope that has sustained the Jewish people through the centuries.

As people of faith, we should never lose hope. We worship a God of love, mercy, and compassion, and He is fulfilling His promises from the Bible. Listen now to this encouraging message.

Learn more about Tisha B’Av.

“My heart is broken for the Jewish people, and I want to help in any way that I can.”

These words, from an elderly farmer in America, longing to help the people of Israel—God’s people—in their time of need inspired Rabbi Daniel Korobkin when he heard them recently. As the rabbi tells Yael Eckstein in this podcast conversation, “it shook so many of us so deeply… it was moving to see this kind of care.”

This friendship and shared faith—this fellowship—between Christians and Jews is what drew Rabbi Korobkin to The Fellowship—the decades of bridges built by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, of blessed memory, and continued today. Since 2021, Rabbi Korobkin has served on the board of IFCJ Canada, where he also serves as Senior Rabbi for Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto.

Being born and raised in the U.S.—where he also taught and served congregations before moving north—as well as learning from his mother’s experiences surviving the Holocaust as a young girl on one of the kindertransports has positioned Rabbi Korobkin to understand and appreciate not only The Fellowship’s supporters, but so many of the Jewish people in need we help.

And it is this life of experiences—from the U.S. to Canada, from synagogue to soup kitchen, from America to Israel—that Rabbi Korobkin shares with Yael in this inspiring conversation on shared faith, on what friendship and support Israel today, and how The Fellowship and our friends around the world are showing the Jewish people that they might be, as Balaam says in the Book of Numbers, “a solitary nation”—but while they are “alone, they’re not lonely.”

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“I’m amazed to see all the love.”

That’s what Ohad Roth of the Jerusalem Development Authority (JDA) said when he visited the U.S. this year. That’s what he said about the love he and his fellow Israelis felt from their Christian friends in America. Friends like The Fellowship’s faithful supporters.

Roth, the JDA’s Director of Tourism, and Anat Landa, the Director of International Conferences for the organization, were gracious enough to take a few minutes from their very busy schedule to sit down with The Fellowship at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN.

In the U.S. to represent the city of Jerusalem, Roth and Landa discuss how the biblical history of the Holy City make it so special, how it is also a vibrant city with much to offer visitors today, and how Israel’s friends around the world can support her and her people by visiting.

Learn about the Jerusalem Development Authority.

And to learn more about the historical and biblical significance of God’s Holy City, download our free Bible study on Jerusalem: God’s Holy City.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” (Psalm 77:11)

When he sat down to speak with The Fellowship, this is the psalm that Pastor Tony Suarez mentioned in his discussion of Israel—and the responsibility that people of faith, both Christian and Jewish, have to “learn the Scripture” and tell “the history of the Jewish people.” We all, as people of faith, must remember what God has done, and is doing. And His people, Israel, are certainly evidence of that.

A longtime friend of both Israel and The Fellowship, Pastor Suarez sat down with Dr. Paul Paino of The Fellowship’s Church Relations Department, to discuss his life and ministry, and the role that Christians play in supporting Israel.

Pastor Suarez reminds us all that “We must be vocal, we must be public, and at times demonstrative in our love and support for Israel because it’s time to stand for the Jewish people and their land.” And in doing so—in standing for and supporting God’s people—we are His “hands and feet.”

Join us for this inspirational conversation between two men of faith as they discuss our biblical mandate to stand for, to support, and to bless Israel—and learn more about Pastor Tony Suarez at Revivalmakers.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Have you ever noticed that the irony of our times is that we have more time-saving technology, but less time to spend on the things that really matter to us?

In this episode, host Yael Eckstein talks about how the ancient observance of the Sabbath—a time to relax, rethink, and reset—is exactly what we all need to combat the challenges of today’s modern world. Yael takes a closer look at the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt, how tired and hopeless they felt, and the lessons that we can learn today about finding freedom from all the stuff that enslaves us.

We’ll learn that if we can reclaim the practice of the Sabbath, each in our own way, we will find more time for joy in our lives!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“One generation commends your works to another.” (Psalm 145:4)

Early in his podcast conversation with Yael Eckstein, Pastor Dumisani Washington quotes these words of King David when speaking of the lessons of faith his parents passed down to him. And it is this continued generational legacy—to younger generations and to other people of faith—that Pastor Washington and Yael focus on in this inspiring discussion.

Pastor Washington joins Fellowship President and CEO Yael Eckstein to discuss how they’ve both learned from those before them—not only learning lessons from struggles and difficulties, but learning to celebrate community.

Speaking of his lifework creating community between the Christian community, the Black church, and the Jewish people, Dumisani Washington tells how music, world news, and his own first visit to the Western Wall built those bridges that he continues to work on today.

Learn more about the work of Pastor Dumisani Washington at the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel and Truth to Power Live, and read his book, Zionism and the Black Church.

For Christian music fans of many generations, Petra means rock. From the band’s early years in Ft. Wayne—“playing in parks and prisons and coffee houses” to decades of international success on the biggest stages, Petra not only changed with the evolving musical landscape, they defined Christian music. And for all of those years—culminating in last year’s 50th anniversary world tour—Petra was led, on guitar and as the band’s main songwriter and visionary, by Bob Hartman.

So it was with true excitement—as fans and as fellow friends of Israel—that Bishop Paul Lanier and The Fellowship welcomed Bob Hartman to the podcast at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN.

Bob was gracious enough to stop by from his home in Tennessee to discuss his career, the musical legacy that Petra has left for people of faith, and his love for God’s people, Israel.

Listen to this uplifting conversation with Christian musician and songwriter, Petra’s Bob Hartman.

As kids, who didn’t count down the days until the end of school and the beginning of summer vacation? Even as adults, we sometimes count down the days to an important event—a milestone birthday, a wedding, or a special vacation. But if you think about it, in counting down the days, we can mistakenly relegate those days as obstacles to get through in order to reach the anticipated event, rather than as the priceless gift that each day is.

On Shavuot, today’s podcast shares Bible verses that direct us to count each day in a way that celebrates the moment. Through ancient Jewish teachings, we will learn how counting each day—in the right way—is the secret to making every day count.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Today, Jews in Israel celebrate Jerusalem Day—Yom Yerushalayim—commemorating the miraculous reunification of God’s Holy City after the Six-Day War of 1967.

But as podcast host Yael Eckstein explains, we ALL—Christians and Jews—should celebrate Jerusalem Day! Not only is Jerusalem God’s designated place where His Temple once stood and will someday stand again, but as we read in Psalm 137:5, “If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.” God does not want us to forget His eternal capital!

In today’s special Jerusalem Day episode, Yael explores the spiritual significance of Jerusalem and why its historical reunification is so important. We ALL need to recognize what God has done and is doing in Jerusalem in our times… and why both Christians and Jews should give Him thanks and praise for His miracles!

Check out our resource page on What Is Jerusalem Day? at our Learning Center for more information.

“I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil.” (Deuteronomy 11:14)

This is the Bible verse that this week’s podcast guest quotes when speaking of a very special spot in the Holy Land of Israel.

Neot Kedumim, Hebrew for “pleasant pastures,” is a biblical nature reserve in Israel—open for all to come experience firsthand the nature and culture of the Bible. Efrat Meir-Groman is Tourism Director at Neot Kedumim, and graciously sat down with The Fellowship to bring our listeners with her to this “beautiful place.”

Full of wildlife and natural wonders from God’s Creation, Neot Kedumim brings the Bible to life. Efrat discusses the animals and nature one might find there, as well as such biblical activities such as shepherding and gathering water that people can experience today. And Neot Kedumim is a “hands-on” park, allowing visitors to see, smell, hear, taste, and touch the Bible with all five senses.

Learn more about Neot Kedumim and plan your visit today.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Born in America. Raised in the Holy Land. A devoted Jewish father and husband. An IDF veteran. A veteran of Israel’s politics—having served as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Israel, as well as Bureau Chief and Foreign Policy Advisor. And now the author of a book about Israel that directly looks at the events that helped lead up to the ongoing war with Hamas.

This is Ari Harow. Besides all of these accomplishments and experiences, Ari is also part of our Fellowship family—literally. Fellowship President and CEO Yael Eckstein is privileged that Ari is her brother-in-law. And now, having shared Shabbat dinners and family memories with him, Yael welcomes to the podcast this Israeli who has devoted his life to making life better for his country, God’s people, Israel—truly his brothers’ and sisters’ keeper.

Ari shares not only his own life story of making aliyah (immigrating to Israel) as a child from the U.S. to the moment when he knew he would devote his life to serving Israel—while serving as a 20-year-old in the IDF infantry in Lebanon. He also shares about his time serving under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the many situations he navigated in that role—including the 2014 kidnappings of three Israeli boys that led to Israel’s last major war in Gaza.

Listen to this insightful conversation with an Israeli who has devoted his life to serving the people of Israel.

And read Ari Harow’s new book about his life, his career, and how a moment in Israel’s recent history set the course of today’s events, My Brother’s Keeper: Netanyahu, Obama & the Year of Terror & Conflict that Changed the Middle East Forever.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“These are God’s chosen people and He’s got a message that He wants to give the rest of the world through them.”

This is what Ambassador Sam Brownback, a true friend of Israel, told Fellowship Board Chair Bishop Paul Lanier during a recent conversation on matters of faith and how Christians can stand for the Jewish state and its people.

But despite the Jewish people’s calling as God’s people, Brownback points out that “evil has come after them in almost every country they’ve been in.”

And it is this evil, this faithlessness, that Ambassador Brownback has helped combat throughout his long career as a public servant, as both Congressman and Senator, as Governor of his home state of Kansas, and as Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom during the Trump Administration.

Speaking with Bishop Lanier at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN, Ambassador Brownback shares about his first trip to Israel while serving in the U.S. Congress, his recent trip to the Holy Land in the wake of the October 7th attacks, and what people of faith can do do stand for what’s right and stand for Israel.

Listen to this insightful conversation with a true ambassador for faith and freedom.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

This past October—October 10, 2023 to be exact—Yael Eckstein planned to welcome Dean Michele Bachmann to the podcast to discuss the dean joining the board of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, as well as her lifelong love of Israel and her time spent there. Of course the Hamas attacks of October 7th changed those plans, and in the months since, Israel and those who support her have been busy simply meeting the needs of the Israeli people.

But in those long, hard months, Dean Bachmann has proven to be what she has always been—a true blessing to Israel—as she helps lead The Fellowship during these days when The Fellowship is needed, more than ever on the ground in the Holy Land.

A recent solidarity trip to Israel found Dean Bachmann and the rest of The Fellowship’s board visiting not only the sites of unimaginable violence and devastation left in the wake of Hamas’ attacks—including the kibbutz where Dean Bachmann once lived and worked as a teenager—but also some of the projects that The Fellowship and our faithful donors support, projects that are saving lives.

She shares about wounded IDF soldiers whose dedication to life gives her hope. She shares about elderly survivors of the Hamas attacks who have been given hope. She gives us all a glimpse into how Christians are blessing—and being blessed by—God’s people.

Listen now to learn about the current situation on the ground in Israel, and to learn what Christians in America—Christians like Michele Bachmann and like you—are doing to bless Israel.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“In Israel, we actually say, ‘Magen David Adom is Israel.’”

This is what Uri Shacham—chief of staff for Magen David Adom, Israel’s emergency services—recently told The Fellowship when he sat down to discuss his organization’s history, from the earliest days of Israel until October 7th and the difficult days since.

Founded 94 years ago in 1930, in the wake of anti-Semitic riots against the pre-state Jewish population of the Holy Land, Magen David Adom has fulfilled its mission of preparedness and compassion for the people of Israel ever since.

And when Hamas terrorists overran southern Israel on October 7th, killing 1,200 and wounded thousands more, Magen David Adom emergency personnel and ambulance crews were prepared for the unthinkable, rushing into harm’s way to rescue those in need and putting their own lives at-risk, some even making the greatest sacrifice.

Listen to this conversation with Uri Shacham, chief of staff for Israel’s national emergency service, about how Magen David Adom has served Israel for more than nine decades, and continues to serve Israel’s people in their time of need.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

In today’s special Passover episode, host Yael Eckstein explains the unique and sometimes unusual traditions for the Passover seder that teach us to ask questions. In fact, the telling of the Exodus story begins not with facts and explanations, but with questions.

As Yael explains, this time-honored tradition of asking questions during Passover is an annual reminder that God wants us to be lifelong seekers. By asking God our questions and entering Passover with a spirit of curiosity, we are more open to learning, rediscovering, and recommitting to Him on our journey of faith, ultimately, growing ever closer to Him.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

As we approach the holy season of Passover, host Yael Eckstein is joined on the podcast by Bishop Paul Lanier, Chairman of the Board for the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and pastor of Hope Community Church in Winston-Salem, N.C., to discuss the relevance today of the ancient and timeless Exodus story for both Christians and Jews.

In this profound conversation, Bishop Lanier shares how the Passover celebration rallies people of faith around the table and reminds us of who we are in God. Through Passover, Bishop Lanier says, we find a message of hope that speaks across all generations, reminding us that God is with us amidst our afflictions and sufferings, bringing us His redemption.

Learn more about the Passover celebration at our Learning Center.

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

As he sat down with The Fellowship recently, Jordan Marcellino quoted Isaiah 58:12 when telling how God called his family back to Israel—to live, to work, and to restore the beautiful Holy Land he calls home.

“Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.”

And today, the holy work of rebuilding, repairing, restoring, and raising up the Holy Land is being done through the Beautiful Land Initiative (BLI), founded by Jordan and his wife Hillary in 2015. With a wide array of projects—from voluntourism cleanups to beachside bins, from education to archaeology of the land of the Bible—BLI connects those who stand with Israel to the Holy Land that they love, making it even more beautiful in the process.

Jordan chatted with The Fellowship at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN, sharing of Israel’s beauty, of God’s call to him, and how the Beautiful Land Initiative is inspiring and empowering all of God’s people to appreciate and take ownership of His Holy Land.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“October 7th was such a wake-up call for us.”

These are the worlds of Adele Raemer—an Israeli, a mother, a grandmother, a kibbutz resident near Israel’s border with Gaza, and a survivor of the Hamas attacks of that day.

Adele spoke with Fellowship President and CEO Yael Eckstein—from the war-torn Holy Land—in the weeks after the attacks. And she recently traveled from her temporary home in Israel to join The Fellowship at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN, to tell Americans of faith her story.

After hosting a special media event that featured a conversation with Governor Mike Huckabee, she sat down to share with us her experiences—before, during, and since the terrorist infiltration into southern Israel, including her longtime home in Nirim.

Listen to this important and uplifting conversation.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

For listeners of this podcast, Dr. Alveda King has been a favorite guest, sharing about her family’s legacy and her own faith.

And so it was with great excitement that Bishop Lanier and The Fellowship welcomed Dr. King at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN.

This author, professor, civil rights pioneer, and dear friend of Israel and of The Fellowship was gracious enough to share an inspiring conversation that we know will inspire you, as well.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

This month, Jews around the world celebrate one of the most joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar—Purim, which commemorates the events written about in the Book of Esther. During this celebration, Jewish people host parties, share holiday treats with friends, and dress up in costumes and masks—a lot like Halloween. But unlike Halloween, people go door to door in order to give treats, not receive them. And the costumes have nothing to do with ghosts or gore.

As we’ll discover on today’s special Purim episode with host Yael Eckstein, this is because the message of Purim is that things aren’t always as they seem. We must look beneath the surface to see God in everything, and behind the masks we often wear to see God in every person.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“Anu is the Hebrew word for we or us.”

That’s how Grace Rapkin explains the name of ANU—Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv, which she serves as Marketing Manager.

The “we” that this museum serves includes all of us—all people of faith. And the crowd that was able to watch this podcast live was certainly made up of such faithful folks, at the recent National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN.

Ms. Rapkin sat down with The Fellowship to talk about this very special museum in the Holy Land, and its many exhibits that teach about millennia of Jewish worship, tradition, and culture—including the Codex Sassoon, which many of you might have heard about recently as the oldest Hebrew Bible in existence.

From this priceless example of God’s Word to items donated by the likes of Steven Spielberg and Bob Dylan, from art made in the wake of the October 7th attacks to an interactive exhibit that teaches Jewish recipes from across the globe, ANU: Museum of the Jewish People shows us the influence that Judaism has had on the world, from Bible times to today.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

For Christian music fans, the name Reba Rambo certainly evokes fond memories and emotions. Her music, and her family’s musical legacy, have provided the soundtrack for the lives of countless people of faith. One of these fans, Fellowship Board Chair Bishop Paul Lanier, even recalls Reba’s classic album, Lady, playing in his college dorm room.

And so it was with great excitement that Bishop Lanier and The Fellowship welcomed Reba Rambo to the podcast recently at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN.

Reba was gracious enough to share some time with us as she discussed her Hall of Fame career, the musical legacy passed down from her parents, her lifelong musical ministry, and her love for Israel.

Listen to this uplifting conversation with trailblazing Christian singer, songwriter, and artist, Reba Rambo.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“Everything that I embrace as a Christian is rooted in the promises that God gave to the Jewish people.”

Of the many Christian friends of The Fellowship and of the Jewish state of Israel, none has a passion and calling stronger than that of Governor Mike Huckabee. His accomplishments—44th governor of Arkansas, presidential candidate, ordained Southern Baptist pastor, and TBN host—certainly show him to be a man of action and a man of God.

Gov. Huckabee recently put his godly heart for Israel into action by joining with The Fellowship at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention in Nashville, TN. Before hosting a special media event that featured a conversation with an Israeli survivor of the October 7th attacks, he sat down with Fellowship Board Chair Bishop Paul Lanier to discuss his heart for Israel and what he experienced in a recent visit to the Holy Land.

Of this fellowship of faith between Christians and Jews and between America and Israel, Gov. Huckabee says, “This is a biblical mandate, and we need to stand on it and recognize that we should never ever allow the Jewish people to feel that they’re alone again.”

Listen to this important and uplifting conversation.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

In the months since October 7, Israel has—for better or for worse—been a regular feature in international news. And while much of the world voices its opposition against (and hatred for) the Jewish state, there are voices who are speaking out for Israel.

On this week’s podcast, Yael welcomes one of the Holy Land’s voices to the world. Eylon Levy has been serving as official Israeli government spokesperson since the beginning of the ongoing war in Gaza. In this role, he has become one of Israel’s most recognized faces.

Eylon has done this in many ways. As a journalist and news anchor, he can provide the cold, hard facts to the world—showing the truth about Israel and the threats the nation faces in a way that so many media outlets refuse to. One story he shares is that of another podcast guest—Rachel Goldberg, whose son Hersh is still being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. The job can be difficult—much like life has become harder for all Israelis—but Eylon shares how he keeps his cool in the hardest situations, as well as why he works so hard to share “what Israel is about.”

Besides his work as a talking head and giving press conferences, Eylon also excels in the media landscape of the 21st century—as much a new media content creator as he is a government spokesperson. A recent video he shared—his grandmother’s hummus recipe—is a perfect example of this.

By presenting the truth about Israel—in traditional, as well as new and exciting ways, Eylon Levy is truly a light in the darkness that God’s people are facing. You won’t want to miss Yael’s conversation as he shares both the hard facts of what Israel is facing, as well as the hope he sees for the people of Israel.

Listen now.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

In the wake of the Hamas attacks of October 7, life changed for all the people of the Holy Land, one of whom is this week’s special podcast guest. But Tommy Waller wasn’t born in the Jewish state, and isn’t even Jewish. Tommy is a Christian from America…

After rising through the ranks of the American work world, God called Tommy and his wife to make a change in their lives. First, they moved their family to a farm in Amish country and learned to live off the land. And then God called them to Israel!

For nearly 20 years, Tommy and Sherri Waller have run HaYovel in Israel’s heartland, providing Christians from abroad the opportunity for a “renewed sense of purpose, a strengthened faith, and a zeal for God’s worldwide plan of restoration that began with Abraham,” as they volunteer in the vineyards and fields of biblical Judea and Samaria.

Tommy shares with Yael his story of coming to the Holy Land, what he’s experienced there over the past two decades and in the past months of war, and he even surprises her with a special story of his own meeting of her father, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, of blessed memory.

Listen now as Yael talks with a Christian from America about his life in God’s Holy Land.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Join host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, as she pays tribute to her beloved father and mentor, Fellowship Founder Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, who unexpectedly passed away five years ago on February 6, 2019. Yael celebrates her father’s extraordinary life with a special guest—Beryl Eckstein, her father’s younger brother.

In this very personal and emotional podcast, Beryl recalls growing up with Yechiel, walks us through the early, painful days when his brother was ostracized by the Jewish community for his work reaching out to Christians, and honors the lasting legacy of Rabbi Eckstein’s historic bridge-building work.

You won’t want to miss this inspiring tribute to a man whose vision literally changed the course of Jewish-Christian relations.

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

This week, host Yael Eckstein comes to us from the Holy Land with two very special guests, both of them Israelis, both of them strong, proud Jewish women, and both of them survivors.

Born in Poland before WWII began, Sarah survived the Holocaust, unlike so many of her loved ones, among the six million Jewish people murdered by the Nazis. And, on October 7th, this precious 88-year-old woman again survived an attack on God’s people, at her kibbutz home in the Holy Land.

Noa also survived the attacks of October 7th. A 23-year-old Israeli, she was attending the Nova Festival near the Gaza border with friends, enjoying the beauty and serenity of the Holy Land she calls home. Noa survived that horrific day, unlike many of her friends, and unlike more than 1,200 others.

Listen now to these two incredible survivors’ stories, as we once again are reminded that we must “Never Forget” lessons from history—both distant and more recent—so that such horrors “Never Again” happen in our world.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day—observed every January 27, the day the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated in 1945—is a day to remember one of the darkest times in history, a time that resulted in the horrific murder of six million Jewish souls.

While it is a somber day to remember the lives lost at the hands of the Nazis, it is also a time for us all to remember the lessons of the Holocaust. It is a time when we renew the pledge that the Jewish people adopted after this catastrophic event: Never Forget. Yet as host Yael Eckstein reminds us, it is not enough to just remember; we also must take meaningful action.

In today’s powerful podcast, Yael shares two valuable lessons we can learn from the Holocaust—the value and importance of saving even one life and how just one person can make a tremendous impact on the world. Listen now!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

In the aftermath of the Holocaust, in which six million Jewish men, women, and children perished at the hands of the Nazis, the Jewish people vowed, “Never forget.” Yet, as host Yael Eckstein and her special guest Elisha Wiesel discuss on the podcast, an alarming number of adults today know nothing about the Holocaust.

Elisha brings a unique perspective to the conversation as the only son of Elie Wiesel, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Holocaust survivor, and author of Night, the renowned memoir of survival in the Nazi death camps. Wiesel shares on the podcast his father’s legacy, not only as a passionate humanitarian, but as a proud Jew, who wanted to bring light to the dark places in our world.

Listen now to this important and insightful conversation as we remember the lives lost during the Holocaust, honor those who survived, and vow, "Never again."

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

As we prepare to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., host Yael Eckstein welcomes to the podcast Dr. Alveda King, daughter of slain civil rights activist Rev. A.D. King, and niece of Dr. King.

Throughout her life, Alveda has carried on the legacy of the King family, passing on the message of love for and dignity of each human being as a champion for life from “the womb to the tomb.”

Dr. King shares with Yael, “As I was brought up by my Daddy, my Granddaddy, and my Uncle ML, we must know that we are all one race, and we must work together for human dignity… anywhere and everywhere we are on this planet.”

You won’t want to miss this fascinating message that will inspire each of us to promote God’s goodness wherever we are. For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

This week, host Yael Eckstein comes to us from the Holy Land with a very special guest. Adele Raemer is a mother, grandmother, blogger, teacher, hospital clown, and an Israeli.

After growing up in the U.S., Adele made aliyah to her Jewish homeland after the Yom Kippur War of 1973, and has for decades made her home on a kibbutz in southern Israel—a green, beautiful home that she says was always “95% heaven.”

But all of that changed on October 7th. Like so many kibbutzim living near Israel’s border with Gaza, Adele found herself and her loved ones under attack by Hamas terrorists. Unlike so many of their neighbors and countrymen, Adele and her family survived. But like so many survivors of the attack, they have yet to return to their little slice of heaven, the home that they love.

Listen now as Adele talks to Yael about life in the Holy Land—before October 7th, during that horrific day, and in the hard but hopeful days since.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Did you know that Moses wasn’t the first person to see the burning bush in the desert?

According to Jewish tradition, many shepherds had walked by, but none of them bothered to stop. Maybe they were distracted or didn’t want to deal with the fire—or they were simply too busy to take the time to look. But Moses saw the fire—and because he went over to check it out, Moses was present to the miracle that was happening right before his eyes.

In today’s powerful episode, host Yael Eckstein shares the lesson of how we must try—even in a world full of distractions—to live in the present moment, just like Moses. If we do, we’ll not only strengthen our relationship with God, but also witness more beauty and miracles all around us! Are you ready?

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Being such a small country, in an arid land often inhospitable to agriculture, Israel has truly brought the miraculous, prophetic words of the Bible to life—making the desert bloom. This week, host Yael Eckstein comes to us from the Holy Land with a special conversation with one of the Israelis who has spent his life tilling the soil in a region he calls “The Barn of Israel.”

But, on October 7, the agricultural director of the farming community of Kibbutz Nahal Oz found himself, his community, and his land under attack by Hamas. Just yards from Israel’s border with Gaza, Moran survived that day…

…and now Moran is working to bring back to life this beautiful desert land that so many of God’s people work on, live on, and love, in the wake of the Hamas attacks and the ongoing war.

Listen now as Yael discusses with Moran what kibbutz life was like before October 7, what that awful day brought to his community, and how he is working to rebuild this land he calls home.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Does your family have any special holiday traditions during this special time of year? Most of us do, including host Yael Eckstein, who shares her special family traditions for Hanukkah.

Yael explains not only how this holiday inspires hope, faith, and light for her husband and kids, but how Hanukkah has kept the Jewish people hopeful during the darkest of times in their history.

This Hanukkah, especially, is a time to remember all the light that God brings to our lives and a time to inspire faith in those who so desperately need it. Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Did you know that it is during the darkest time of the year when the Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights? And that is no coincidence. Because only against that backdrop of darkness can we truly appreciate light.

In this special Hanukkah episode, host Yael Eckstein will explore this season during which Jews remember miracles that happened throughout their history and miracles that are still happening today! As we’ll learn in this powerful episode, Hanukkah reminds us that no matter how dark things may be, we can still find light.

No matter how impossible things may seem, God can make miracles happen. Listen now!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Do you know how miracles happen? A miracle just takes one step of faith and God takes care of the rest!

That’s what we learn in today’s special Hanukkah episode, in which podcast host Yael Eckstein dives into the story of the miracle of the oil. We learn how when rededicating the Temple in ancient times, God’s people lit the menorah on faith alone because they knew they didn’t have enough pure oil for it to burn more than one day. And guess what? God performed a miracle, and the flame lasted for eight days until they could get more pure oil!

This Hanukkah, all God wants us to do is light that first candle and then He will provide the rest. Just as the Hanukkah story has inspired the Jewish people throughout history, let God’s miracles in our own lives encourage the light of others, ignite hope, and let our faith burn bright! Listen now!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Hanukkah, a season of God’s light and miracles, is probably one of the most well-known Jewish holidays, primarily because of its proximity to Christmas. But do you know what miracles are remembered and celebrated during this season?

Host Yael Eckstein begins a series on Hanukkah, exploring the many lessons of faith that the Festival of Lights has for us, especially during this dark time when Israel finds herself at war and God's people find themselves praying to Him for a miracle once again.

Today, Yael tells us the miraculous story of the Maccabees, and how their courage and faith in God were a huge turning point in history for the Jewish people. Hanukkah is a reminder for us that we never know how one act of bravery can be turned into one of God’s miracles!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Have you ever felt like you don’t matter? Or that what you do simply doesn’t count for anything? Podcast host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, shares another way of understanding God’s command to Moses to count the people of Israel and its important message about our true value in God's eyes and our power to change the world for the better.

This week, Yael brings us a difficult but necessary conversation, as she welcomes Rachel Goldberg, a Jewish mother in Israel. Rachel’s son, 23-year-old Hersh, was taken hostage by Hamas terrorists during their attacks on October 7. Since that day, Rachel has prayed—along with the Jewish people’s friends around the world—for her son’s safe return.

Yael speaks with Rachel about Hersh—about his life, about the young man he is, about the final evening she spent with her son, and about the difficult moments before his capture—and what she has done in the days since to bring awareness to the situation in Israel and to bring her son home. Most importantly, Rachel shares what has given her hope and strength in the difficult days since her son was taken hostage.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

With so much hurt in the Holy Land, we need to hear positive stories from Israel, stories of Holy Land Heroes. This week, Yael welcomes a young Israeli who is a true “light to the nations.”

Ariel Elkin is a 16-year-old racecar driver from Israel who is competing—and winning—at the highest levels of racing, even at his young age. Partnering with The Fellowship as he prepares to race in Texas, Ariel shares our mission—reaching out to Israel’s friends around the world and working to gain support for the Jewish state and her people.

Yael speaks with Ariel about his childhood in Israel, his already accomplished career on the racetrack, and how important Israel’s friends are, especially in times like these. For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

After terror attacks killed over 1,300 Israelis, injured thousands more, and left more than 150 hostages in the hands of Hamas terrorists, the nation of Israel is at war. Bishop Paul Lanier, Board Chairman of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, joins us for a special online town hall he shared with Michele Bachmann, former member of Congress, dean of Regent University’s Robertson School of Government, Fellowship board member, and friend of Israel. Bishop Lanier and Dean Bachmann discuss The Fellowship’s role on the ground in the Holy Land, as well as how their faith shapes their understanding of the situation.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Discover the encouraging message about faith that is found in God’s commandment to use olive oil to light the lampstand (menorah) in the Tabernacle. Host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, explains on today’s podcast how this ancient source of light teaches us how to access light in dark times and become a much-needed source of light in the world today.

As the High Holy Days end, Jews around the world spend one last day in an intense celebration with God before resuming their normal routines. Simchat Torah, which means “Rejoicing in the Torah,” is unlike any other observance that takes place in synagogue. As host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, describes in today’s podcast, the entire congregation—from the youngest children to the oldest adults—takes out the Torah scroll and joins in a never-ending circle of dancing and singing. The celebration marks the completion of reading through the Torah, from Genesis to Deuteronomy, before the reading cycle begins again. But the lesson of Simchat Torah, says Yael, lasts throughout the year. Simchat Torah is a reminder that the way to stay close to God and transform inspiration into action throughout the year is through God’s Word. Learn more about this amazing celebration in today’s powerful podcast.

Do you know the one holy day that the entire world will celebrate in Messianic times? According to the prophet Zechariah, it’s the Festival of Tabernacles, or as it’s called in Hebrew, Sukkot (Zechariah 4:16.). Unity among all God’s children is a major theme of this joyous celebration that is part of the High Holy Days that Jews around the world have been observing. In continuing her series on the High Holy Days, podcast host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, looks to the lessons of Sukkot on practical ways to bring us together. In a world that is increasingly divided, this powerful episode teaches us the spirit and essence of Sukkot encourages a spirit of unity that can bring goodness, pleasantness, and blessings to our lives in the long run.

It’s been said that two of the hardest words for people to say are “I’m sorry.” Can you relate? When have you experienced needing to apologize and dreaded doing it? Or maybe, you have been hurt by someone who won’t apologize to you? In this special episode about Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, explores how those two words relate to the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Admitting our wrongdoings, committing to making changes, and moving forward is what the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur is all about! When we do this with sincerity, God always forgives and always has mercy. And those words – “I’m sorry” – have the power to heal relationships and change our future for the better.

How many of us think about repentance as we celebrate and usher in a New Year on January 1? Probably not many! But when Jews usher in the Jewish New Year on Rosh Hashanah, the main focus is on repentance, or teshuvah, which means to “return” to God and to who we really are. The sound of the shofar, the ritual trumpet, signals this time to reflect on the past twelve months, fix any behavior that isn’t helpful, and return to God who is waiting with open arms. In this special Rosh Hashanah episode, host Yael Eckstein shares the Jewish perspective on the meaning of repentance and its significance for both Christians and Jews, and how it has the power to nourish our souls and transform us into the people we are meant to be!

Since the time Abraham sent his servant to find a suitable bride for his son, arranged marriages have been a time-honored tradition in the Jewish faith. On today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, welcomes Aleeza Ben Shalom, star of the Netflix series Jewish Matchmaking, to explore this tradition and how she is continuing this ancient practice today. Over the past 16 years, Aleeza has helped more than 200 couples find their soulmates, and she shares with Yael her discoveries on what makes a successful match — and more importantly, a lasting marriage. You won’t want to miss this intriguing conversation!

Did you know that God has an alarm clock for our souls? Beginning a month before the start of the High Holy Days, the sounds of the shofar, the biblically mandated trumpet, can be heard throughout synagogues across the world, calling people to reflect, repent and return to God. On this podcast, Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, continues exploring the significance and meaning of the Jewish High Holy Days, focusing on one of the primary rituals of this holiest time on the Jewish calendar: the sounding of the shofar. Yael explores why the Jewish people use a shofar to prepare themselves for the new year, and how its many sounds are a call to self-improvement, to repentance, and to return to God during these holy days. Join Yael as she explains the symbolism and messages of the shofar, and how its sounds should be reverberating in our daily lives.

Today, host Yael Eckstein begins a six-part series examining the spiritual journey Jews around the world take each year during the High Holy Days and what lessons these holy observances can teach Christians and Jews about connecting with God and ourselves. In this series, Yael will explore how the sounds of the shofar awaken the soul, how Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, teaches us about the gift of repentance, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, teaches us the power of forgiveness. We’ll discover the blessings of unity that Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, teaches, and how this holy season ends with a celebration of God’s Word on Simchat Torah and a renewed commitment to bring His word with us into the new year. Yael begins the journey by looking at the three spiritual paths —repentance, prayer, and charity – that help prepare us for the High Holy Days. Join us today for this unique spiritual journey.

Where exactly are you in your spiritual journey? Just like any journey we begin, if we don’t take some time to pause and reflect on where we are headed, we may find ourselves completely lost. In today’s podcast episode, host Yael Eckstein walks us through an ancient biblical Jewish practice – one Jesus likely participated in – that happens during the Hebrew month of Elul, which begins this month. During Elul, the Jewish people prepare themselves spiritually for High Holy Days, which begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and concludes on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Jews take this yearly 30-day challenge to lay the groundwork for real and lasting change by doing an intense spiritual checkup. As Yael shows us, it takes a full 30 days to connect with God, nourish our souls, and make spiritual changes that last. As we’ll learn, this Jewish version of a “30-day challenge” can set us up for a successful year to come as well as a blessed life ahead. Listen now to this inspirational teaching from Yael.

Grammy-nominated singer, best-selling author, and prominent Christian media personality Sheila Walsh joins podcast host Yael Eckstein, president and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, to talk about her first visit to Israel and how her personal journey through depression taught her important lessons. The cohost of TBN’s flagship program Praise, Sheila said she discovered that it often is our brokenness that creates a greater bridge to other people — and to God. “I discovered that there is no place too dark that the presence of God cannot find you and be with you,” Sheila said. Listen now to this inspiring conversation with its message of encouragement for you.

Prayer is one of the greatest sources of power available to us — and yet many of us struggle with unanswered prayers or how to make our prayers more powerful. In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein explores insights on the most effective way to pray from the Jewish tradition that have been used for thousands of years. As Yael explains in this podcast, our prayers can become more powerful when we pray for other, with others, and when we keep on praying. These insights are simple, yet profound, and as Yael demonstrates from her own experience, work! With so much to pray for these days, this episode is a good reminder of how amazing it is that we can speak directly to the Master of the Universe, and that He hears every single one of our prayers!

If you have ever felt like giving up, today’s episode is especially for you. This month Jews around the world observe the darkest day on the Jewish calendar, Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the month of Av. On this day, Jewish people weep for something that occurred more than 2,000 years ago — the destruction of both the First and Second Temples that once stood in Jerusalem. Yet, as host Yael Eckstein explains, while this day is one of deep sorrow, it is also one of great hope — a hope that has sustained the Jewish people through the centuries. The lesson for us all is that there is always room for hope because we worship a God of love, mercy, and compassion. By not giving up hope, we affirm our belief in God’s promise to fulfill all His promises in the Bible. Listen now to this encouraging message.

In this stirring podcast, best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio host Eric Metaxas calls on people of faith to wake up and stand against evil that threatens the very freedoms we cherish. As Eric Metaxas shares with host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, in a society that has grown increasingly anti-Semitic, anti-America, and anti-God, people of faith need to speak up against evil. Silence is not an option, Eric told Yael. “We need to part of the fight against evil, and we should not be afraid to speak out,” he said. Listen today to this challenging, yet critical message for us all.

On today’s podcast, Fellowship Board Chairman Bishop Paul Lanier talks about the life-changing moment when he entered into God’s ongoing conversation with Israel and the Jewish people. As Bishop Lanier tells podcast host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, he was watching late-night television and saw her father, Fellowship Founder Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, visit an elderly Holocaust survivor in Ukraine. “Watching him interact with this woman, I could feel the aloneness. I could feel the cold,” Bishop said. “And the more he talked, the more he had me. He invited me to be part of her conversation and God’s conversation with her. I knew I wanted to be a part of that.” That was 17 years ago, and Bishop Lanier talks about how being involved with The Fellowship and helping Jewish people “is the most Christian thing I can do.” Listen now to this inspirational message.

These days, there is plenty to worry about. But we weren’t made to carry around so much worry in our hearts. Worry weighs us down — emotionally, mentally, and physically. And it did in Bible times, too, like when Jacob had good reason to worry about his family’s safety. Do you know what he did? He learned to manage his anxiety by giving it all to God — a faithful and powerful tactic that we can all learn to do! In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein takes a closer look at this frightening time in Jacob’s life so that we can all learn three powerful ways to give our stress to God, break free from worry, and experience the fullness of joy that God wants for us! Listen now!

What comes to mind when you hear the word shalom? Maybe you connect it with the Israeli greetings of “hello” and “goodbye.” More than likely you think of “peace.” But this understanding of shalom doesn’t fully capture the meaning of the word in Hebrew. It is so much more than the absence of turbulence or war. Shalom is rooted in the Hebrew word shalem, which means “whole” or “complete.” True Shalom is the presence of wholeness, unity, and connection with our neighbors. It truly is the greatest blessing you can pray upon anyone else. The vision of shalom is that if we build unity in our homes and communities, the more we will see shalom in the world. If we reach out to people different from us — and learn from these differences — it can change the world. Are you ready for this spiritual challenge? Listen now!

Everyone wants a beautiful home. And today, there is no shortage of information on how to enhance the places we live to make them more beautiful and more comfortable physically. But how can we enhance our homes spiritually?

In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein looks at the Book of Genesis to discover how God's miracles transformed the homes of Sarah and Rebekah into sacred spaces. For centuries through today, Jewish homes have incorporated three ritual objects—inspired by the homes of Sarah and Rebekah—that help elevate their homes spiritually.

Learn more about these objects and what we can discover from these practices that can help us turn our own homes into sacred and godly spaces.

What is the key to raising up the next generation of supporters and friends of Israel? In a word, relationships, says Rev. Johnnie Moore, pastor, entrepreneur, and a tireless advocate for Israel and the Jewish people. Rev. Moore recently joined podcast host Bishop Paul Lanier, Board Chairman of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention, to share his insights on passing on a passion for Israel and the Jewish people to the next generation. As Rev. Moore says, Christian-Jewish relations are in a historic and grand time in history, but that should not be taken for granted. Listen now to this inspiring and insightful conversation.

When Orthodox Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein first began building bridges between Christians and Jews 40 years ago, he did not stand alone. Joining him at the vanguard were two evangelical Christians — Jerry Rose and Dr. David Clark — who brought their broadcasting expertise and love of Israel and the Jewish people to the table. These two pioneers and longtime leaders with the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) organization recently joined podcast host Bishop Paul Lanier, Board Chair of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, at the NRB convention, to discuss Rabbi Eckstein’s visionary and trailblazing work. Join us now for this inspirational conversation.

One of the untold miracles of modern-day Israel is that today Christians and Jews havNourish Your Biblical Roots Special Edition with Bishop Paul Lanier -- Rabbi Tuly Weisz: Connecting Christians with Israel 365 Days a YearNourish Your Biblical Roots Special Edition with Bishop Paul Lanier -- Rabbi Tuly Weisz: e joined in fellowship and studying the Bible together after thousands of years of discord and animosity. Israeli Orthodox Rabbi Tuly Weisz—founder of Israel365, an organization dedicated to educating Christians about the biblical significance of Israel—credits the pioneering bridge-building work of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, founder of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, for ushering in this golden age of Jewish-Christian relations. Rabbi Weisz recently joined podcast host Bishop Paul Lanier, Fellowship Board Chairman, at the National Religious Broadcasters convention, to discuss his work and his hopes for the future. Join us now for this inspirational conversation.

It’s been more than a year since Irina Kozlova locked the door to her home and fled with her four children and mother as Russian bombs rained down on Ukraine. In what can only be described as a series of miracles, Irina and her family were able to secure seats on the very first rescue flight sponsored by the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews to help Ukrainian Jews flee from war. Today, Irina joins podcast host Yael Eckstein to share her family’s harrowing journey to a new life in their biblical homeland, Israel. Listen now for Irina’s inspirational and stirring story!

This week, Jews in Israel celebrate Jerusalem Day — Yom Yerushalayim — commemorating the miraculous reunification of God’s Holy City in 1967. But as podcast host Yael Eckstein explains, we ALL — Christians and Jews — should celebrate Jerusalem Day! Not only is Jerusalem God’s designated place where His Temple once stood and will someday stand again, but as we read in Psalm 137:5, “If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.” God does not want us to forget His eternal capital! In today’s special Jerusalem Day episode, Yael explores the spiritual significance of Jerusalem and why its historical reunification following the Six-Day War in 1967 is so important. We ALL need to recognize what God has done and is doing in Jerusalem in our times… and why both Christians and Jews should give Him thanks and praise for His miracles!

Check out our resource page on What Is Jerusalem Day? at our Learning Center for more information.

As we pause this month to celebrate the women in our lives, host Yael Eckstein welcomes to the podcast two modern-day Women of Valor who have influenced and mentored her — Michele Bachmann, former member of the U.S. Congress and current Dean of the Robertson School of Government at Regent University, and Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America. Together, these powerhouse women discuss with Yael both the difficulties and opportunities women of faith in leadership face today, as well as the women in their own lives who influenced them. You won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation with these two women, who Yael describes not only as her role models but as role models for the next generation. Listen today!

Legendary singer, songwriter, and friend of Israel, Pat Boone, joins host Yael Eckstein to talk about the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews’ 40th anniversary this month, and Pat’s role in helping launch the organization onto the national stage. Together, they discuss this important bond between Fellowship Founder Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, of blessed memory, and Pat that dates back to early 1992 after the fall of the Iron Curtain. At that time, Rabbi Eckstein approached Pat and asked him to co-host a program, appealing for Christians to help fund the freeing and transporting of Russian Jews to Israel. Pat didn’t hesitate, and the Christian community immediately responded with an outpouring of donations and support. It’s a partnership and friendship that has only grown over the years and helped position The Fellowship to becoming today the leading humanitarian organization, blessing Israel and Jews in need around the world. Join Yael and Pat as they discuss their lasting friendship and Pat’s love for Israel and The Fellowship. Listen today!

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org. 

As Israel celebrates its 75th anniversary, Yael Eckstein welcomes to the podcast Ambassador Ido Aharoni, an Israeli diplomat who has devoted his entire career to building bridges between Israel and the world. As Ambassador Aharoni shares with Yael, Israel is a miracle whose survival and success has been powered by the creativity and spirit of the Jewish people. Yet, more needs to be done to bring Israel’s unique brand and success story to the world. “Sure, people have heard of Israel,” Ambassador Aharoni tells Yael, “but we need to make sure that they also understand the value we bring to the table. That’s the key.” Listen now as Yael and Ambassador Aharoni celebrate Israel—past, present, and future.

In the aftermath of the Holocaust, in which six million Jewish men, women, and children perished at the hands of the Nazis, the Jewish people vowed, “Never forget.” Yet, as host Yael Eckstein and her special guest Elisha Wiesel discuss on today’s podcast, an alarming number of adults today know nothing about the Holocaust. Elisha brings a unique perspective to the conversation as the only son of Elie Wiesel, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Holocaust survivor, and author of Night, his renowned memoir of survival in the Nazi death camps. Their conversation is particularly relevant as this month Israelis commemorate Yom HaShoah, Israel’s national Holocaust Remembrance day. Wiesel shares on the podcast his father’s legacy, not only as a passionate humanitarian, but as a proud Jew, who wanted to bring light to the dark places in our world. Listen now to this important and insightful conversation.

A proud Israeli who recently served as Israel’s 14th Prime Minister, Yair Lapid shares with podcast host Yael Eckstein one of the key lessons from the Holocaust—that every Israeli has a duty to make sure the Jewish state always exists. The son of a Holocaust survivor, Yair Lapid relates that his father’s story of surviving the bloodbath of the Jewish ghetto in Budapest is a stark reminder that he “cannot live in a world in which I don’t have a place to go.” In sharing his father’s story, the former prime minister says he is telling the story of the Jewish people. As Israel pauses next week on Yom HaShoah to remember and honor the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust, you won’t want to miss this insightful and important conversation for both Christians and Jews.

In today’s special Passover episode, host Yael Eckstein explains the unique and sometimes unusual traditions for the Passover seder that are actually meant to encourage questions. In fact, the telling of the Exodus story begins not with facts and explanations, but with questions. As Yael explains, this time-honored tradition of asking questions during Passover is an annual reminder that God wants us to be lifelong seekers. By asking God our questions and entering Passover with a spirit of curiosity, we are more open to learning, rediscovering, and recommitting to Him on our journey of faith, ultimately, growing ever closer to Him.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

As we approach the holy season of Passover and Easter, host Yael Eckstein welcomes back to the podcast Bishop Paul Lanier, Chairman of the Board for the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and pastor of Hope Community Church in Winston-Salem, N.C., to discuss the relevance today of the ancient and timeless Exodus story for both Christians and Jews. In this profound conversation, Bishop Lanier shares how the Passover celebration rallies people of faith around the table and reminds us of who we are in God. Through Passover, Bishop Lanier says, we find a message of hope that speaks across all generations, reminding us that God it with us amidst our afflictions and sufferings, bringing us His redemption. Listen to the entire conversation as you prepare for this holy time of year.

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org. 

When Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine more than a year ago, no one imagined that the brutal war would still be raging today. As the world marks this tragic anniversary, host Yael Eckstein welcomes to the podcast Gadi Teichman Dan, who has made numerous trips to Ukraine and Moldova since the war broke out, providing lifesaving assistance with The Fellowship’s Israel staff. Gadi shares his heart for the suffering he has witnessed among the Ukrainian people, as well as his unflagging passion for bringing them aid and comfort. As Russia increases its destruction of Ukraine’s infrastructure, Gadi says the needs of the people are growing even greater. Don’t miss this emotional and eye-opening conversation.

Learn how you can help Ukrainian Jews in dire need today.

In celebration of Women’s History Month and the International Women’s Day (March 8), host Yael Eckstein welcomes to the podcast Paula Faris, the Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist who spent nine years at ABC News, co-anchoring “Good Morning America Weekend,” and co-hosting “The View.” Today, because of her experiences as a working mom, Paula has devoted her many talents to a new chapter in her life — a mission to support and give voice to the 35 million women in the workforce. Through her organization, CARRY Media™, Paula brings her passion for supporting working moms, pledging to “change the game and level the playing field.” Don’t miss this inspirational and empowering message in support of working moms and motherhood.

This month, Jews around the world celebrate one of the most joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar – Purim, which commemorates the events written about in the Book of Esther. During this celebration, people in Israel host big parties, share holiday treats with friends, and dress up in costumes and masks — a lot like Halloween. But unlike Halloween, people go door to door in order to give treats, not receive them. And the costumes have nothing to do with ghosts or gore. As we’ll discover on today’s special Purim episode with host Yael Eckstein, this is because the message of Purim is that things aren’t always as they seem. We must look beneath the surface to see God in everything, and behind the masks we often wear to see God in every person.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Join host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, as she pays tribute to her beloved father and mentor, Fellowship Founder Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, who passed away this month in 2019. Yael celebrates her father’s extraordinary life with a special guest —Beryl Eckstein, her father’s younger brother. In this very personal and emotional podcast, Beryl Eckstein recalls growing up with Yechiel, walks us through the early, painful days when his brother was ostracized by the Jewish community for his work reaching out to Christians, and honors the lasting legacy of Rabbi Eckstein’s historic bridge-building work. As The Fellowship celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year, you won’t want to miss this inspiring tribute to a man whose vision literally changed the course of Jewish-Christian relations.

As we celebrate Black History Month, join host Yael Eckstein as she welcomes to the podcast Dr. Alveda King, daughter of slain civil rights activist Rev. A.D. King, and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout her life, Dr. King has carried on the legacy of the King family, passing on to subsequent generations the message of love and dignity of each human being as a champion for life from “the womb to the tomb.” Dr. King shares with Yael, “As I was brought up by my Daddy, my Granddaddy, and my Uncle ML, we must know that we are all one race, and we must work together for human dignity … anywhere and everywhere we are on this planet.” As we honor the contributions of African Americans to our nation, you won’t want to miss this fascinating dialogue and inspiring message for each of us to promote God’s goodness wherever we are.

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Host Yael Eckstein welcomes to the podcast Gordon Robertson, President and CEO of The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), and a long-time friend and supporter of Israel and her people. As the next generation leading organizations founded by their fathers (the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and CBN), Yael and Gordon share their experiences of stepping into the shoes and carrying on the legacies of faith of their fathers – Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, of blessed memory, and Pat Robertson, respectively. Gordon also shares his own faith journey on the podcast and how learning more about Judaism profoundly impacted him. Listen to this inspirational discussion today!

Join host Yael Eckstein as she welcomes back to the podcast Bishop Paul Lanier, Chairman of the Board for the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, to help her launch The Fellowship’s 40th Anniversary year. Bishop Lanier shares his insights on how The Fellowship for 40 years has been able to respond to the most desperate human crisis and needs — including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine — with immediacy and compassion. Bishop Lanier talks about the profound effect that being involved with The Fellowship has had on him personally and invites us all to become involved in this critical humanitarian and lifesaving work. Start your new year off with this inspirational discussion that may just change your life as well!

Does your family have any special holiday traditions this time of year? Most of us do, including host Yael Eckstein, who shares her special family traditions for Hanukkah. Yael explains not only how this holiday inspires hope, faith, and light for her husband and kids, but how Hanukkah has kept the Jewish people hopeful during the darkest of times in their history. This Hanukkah, it is a time to remember all the light that God brings to our lives and how this holiday has inspired faith in those who desperately need it. Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!

For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Do you know how miracles happen? A miracle just takes one step of faith and God takes care of the rest! That’s what we learn in today’s special Hanukkah episode, where podcast host Yael Eckstein dives into the story of the miracle of the oil. We learn how when rededicating the Temple in ancient times, God’s people lit the menorah on faith alone because they knew they didn’t have enough pure oil for it to burn more than one day. And guess what? God performed a miracle, and the flame lasted for eight days until they could get more pure oil! This Hanukkah, all God wants us to do is light that first candle and then He will provide the rest. Just as the Hanukkah story has inspired the Jewish people throughout history, let God’s miracles in our own lives encourage the light of others, ignite hope, and let our faith burn bright! Listen now!

Hanukkah, a season of God’s light and miracles, is probably one of the most well-known Jewish holidays, primarily because of its proximity to Christmas. But do you know what miracles are remembered and celebrated during this season? Host Yael Eckstein starts a new four-part series on Hanukkah, exploring the many lessons of faith this holiday has for us. Today, Yael Eckstein tells us the miraculous story of the Maccabees, and how their courage and faith in God were a huge turning point in history for the Jewish people. Hanukkah is a reminder for us that we never know how one act of bravery can be turned into one of God’s miracles!

Even since biblical times, the Jewish people have never let go of the Sabbath. As we’ve learned in our five-part series on this ancient ritual, the Sabbath is a weekly reminder to rest and reflect on how life is about connecting with God, our families, friends, communities, and ultimately, about making the world a better place. In today’s final episode, host Yael Eckstein walks us through each step of the Sabbath day to show us how relevant this biblical practice is even in modern times. And when we harness the beautiful power of the Sabbath, it will transform our lives, our relationship with God and with one another. Listen today.

Join host Yael Eckstein as she has the incredible honor and privilege of welcoming Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the podcast. Having recently won re-election to the office he held previously for a combined 15 years, the Prime Minister is also celebrating the release of his new memoir, Bibi: My Story, already on the New York Times Bestsellers List. During this insightful conversation, Prime Minister Netanyahu talks about living a life with purpose and vision — and about the people who encouraged him to do that. Listen as Prime Minister Netanyahu also shares with Yael his thoughts on the historic relationship between Christians and Jews and the role this friendship has played in the founding of the Jewish State, as well as the long-standing bond between Israel and the United States. For anyone with a love for Israel, this is a Conversation you don’t want to miss!

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org. 

One of the most iconic and treasured rituals associated with the Jewish observance of the Sabbath is the lighting of the Shabbat candles each Friday evening at sundown. In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein will share why this ritual is so special to her personally, and how it serves as both a powerful moment in her week as well as a deep connection to her family, her Jewish roots, and God. Listen now!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Have you ever noticed the irony of our modern world — we have more time-saving technology, but less time to spend on the things that really matter to us? In today’s episode, the third in a series about the Shabbat, host Yael Eckstein talks about how the ancient observance of the Sabbath — a time to relax, rethink, and reset — is exactly what we all need to combat the challenges of today’s modern world. Yael will take a closer look at the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt, how tired and hopeless they felt, and the parallel lessons for us on finding freedom from all the stuff that enslaves us today. We’ll learn that if we can reclaim the practice of the Sabbath, each in our own way, we will find more time for joy in our lives!

Join host Yael Eckstein as she welcomes college basketball coach Bruce Pearl, who has led the Auburn Tigers to 154 wins, three Southeastern Conference championships, consecutive NCAA Tournament berths, and the program’s first ever appearance in the Final Four in 2019. While his success on the basketball court is well-documented, what might not be as well-known is his absolute dedication and love for Israel and her people. On the podcast, Yael and Coach Pearl discuss how important his Jewish faith is in his career, how his love for Israel has inspired him throughout his lifetime, and the importance of finding common ground and joining together as people of faith. Don’t miss this inspiring Conversation!

What does it mean to be truly free? As Christian theologian Karl Barth wrote, “A being is free only when it can determine and limit its activity.” And in the Jewish faith, that’s what observing the Sabbath is all about. In this second episode in her five-part series on the Sabbath, host Yael Eckstein explores why setting boundaries around time and activities on the Sabbath actually frees her to focus on what’s most important — connecting with God and with each other. Join Yael as she unpacks one of the biggest misunderstandings about the Jewish observance of the Sabbath -- all the prohibitions that surround this sacred day and what it means to actually refrain from work and just rest. As Yael explains, setting healthy boundaries can transform our lives and set us on the path to true freedom.

Have you ever wondered the spiritual meaning behind the Jewish tradition of keeping Shabbat (the Sabbath) holy? On today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein shares with us how grateful she is for the blessings of Shabbat — a holy day of rest — that transform her and her family every week! It’s a day to recharge spiritually, and Yael will share the amazing lessons of faith the Sabbath has for both Christians and Jews.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

As the High Holy Days come to a close, Jews around the world spend one last day in an intense celebration with God before resuming their normal routines. Simchat Torah, which means “Rejoicing in the Torah,” is unlike any other observance that takes place in synagogue. As host Yael Eckstein describes in today’s podcast, the entire congregation — from the youngest children to the oldest adults — takes out the Torah scroll and joins in a never-ending circle of dancing and singing. The celebration marks the completion of reading through the Torah, from Genesis to Deuteronomy, before the reading cycle begins again. But the lesson of Simchat Torah, says Yael, lasts throughout the year. Simchat Torah is a reminder that the way to stay close to God and transform inspiration into action throughout the year is through God’s Word. Learn more about this amazing celebration in today’s powerful podcast.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Do you know the one holy day that the entire world will celebrate in Messianic times? According to the prophet Zechariah, it’s the Festival of Tabernacles, or as it’s called in Hebrew, Sukkot (Zechariah 14:16.). Unity among all God’s children is a major theme of this joyous celebration that is part of the High Holy Days that Jews around the world have been observing. In continuing her series on the High Holy Days, podcast host Yael Eckstein looks to the lessons of Sukkot on practical ways to bring us together. In a world that is increasingly divided, this powerful episode teaches us the spirit and essence of Sukkot encourages a spirit of unity that can bring goodness, pleasantness, and blessings to our lives in the long run.

It’s been said that two of the hardest words for people to say are “I’m sorry.” Can you relate? When have you experienced needing to apologize and dreaded doing it? Or maybe, you have been hurt by someone who won’t apologize to you? In this special episode about Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, host Yael Eckstein explores how those two words relate to the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Admitting our wrongdoings, committing to making changes, and moving forward is what the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur is all about! When we do this with sincerity, God always forgives and always has mercy. And those words – “I’m sorry” – have the power to heal relationships and change our future for the better.

As America celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, host Yael Eckstein welcomes Pastor Carlos Ortiz, Church Outreach Director for the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and a longtime and ardent pro-Israel voice to the Hispanic Christian community. Pastor Ortiz, a native of Colombia who immigrated to the U.S. in 1986, was recognized for his work in building bridges between Latin American countries in 2016 when the state of Israel named him an Ambassador of Good Will. On the podcast, Pastor Ortiz shares his deep love for God’s land and her people and why he carries the love of Israel wherever he goes. Listen today to this inspiring conversation about one man’s mission to spread love for Israel to Christians everywhere.

How many of us think about repentance as we celebrate and usher in a New Year on January 1? Probably not many! But when Jews usher in the Jewish New Year on Rosh Hashanah, the main focus is on repentance, or teshuvah, which means to “return” to God and to who we really are. The sound of the shofar, the ritual trumpet, signals this time to reflect on the past twelve months, fix any behavior that isn’t helpful, and return to God who is waiting with open arms. In this special Rosh Hashanah episode, host Yael Eckstein shares the Jewish perspective on the meaning of repentance and its significance for both Christians and Jews, and how it has the power to nourish our souls and transform us into the people we are meant to be!

Did you know that God has an alarm clock for our souls? Beginning a month before the start of the High Holy Days, the sounds of the shofar, the biblically mandated trumpet, can be heard throughout synagogues across the world, calling people to reflect, repent and return to God. On this podcast, Yael continues exploring the significance and meaning of the Jewish High Holy Days, focusing on one of the primary rituals of this holiest time on the Jewish calendar: the sounding of the shofar. Yael explores why the Jewish people use a shofar to prepare themselves for the new year, and how its many sounds are a call to self-improvement, to repentance, and to return to God during these holy days. Join Yael as she explains the symbolism and messages of the shofar, and how its sounds should be reverberating in our daily lives.

Today, host Yael Eckstein begins a six-part series examining the spiritual journey Jews around the world take each year during the High Holy Days and what lessons these holy observances can teach Christians and Jews about making real and lasting change. In this series, Yael will explore how the sounds of the shofar awaken the soul, how Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, teaches us about the gift of repentance, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, teaches us the power of forgiveness. We’ll discover the blessings of unity that Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, teaches, and how this holy season ends with a celebration of God’s Word on Simchat Torah and a renewed commitment to bring His word with us into the new year. Yael begins the journey by looking at the three paths to real and lasting change — repentance, prayer, and charity. Join us today!

We live in the so-called “selfie generation,” where our focus is often on ourselves — how we look, how many “likes” we get on social media, what we have, and what we do. The irony is that focusing on ourselves does not make us happier; rather it robs us of our joy. As the Bible teaches, what truly brings joy is giving to others. In the Jewish faith, charity is not seen as simply a good deed, but rather as a sacred obligation. It is practiced throughout the year as part of the Sabbath and Jewish holidays observances. Most Jewish homes, synagogues, schools, and even businesses have at least one special receptacle for giving charity. The ultimate goal, says Yael, is for her children to learn to give consistently and generously. Listen today to learn how these principles can help your children experience the joy of giving.

If we want our children to live according to godly — not worldly — values, then it is essential that we instill in them courage. Host Yael Eckstein shares on the podcast that courage is one of the most important values that she can pass down to her children. This vital trait is celebrated annually on the biblical observance of Purim, which commemorates the story of Queen Esther, whose courageous actions saved the Jewish people from certain annihilation. As Yael shares, it is faith that gave Esther her courage, and courage that gave her the confidence to take a stand for her people. Together, faith and courage have always advanced God’s work on earth. Listen today to this inspiring call to raise the next generation to be “strong and courageous.”

Join host Yael Eckstein as she talks with one of the unsung heroes on the frontlines of the war in Ukraine — Ilia Golberg, Chief Security Officer for the Federation of Jewish Communities of Ukraine. Since the beginning of the war, Ilia Golberg has been an instrumental partner with the International Fellowship of Christians and Jew (The Fellowship) in rescuing Jews from war-torn Ukraine and in providing safety and lifesaving assistance to those who remain behind. Ilia shares with Yael how the landscape and Jewish communities have changed throughout the war — from those disbelieving that war would ever come to their country to those who are now returning so their children can resume their lives as best they can. The podcast is a fascinating look behind-the-scenes of this horrendous conflict and a poignant call to not forget that people are still living in a war zone and that the needs are even greater as the colder winter months set in. You don’t want to miss this inspiring conversation with this humble hero from the frontlines of war. Listen today!

Learn how you can help vulnerable Jews in Ukraine by supporting The Fellowship and its partners’ work on the ground, providing emergency and lifesaving aid to God’s children.

Come back each Sunday as Yael shares inspirational teachings on the Jewish roots of Christianity on her weekly podcast, Nourish Your Biblical Roots.

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

What’s the greatest distance between two points? As host Yael Eckstein shares on today’s program, it’s the distance between our head and our heart. On an intellectual level, we know what we believe, but acting on that belief is another thing. Bridging this distance is part of our life-long service to God, what Yael calls “faith-living.” Every year during the observance of Sukkot, the Festival of Tabernacles (Booths), the Jewish people practice “faith-living” by leaving the comfort of their homes and living in a rickety makeshift shelter known as a sukkah. As she and her family eat and sleep in their sukkah for seven days, Yael explains they are reminded that we live by faith in God, trusting Him to provide all our needs — just as the Israelites did thousands of years ago while wandering through the desert for 40 years. Listen today for this invaluable lesson for our children.

One of the most difficult practices for any of us to learn is forgiveness —asking forgiveness from God, seeking forgiveness from others, and giving forgiveness. Yet this practice is so critical to living a healthy and happy life, and its rewards are invaluable. On today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein shares how the Jewish observances of the High Holy Days — Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement — help equip her children to both ask God for forgiveness and to seek forgiveness from others. During this intense time of spiritual reflection and repentance, Yael says her children learn the importance of saying “I’m sorry” and letting go of past hurts and offenses. As Christian theologian Billy Graham once said, “Every year during their High Holy Days, the Jewish community reminds us all of our need for repentance and forgiveness” Listen today!

What is the one thing we must teach our children if we want them to never give up and never give in when it comes to their values and beliefs? We must teach them hope. On today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein shares how an unflagging hope in God’s promises has sustained the Jewish people through exiles and pogroms, persecution and even the Holocaust. Every year, on the Jewish observance of Tisha B’Av, this foundational principle of hope is celebrated as the Jewish people mourn the many tragedies that have befallen them throughout history on this very day. As Yael explains, by teaching our children that the world is not as it should be, we are equipping them to never give up. There is always hope for a better world, a better future. Listen today!

How can we raise children to be grateful when we live in a culture that’s constantly telling us that we need — and deserve — more? It’s not easy, but as host Yael Eckstein explains in this week’s podcast, the key is helping our children recognize all the blessings in their lives. Yael continues her summer series on passing on our faith to the next generation by exploring how the annual observance of Shavuot, better known as Pentecost to Christians, reinforces the principles of gratitude. As Yael explains, Shavuot is about the fruitful times in our lives, when everything is going well, and remembering that God is the source of all our blessings. Discover how the simple habit of recognizing the good can permeate our lives with gratitude. Listen today!

What’s the best way for children to learn? Teach them the power of asking questions. For millennia, the Jewish faith has held that the best way to serve God is by constantly learning and growing — and in order to learn, one must ask questions. Podcast host Yael Eckstein continues her summer series on passing on our faith to the next generation by exploring how the annual observance of Passover helps instill in her children the value of asking questions. Jewish families commemorate the most important event in Israel’s history — the Exodus from Egypt — by asking questions. Discover how this tradition encourages children to ask questions all year long — and how you can instill this valuable habit within your own family.

Listen now!

Join host Yael Eckstein as she welcomes Israeli statesman and former UN Ambassador Danny Danon to the podcast, as they discuss how he successfully championed Israel and her people in an environment that’s often hostile to the Jewish state. As Ambassador Danon shared with Yael, growing up, he was inspired by one guiding principle —if you want to make change happen, you have to be in a place where you can make a difference. As an adult, Ambassador Danon was able to make a difference in how the world viewed his beloved Israel from the world’s biggest stage possible — the United Nations. Ambassador Danon talks about the challenges he faced at the UN and other insights from his new book, In the Lion’s Den, a riveting behind-the-scenes recounting of his time at the UN. You won’t want to miss this conversation as Ambassador Danon shares with Yael his great love for his country, the need to build bridges with Israel’s neighbors, and his great friendship with America’s then-UN Ambassador, Nikki Haley.

Come back each Sunday as Yael shares inspirational teachings on the Jewish roots of Christianity on her weekly podcast, Nourish Your Biblical Roots. For more information on today's episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Listen today!

With increasing demands on our time and attention coming from all sides — emails, text messages, Zoom calls, social media — how can families today find the time to connect with each other, and more importantly, with God? For thousands of years, Jewish families have answered this dilemma with one word — Shabbat, the Sabbath. Podcast host Yael Eckstein continues her summer series on passing our faith on to the next generation by exploring how the weekly observance of the Sabbath — a 25-hour cessation of all outside activity — helps her children learn how to set priorities and focus on what’s truly important. Discover how the principles found in observing the Sabbath can help your family reconnect with each other and with God. Listen now!

According to renown Christian leader Billy Graham, the greatest legacy we can leave the next generation is not money nor the material things we’ve accumulated, but a legacy of faith and character. Passing on our faith is of paramount importance to both Christians and Jews. In Judaism, it’s called “l’dor v’dor,” from generation to generation. As we will learn in Yael Eckstein’s special podcast series, Generation to Generation, passing on faith through the rituals and holy observances that occur within the family is what has preserved the Jewish people through exiles, persecution, pogroms, and even the Holocaust. On today’s podcast, Yael explores this biblical injunction for parents to teach children about faith and shares how the lessons she learned from her parents can help us all to be “living examples” of faith for our children. Listen today!

What if you were asked to name the most important quality in a person of faith? What would you say? Honesty? Purity? Compassion? Scripture actually has an answer to this question. In honor of the Jewish holiday Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, better known to Christian by its Greek name, Pentecost, we’ll learn about the one quality that can take our faith to the next level. The biblical figure Ruth demonstrated this quality when she followed her mother-in-law Naomi back to Israel and joined the Jewish people. So did the nation of Israel when they accepted God’s Torah unconditionally at the foot of Mt. Sinai. In today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein will explain how both these biblical stories connect to the holiday of Shavuot, which is celebrated this week, and why the quality of unconditional commitment — or commitedness — to God and His Word matters the most.

You can learn more about Shavuot -- the Jewish Pentecost -- at our Learn Center!

Today, Jews in Israel celebrate Jerusalem Day — Yom Yerushalayim — commemorating the miraculous reunification of God’s Holy City in 1967. But as podcast host Yael Eckstein explains, we ALL — Christians and Jews — should celebrate Jerusalem Day! Not only is Jerusalem God’s designated place where His Temple once stood and will someday stand again, but as we read in Psalm 137:5, “If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.” God does not want us to forget His eternal capital! In today’s special Jerusalem Day episode, Yael explores the spiritual significance of Jerusalem and why its historical reunification following the Six-Day War in 1967 is so important. We ALL need to recognize what God has done and is doing in Jerusalem in our times… and why both Christians and Jews should give Him thanks and praise for His miracles! Check out our resource page on "What Is Jerusalem Day?" on our Learning Center for more information.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Listen today!

Join us on May 5th for our 3rd Annual Fellowship Fast - a time of Fasting and prayer for our world, our nation, and ourselves. Learn how you can participate.

What does it really mean to love your neighbor as yourself? As Christians and Jews, we agree this is one of the most important commandments to follow, but what does that really look like? What does it mean to love our neighbors as ourselves? On today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein shares two insights from Jewish teachings from the Bible that explain how we can obey this commandment on a daily basis. As Yael shares loving others is not dependent on our emotions, but on our actions! We always have the choice to treat others the way that we want to be treated, and when we do that, feelings of love will follow … and we can create a world full of love.

Join us this Thursday, May 5th, for our 3rd Annual Fellowship Fast – a time of fasting and prayer for our world, our nation, and ourselves. Learn how you can participate.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

For many Jews, Yom HaShoah, Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, is deeply personal. It’s a day to remember one of the darkest times in history that resulted in the horrific murder of six million Jewish souls. While it is a somber day when the entire nation pauses to remember the lives lost at the hands of the Nazis, it is also a time for us all to remember the lessons from the Holocaust. It is a time when we renew the pledge that the Jewish people adopted after this catastrophic event: Never forget. Yet as host Yael Eckstein reminds us, it is not enough to just remember; we also must take meaningful action. In today’s powerful podcast, Yael shares two valuable lessons we can learn from the Holocaust about the power of one — the value and importance of saving even one life and how even one person can make a tremendous impact in the world. Listen now!

Join us on May 5th for our 3rd Annual Fellowship Fast – a time of fasting and prayer for our world, our nation, and ourselves. Learn how you can participate.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Think you know the whole story of the Israelites’ redemption from Egypt and the splitting of the Red Sea? Think again! On today’s special Passover episode, podcast host Yael Eckstein shares Jewish teachings about what happened in the moments before the Red Sea split and the lesson it teaches us about overcoming obstacles, acting in faith, and seeing miracles in our own lives.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

In today’s special Passover episode, host Yael Eckstein explains the unique and sometimes unusual traditions for the Passover seder that are actually meant to encourage questions. In fact, the telling of the Exodus story begins not with facts and explanations, but with questions. As Yael explains, this time-honored tradition of asking questions during Passover is an annual reminder that God wants us to be lifelong seekers. By asking God our questions and entering Passover with a spirit of curiosity, we are more open to learning, rediscovering, and recommitting to Him on our journey of faith, ultimately, growing ever closer to Him.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

April 28 is Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, when Israelis and Jews around the world honor the six million souls who perished at the hands of the Nazis with solemn ceremonies and a nationwide moment of silence. In the aftermath of the Holocaust, the Jewish people vowed, “Never forget.” Yet, as host Yael Eckstein and her special guest Elisha Wiesel discuss on today’s podcast, an alarming number of adults today know nothing about the Holocaust. Elisha brings a unique perspective to the conversation as the only son of Elie Wiesel, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Holocaust survivor, and author of Night, his renowned memoir of survival in the Nazi death camps. Wiesel shares on the podcast his father’s legacy, not only as a passionate humanitarian, but as a proud Jew, who wanted to bring light to the dark places in our world. Listen now to this important and insightful conversation.

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

If you are like many health-conscious people, you are concerned and mindful of what you put into your mouth. The question is, though, are you as concerned about what comes out of your mouth? In our world, gossip and slander are the norm — we hear and see it on the news, on social media, and even from those around us. If we truly understood the power of our words and how they can affect others — for good and for bad — we’d probably be more careful about what we say. On today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein explores this idea and turns to Jewish teachings to explain why it’s so dangerous to gossip… and how choosing to have a “good tongue” is the secret to a good life! It’s that simple! Listen to learn more.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

There’s a saying in the Jewish tradition that we don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are. Think about that. Whether we tend to focus on the negative or positive aspects of our life has everything to do with how we view our world. Often, if we want to change our situation, we need to start by changing our perspective. In today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein explores an important spiritual lesson about how we can change “narrow eyes” into “good eyes” by broadening our focus to see the positive in every situation. And that includes not only how we view our circumstances, but ourselves as well! Through today’s teachings, we learn that if we want to see good things, we need to learn to see with “good eyes,” and this episode will show you how.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Most of us would agree that humility is an important virtue. But being humble is also one of the most misunderstood character traits. Many of us think of a humble person as someone who is meek or quiet. Or someone who doesn’t think too highly of themselves. In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein unpacks what it means to be humble by looking at Moses, who Scripture describes as “more humble than anyone else” (Numbers 12:3). As we well know, Moses certainly wasn’t meek or lacked the confidence to be a leader. What we will discover is that you don’t have to downplay your strengths or belittle yourself to be humble. Instead, you should boldly recognize how special you are — how special God made you to be — and share it with the people around you. As we’ll learn, true humility rests in our ability to recognize that our strengths come from God — and from that knowledge flows joy, courage, and healthy self-esteem.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

The entire world is witnessing unthinkable events that have not been experienced on European soil since World War II. Russia has invaded Ukraine. Bombs are falling on innocent Ukrainian citizens. Refugees are fleeing by the hundreds of thousands into neighboring countries. To discuss the current situation and The Fellowship’s response to this humanitarian crisis, host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, welcomes back to the podcast Michele Bachmann, former member of the U.S. Congress and the current Dean of the Robertson School of Government at Regent University. Listen now as these two faith leaders share their insights and prayers on this special podcast episode: Crisis in Ukraine.

Learn how you can help The Fellowship provide emergency aid to Ukrainian Jews in crisis, including families, children, orphans, and elderly Holocaust survivors.

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Do you know what the best thing to do is when overwhelmed with an insurmountable task or a never-ending to-do list? Take a cue from the Bible and ask for help! It’s the most obvious thing to do, but for many of us, it’s also the most difficult thing to do. As we’ll learn from host Yael Eckstein in today’s episode, even Moses struggled to ask for help when he really needed it. But like Moses, we need to do it anyway, because asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s actually a step towards greatness and developing an even closer relationship with God. This episode will encourage you to ask for what you need, so that you can do all that God wants you to do, and be all that He created you to be. 

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

On this special edition of Nourish Your Biblical Roots, host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, takes us to the subzero temperatures and the treacherous winter weather in Ukraine and the former Soviet Union to share the heartbreaking stories of elderly Holocaust survivors who live in abject poverty. Without lifesaving aid from The Fellowship and its Christian supporters — food, blankets, water, heating fuel — many of these precious souls would die. The situation is particularly dire right now as tensions continue to rise between Ukraine and Russia, putting these elderly Jews in an even more precarious situation. But there is hope — and that hope is you! Please listen to this special podcast as Yael, Fellowship Board Chairman Bishop Paul Lanier, and other Fellowship supporters share how you can get involved today to help God’s precious children who have already suffered so much.

Come back each Sunday as Yael shares inspirational teachings on the Jewish roots of Christianity on her weekly podcast, Nourish Your Biblical Roots.

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

What if the next time you faced a challenge, you tried looking up at the moon for encouragement? That might seem a bit strange. But in today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein tells us about the biblical holiday of Rosh Chodesh, the New Moon, that signals the start of each month, and what it can teach us about having faith. In Jewish tradition, the moon is a symbol of faith because it is literally a light in the darkness. And even though there are times of the month when we can’t see the moon, it is always there! Could there be a better symbol for trusting God and having hope in dark times? In this fascinating episode, Yael turns to the Book of Exodus to explain the origin of this holiday, how the Israelite women were connected to this special holiday, and the inspirational message this has for us today.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

What do you think you need to be happy? A better job? A new house? Do you have everything you need to be happy right now? The truth is that God already has given us everything we need, challenges and all, to be truly happy right now. But after the past several years enduring a tiring, difficult pandemic, happiness might not seem possible for many. On today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein shares the powerful biblical tradition that shows us how we can find happiness and stay joyful, despite the brokenness around us. It’s a message we all might need right now! Are you ready to be happy? Let’s go!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

If someone asked you, “What’s your special talent?”, what would you say? Unless we excel in some particular area, many of us might say we’re not talented at anything. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! As host Yael Eckstein shares with us today, God has invested in each one of us unique gifts and abilities. And He expects us to do something with the gifts He has given us. We all have something to contribute to the world and make it a better place. But how do we go about reaching our full potential and becoming all that God has created us to be? Yael examines the Scriptures and her Jewish faith to share three simple, but life-changing keys that will help you unlock your full potential. If you’ve ever felt stuck or that you haven’t yet made the most of your God-given abilities, this episode is for you! Listen now.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Join host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, as she pays tribute to her beloved father and mentor, Fellowship Founder Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, who passed away three years ago this month. Yael celebrates her father’s extraordinary life with a special guest —Beryl Eckstein, her father’s younger brother. In this very personal and emotional podcast, Beryl Eckstein recalls growing up with Yechiel, who was always “full of energy and the life of the party,” walks us through the early, painful days when his brother was ostracized by the Jewish community for his work reaching out to Christians, and honors the lasting legacy of Rabbi Eckstein’s bridge-building work. You won’t want to miss this inspiring tribute to a man whose vision literally changed the course of Jewish-Christian relations.

Come back each Sunday as Yael shares inspirational teachings on the Jewish roots of Christianity on her weekly podcast, Nourish Your Biblical Roots.

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

We all know that giving to people in need is an important thing to do, but that doesn’t mean that it’s easy. When we’re short on time or money — or both — it’s hard to give those things away. But in today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein turns the concept of giving completely on its head. She explores verses in the Book of Exodus where God commands the Israelites to contribute to His purposes where we’ll discover a hidden message in the original Hebrew that will change your perspective on giving — and your capacity to receive.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

We live in a world that tells us that we have to be perfect. But what if God’s blessings are found in our imperfections? In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein looks to Scripture to understand how to embrace our imperfections and use them as a springboard to holiness and greatest. As we’ll discover, every time we overcome our flaws and imperfections, we get closer to God — and rise higher than even the angels! If you’ve ever felt inadequate, or if shame and guilt have held you back in life, this episode is especially for you.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Christians and Jews may not agree on everything, but one thing that most of us agree on is that we are living in prophetic times described in the Bible. It started with the Book of Exodus, when God redeemed Israel from Egypt and promised to bring them home on “eagles’ wings.” In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein will explore how these verses prophesied about the times we are in right now – and what this means for us in our personal and spiritual lives. As people of faith, we are called to be God’s partner in fulfilling biblical prophecy today, making this point in history such an exciting time to be alive!

Visit our website at The Fellowship to learn how you can get involved in the prophetic work of bring Jews home to Israel.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Did you know you are a warrior in the fight for God in this world? There are so many voices that spread doubt in God. Some come from others, and sometimes we can even find ourselves doubting. In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein will look at the biblical story of the battle against Amalek to show us the root of these doubts. Yael shares fascinating insights about how this battle started in ancient times but is still taking place in our world today and in our personal lives – and how we can finally win it for good. You don’t want to miss this!

Join host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, as she welcomes to the podcast Dr. Alveda King, daughter of slain civil rights activist Rev. A.D. King, and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout her life, Dr. King has carried on the legacy of the King family, passing on to subsequent generations the message of love and dignity of each human being as a champion for life from “the womb to the tomb.” Dr. King shares with Yael, “As I was brought up by my Daddy, my Granddaddy, and my Uncle ML, we must know that we are all one race, and we must work together for human dignity … anywhere and everywhere we are on this planet.” As we commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this month, you won’t want to miss this fascinating dialogue and inspiring message for each of us to promote God’s goodness wherever we are.

Come back each Sunday as Yael shares inspirational teachings on the Jewish roots of Christianity on her weekly podcast, Nourish Your Biblical Roots.

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Each and every person on earth is given the same amount of minutes in each day. The question each of us needs to answer is what will we choose to do with those precious minutes? In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein looks at God’s very first commandment to the nation of Israel on the eve of their Exodus from Egypt. You may be surprised to learn that it contains a powerful message about time. You see, God wants us to be the masters of the precious gift of time that He has given to all of us — so we have time to spend on the things and people that matter most. This episode will show us how!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Have you ever noticed that the irony of our times is that we have more time-saving technology, but less time to spend on the things that really matter to us? In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein talks about how the ancient observance of the Sabbath — a time to relax, rethink, and reset — is exactly what we all need to combat the challenges of today’s modern world. Yael will take a closer look at the Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt, how tired and hopeless they felt, and the parallel lessons for us on finding freedom from all the stuff that enslaves us today. We’ll learn that if we can reclaim the practice of the Sabbath, each in our own way, we will find more time for joy in our lives!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Did you know that Moses wasn’t the first person to see the burning bush in the desert? According to Jewish teachings, many shepherds had walked by, but none of them bothered to stop. Maybe they were distracted or didn’t want to deal with the fire — or they were simply too busy to take the time to inspect it further. But Moses saw the fire and because he went over to check it out, Moses was present to the miracle that was happening right before his eyes. In today’s powerful episode, host Yael Eckstein shares the lesson of how we must try — even in a world full of distractions — to live in the present moment, just like Moses. If we do, we’ll not only strengthen our relationship with God, but also witness more beauty and miracles all around us! Are you ready?

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

What will your legacy be? Maybe it will be how successful you were in your career or how much you loved your family. But in today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein turns to Jewish teachings to show how we can leave behind a strong legacy of faith. When we prioritize doing good deeds and supporting the people in our lives in positive ways, we can create a lasting impact that reaches far beyond our own lifetime. We’ll learn that every day is a chance to create a legacy of faith that will impact generations to come. Today’s episode will show you how.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

You’ve probably heard of the term “baseless hate” — hatred without any justifiable cause — but there’s another term you might not have heard of: “baseless love.” Baseless hate can ruin friendships or cause deep divisions in society, but baseless love has the power to do the opposite. It can bring strangers together and hope and healing to the world! Are you wondering if love can really be the answer to all our problems? In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein will look at the biblical story of Joseph and his brothers. We’ll see how Joseph chose to love his brothers – the same brothers who sold him into slavery. This is the type of powerful love that we can all benefit from today.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Join host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, as she welcomes to the podcast Gov. Mike Huckabee, the 44th governor of Arkansas, a presidential candidate in 2008, an ordained Southern Baptist pastor, host of TBN’s Huckabee, and longtime advocate for Israel and the Jewish people. Gov. Huckabee shares with Yael how, after his first visit to the Holy Land in 1973, he witnessed the transformation of Israel from a dusty, barren struggling country to one of the most technologically advanced and prosperous nations on earth. “In my lifetime, I’ve seen the desert bloom, I’ve seen the dry bones come to life. The only explanation is God’s hand is upon this country ... This is a modern-day miracle!” You won’t want to miss this fascinating dialogue, as Gov. Huckabee and Yael also discuss the work of The Fellowship and the Governor’s unflagging joy and passion for blessing Israel.

Come back each Sunday as Yael shares inspirational teachings on the Jewish roots of Christianity on her weekly podcast, Nourish Your Biblical Roots.

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Did you know that it is precisely at the darkest time of the year when the Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights? And that is no coincidence. Because only against that backdrop of darkness can we truly appreciate light. In this special Hanukkah episode, host Yael Eckstein will explore this season where Jews remember the miracles that happened in their history and the miracles that are still happening today! As we’ll learn in this powerful episode, Hanukkah reminds us that no matter how dark things may be, we can still find the light. No matter how impossible things may seem, God can make miracles happen. Listen now!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Want to make a real difference in the world, but don’t know where or how to begin? As we will learn on today’s podcast, we can make a difference in the lives of others by simply asking, “How are you doing?” In a world where so many people are hurting, we should never underestimate the power of greeting every person with genuine care. It can save a life — even our own! Host Yael Eckstein explores the biblical story of Joseph’s time in an Egyptian prison and how the simple act of greeting those around him in the prison — with sympathy and understanding — led to a series of events that changed his life, and ultimately, helped millions of people. We all have the ability to bring more of God’s light to the world and take care of those around us, and in this episode, we’ll discover how.

Listen to the story of the street-sweeper, whose kindness during the horrors of the Holocaust made a huge difference in the lives of others.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

These days, there is plenty to worry about. But we weren’t made to carry around so much worry in our hearts. Worry weighs us down — emotionally, mentally, and physically. And it did in Bible times, too, like when Jacob had good reason to worry about his family’s safety. Do you know what he did? He learned to manage his anxiety by giving it all to God — a faithful and powerful tactic that we can all learn to do! In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein takes a closer look at this frightening time in Jacob’s life so that we can all learn three powerful ways to give our stress to God, break free from worry, and experience the fullness of joy that God wants for us!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

What’s the key to living a godly, spiritual life on a daily basis? You may be surprised to learn that it doesn’t involve praying on a mountaintop or living a solitary, cloistered life. Actually, you don’t have to change your day-to-day activities at all. It’s the way you go about your life that matters the most. On today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein will talk about Jacob’s famous dream from the Book of Genesis, and the lessons it teaches us on bridging the gap between the spiritual life we want to lead and the material world we can’t escape. The exciting news is that your life is exactly as it should be! And with the right mindset — of bringing God into everything we do in our lives — even the most ordinary tasks can become spiritual and extraordinary.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Join host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, as she welcomes to the podcast Rev. Johnnie Moore, pastor, entrepreneur, and most importantly, a warrior for peace and religious freedom in the Middle East. Noted as one of America’s most influential evangelical leaders, and a longtime friend of Yael and her father, Fellowship Founder Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, of blessed memory, Johnnie discusses with Yael his passion for Israel, the Jewish people, and the “pursuit of peace” in the Middle East. As Johnnie tells Yael, “I’ve never been more optimistic for peace, despite all the challenges that are happening ... this is a new day.” You won’t want to miss a word of this very important and timely conversation.

Come back each Sunday as Yael shares inspirational teachings on the Jewish roots of Christianity on her weekly podcast, Nourish Your Biblical Roots.

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Do you ever feel like you are drifting through life? Sometimes it can feel like we’re living on autopilot, going through our daily routine automatically, without really choosing what we want. We live according to the whims of our desires and circumstances of the moment. But on today’s podcast, we’re going to talk about what we can do each day in order to get closer to the life we really want — the life that God wants for us. If we drive around aimlessly, we probably won’t like where we end up in life. But if we are clear on where we want to be, we can make a plan to get there. And host Yael Eckstein reminds us that we never drive alone: God is always in the passenger seat, guiding us and loving us, during every moment of the journey.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Everyone wants a beautiful home. And today, there is no shortage of information about how to enhance the places we live to make them more beautiful and more comfortable physically. But how can we enhance our homes spiritually? In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein looks at the Book of Genesis to discover how the miracles God blessed the homes of Sarah and Rebekah with transformed their homes into sacred spaces. For centuries through today, Jewish homes have incorporated three ritual objects, inspired by the homes of Sarah and Rebekah, that help elevate their homes spiritually. Learn more about these objects and what we can discover from these practices that can help us turn our own homes into sacred and godly spaces.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Prayer is one of the greatest sources of power available to us — and yet many of us struggle with unanswered prayers or how to make our prayers more powerful. In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein explores insights on the most effective way to pray from the Jewish tradition that have been used for thousands of years. As Yael explains in this podcast, our prayers can become more powerful when we pray for other, with others, and when we keep on praying. These insights are simple, yet profound, and as Yael demonstrates from her own experience, work! With so much to pray for these days, this episode is a good reminder of how amazing it is that we can speak directly to the Master of the Universe, and that He hears every single one of our prayers! 

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Have you ever asked, “God, why are you testing me?” If you have, then today’s episode is for you. Life is full of tests — and most people still want to avoid them as much as they wanted to avoid them when they were kids. But in today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein looks at Abraham’s tests in the Book of Genesis to discover the purpose of life’s tests — to show us what we are capable of and transform us into the best versions of ourselves. And we’ll learn why instead of running away from them, we should look forward to the tests in our lives with excitement and joy. It is possible to have this mindset, and Yael will show us how!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Join host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, as she welcomes to the podcast Dr. Steve Greene, Publisher and Executive Vice President for Charisma Media and Executive Producer for the Charisma Podcast Network. In this far-ranging conversation, Dr. Greene shares his vision for spiritual leadership that is based on building relationships with those you lead and being intentional about forming relationships with others. Yael and Dr. Greene also discuss the need for relationship-building in overcoming the divisiveness in our world today and in combating prejudice and anti-Semitism wherever it exists. As Dr. Greene says, “The keys to the kingdom are relationships.” Listen now!

Come back each Sunday as Yael shares inspirational teachings on the Jewish roots of Christianity on her weekly podcast, Nourish Your Biblical Roots.

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

What comes to mind when you hear the word shalom? Maybe you connect it with the Israeli greetings of “hello” and “goodbye.” More than likely you think of “peace.” But this understanding of shalom doesn’t fully capture the meaning of the word in Hebrew. It is so much more than the absence of turbulence or war. Shalom is rooted in the Hebrew word shalem, which means “whole” or “complete.” True Shalom is the presence of wholeness, unity, and connection with our neighbors. It truly is the greatest blessing you can pray upon anyone else. The vision of shalom is that if we build unity in our homes and communities, the more we will see shalom in the world. If we reach out to people different from us — and learn from these differences — it can change the world. Are you ready for this spiritual challenge? Listen now!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“Am I my brother’s keeper?” The words may be familiar to us, but what did Cain really mean when he spoke these words to God? What does it mean to be our brother’s and sister’s keeper? In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein explores the spiritual message from this familiar biblical story and relates it to our own response to the needs of others in the world. At times, we all have turned away from those in need. Yet, in doing so, isn’t that response similar to how Cain replied — that he wasn’t responsible for his brother? So what’s the takeaway for us? Thankfully, God doesn’t expect us to take care of everything, but we can do something. Listen now to learn how doing even the smallest things can make the world a better place.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

What makes you happy? What brings you lasting joy? Maybe it’s having a comfortable lifestyle. Or being surrounded by friends and family. For some, it’s the material things we have that we think make us most happy. But as we’ll learn on today’s podcast, sometimes stepping into the unknown brings us the most rewards and true lasting joy. Host Yael Eckstein explores the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, the Feast of the Tabernacles, which commemorates that time when the Israelites journeyed out of slavery from Egypt and lived in the desert in flimsy huts, exposed and vulnerable, relying solely on God’s protection and blessings. The spiritual message for us? When we step out of our comfort zone, we step into opportunities that can bring us tremendous joy, including the greatest joy of all — feeling God’s abundant love and complete protection.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

It’s been said that two of the hardest words for people to say are “I’m sorry.” Can you relate? When have you experienced needing to apologize and dreaded doing it? Or maybe, you have been hurt by someone who won’t apologize to you? In this special episode about Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, host Yael Eckstein explores how those two words relate to the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Admitting our wrongdoings, committing to making changes, and moving forward is what the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur is all about! When we do this with sincerity, God always forgives and always has mercy. And those words – “I’m sorry” – have the power to heal relationships and change our future for the better.

 For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

How many of us think about repentance as we celebrate and usher in a New Year on January 1? Probably not many! But when Jews usher in the Jewish New Year on Rosh Hashanah, the main focus is on repentance, or teshuvah, which means to “return” to God and to who we really are. The sound of the shofar, the ritual trumpet, signals this time to reflect on the past twelve months, fix any behavior that isn’t helpful, and return to God who is waiting with open arms. In this special Rosh Hashanah episode, host Yael Eckstein shares the Jewish perspective on the meaning of repentance and its significance for both Christians and Jews, and how it has the power to nourish our souls and transform us into the people we are meant to be!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Join podcast host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, as she and Bishop Paul Lanier, Chairman of the Board for The Fellowship and pastor of Hope Community Church in Winston Salem, N.C., talk about the upcoming High Holy Days and how God created these special times of communing with Him. Bishop Lanier also shares how he became involved with The Fellowship’s work after seeing Fellowship founder Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein visiting an elderly Holocaust survivor in Ukraine. As Bishop Lanier tells Yael, “As a Christian, the most Christian thing I can do is to support and defend the Jewish people.” Listen now!

Come back each Sunday as Yael shares inspirational teachings on the Jewish roots of Christianity on her weekly podcast, “Nourish Your Biblical Roots.”

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

On today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein talks about the most important choice that we’ll ever make — when we follow the Bible’s directive to “choose life.” If we do this, we can live happier and more fulfilling lives! But what does it mean to “choose life”? As Yael explains in today’s episode, God gives us the choice between life and death, blessings and curses, every day. But they show up in different ways — perhaps as a choice between being happy and being right; between humility and pride; between forgiveness and resentment. The choice is not always obvious — and it’s not always easy to make. But when we choose life, we choose a way of living that is rooted in faith, love, and gratitude. Learn how by listening now!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

There are times in life when our faith is strong, but our fears might seem stronger. Maybe you’ve tried to cling to faith over the past year, but then the pandemic completely upended our lives and made us all fear for the future. Here’s the thing — it’s not easy to stand confidently in faith and in peace when life looks scary and uncertain. So what do we do? How do we strengthen our faith? In today’s episode, podcast host Yael Eckstein turns to the Bible and Jewish teachings to explore just this! Knowing that we should put all our trust in God, and actually having faith that God is looking out for us are two different things. Listen now, as Yael and join this powerful discussion on how to lean on God and remain standing through anything.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Where exactly are you in your spiritual journey? Just like any journey we begin, if we don’t take some time to pause and reflect on where we are headed, we may find ourselves completely lost. In today’s podcast episode, host Yael Eckstein walks us through an ancient biblical Jewish practice – one Jesus likely participated in – that happens during the Hebrew month of Elul, which began this month. During Elul, the Jewish people begin preparing themselves spiritually for High Holy Days, which begins with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and concludes on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Jews take this yearly 30-day challenge to lay the groundwork for real and lasting change by doing an intense spiritual checkup. As Yael shows us, it takes a full 30 days to connect with God, nourish our souls, and make spiritual changes that last. As we’ll learn, this Jewish version of a “30-day challenge” can set us up for a successful year to come as well as a blessed life ahead.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

People of faith often say they are “walking with God,” but what does that really mean? While it probably means different things to different people, you might say it means having a close relationship with God. Some feel closest to God in prayer, while others might draw nearer to God when reading Scripture. In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein will share with what it means in the Jewish tradition to “walk in God’s ways” and how we can do that and grow closer to God on a daily basis. You may be surprised to discover it can be as simple as giving someone a hug! Listen now and learn more with this practical, insightful, and inspirational teaching.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

On the debut of “Conversations with Yael,” join podcast host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, as she and Michele Bachmann, former member of the U.S. Congress and the current Dean of the Robertson School of Government at Regent University, exchange views on the importance of Israel today and its significance for all Christians. Michele and Yael discuss a wide variety of topics from balancing family and career, to the prophetic fulfillment of God bringing His people home to Israel, to the need for the next generation of Christians to hear the truth about Israel. You won’t want to miss a word!

Come back each Sunday as Yael shares inspirational teachings on the Jewish roots of Christianity on her weekly podcast, “Nourish Your Biblical Roots.”

For more information on today’s episode, visit mybiblicalroots.org.

How many of us have made choices solely to please or impress others? If we’re honest, we all have done that at one time or another. But what would our lives look like if other peoples’ opinions truly didn’t matter to us? Would our priorities be different? Would we spend our time differently? Make different choices if we had no need to impress others? In today’s podcast, Yael Eckstein explores what it looks like if we followed the wise advice Moses gave to the Israelites on this topic. Yael shares how this very advice transformed her life and led her to where she is today — as the leader of the largest philanthropic organization in Israel, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. The good news is that if we shift our focus of pleasing others to pleasing God instead, we, too, can be free to live our best and most authentic lives.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Be sure to come back and tune in on Wednesday, August 4, when Michele Bachmann, former member of the U.S. Congress and current Dean of the Robertson School of Government at Regent University, joins Yael on the premiere episode of her new podcast, “Conversations with Yael.” Each month, Yael invites to the podcast influential thought-leaders to discuss the importance of Israel and its significance for Christians today. You won’t want to miss a word of this lively and inspirational dialogue!

Imagine if you woke up tomorrow with only the things that you had thanked God for today? How would that change the quality of your gratitude? As we’ll discover on today’s podcast, it’s easy to thank God when we are truly in need and He provides for us. But what about when things are going well, and we are blessed with good health, family and friends, and enough food to eat? It’s human nature to take our blessings for granted and forget about the Source of all we have. In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein explores the biblical command to remember God and His many blessings through times of plenty and times of difficulties. We will learn how having gratitude in all situations can actually lead to God giving us even more things to be grateful for and more blessings in our lives!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

If you have ever felt like giving up, today’s episode is dedicated to you. This month, Jews around the world observe the darkest day on the Jewish calendar, Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the month of Av. On this day, Jewish people weep for something that occurred more than 2,000 years ago — the destruction of both the First and Second Temples that once stood in Jerusalem. Yet, as host Yael Eckstein explains, while this day is one of deep sorrow, it is also one of great hope — a hope that has sustained the Jewish people throughout the darkest pain of exile, persecutions, and even the Holocaust. The lesson for us all is that there is always room for hope because we worship a God of love, mercy, and compassion. By not giving up hope, we affirm our belief in God’s promise to fulfill all His promises in the Bible.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Do you ever wish for an easier life? Or think that if your life were easier it would be better? The Israelites wished for an easier life after they realized how hard it would be to enter the Promised Land. With so many challenges – a difficult land to capture and cultivate — they believed that because God had put them in this position, He actually hated them! In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein explains that the exact opposite is the truth. Jewish teachings tell us that our challenges can help strengthen us so we grow, thrive, and live meaningful lives, and we can trust God is with us every step of the way. Our challenges can actually be our greatest gifts! Learn how on today’s podcast.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

In many ways, it was hard to avoid getting angry at something during the past year. With the elections, the heated political debates on social media, and all the issues that came up during the pandemic, you probably felt your buttons being pushed at some point. Truth is, we all get angry. But as we’ll learn in this week’s episode, there’s a great cost to holding on to our anger. Even Moses grew angry when he thought the Israelites didn’t follow the Word of God. But host Yael Eckstein explores ancient Jewish teachings about what holding onto anger can cost us. And more importantly, what we can gain by letting it go and giving it to God. If you think about it, staying angry only hurts us, but standing in prayer is probably the most constructive thing we can ever do. Listen now – you won’t want to miss this episode!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

How often do you really take the time to enjoy the blessings in your life? It’s easy to focus on what we don’t have or compare our life to others. But if we’re not careful, we might miss out on what’s right in front of us! In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein turns to the Bible to unpack the powerful message that God knows how unique we are, and because of this, He gives us exactly what we need in life. Our life may look different than someone else’s life, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less. If we trust that God always provides us with exactly what we need, we might just learn the Jewish understanding of true happiness — HaSameach b’chelko, “the one who is happy with his lot. Noticing and enjoying the blessings we already have makes life that much sweeter — and happier!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

How do you view the bad things that happen to you? Do you feel that God has forgotten you? That He doesn’t love you anymore? Or worse, that He’s out to get you? If we truly believe that God is the source of everything that happens in our lives and that God is good, that means everything that happens to us must also be good. Right? But we sometimes don’t look at it that way. In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein turns to Jewish lessons from the Bible to teach us how to think about the bad stuff that happens to us with a different perspective. As Yael shares, sometimes God puts obstacles in our path to teach us or protect us in a way that we could have never predicted. We cannot know God’s ways, but Scripture shows us that if we praise Him for everything that happens to us – good or bad – we’ll learn that it’s actually all for the good!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

When was the last time you saw God’s miracles happening around you? It’s true, the Red Sea isn’t parting in front of us like in Moses’ time and, in fact, if you listen to the news today, it can be difficult to see God’s hand at work in our world. But why do we assume miracles are ancient history that only happened during biblical times? In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein explains that while some of the miracles of the Bible happened in front of everyone, others were more hidden. Yet hidden miracles are no less wondrous than those that are obvious. And, as a people of faith, it’s up to us to see every miracle – from our heart that beats, to our eyes that see. If we look closely, we’ll see that God’s miracles are all around!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

What does it really mean to be a wealthy person? In today’s episode, host Yael Eckstein explores the biblical story of Korah, a man so wealthy that he got a false sense of importance and began a rebellion against Moses – and against God Himself. Do you know what happened next? Let’s just say it didn’t end well for Korah. While most of us know that money is impermanent, sometimes we can lose sight of this in day-to-day life. However, as Yael shares with us, if we count our good deeds instead of our money, we will discover how truly wealthy we all are in the eyes of God!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

The entire fate of the Israelites turned on one word: BUT. Instead of entering the Promised Land, the children of Israel were condemned to wander the desert for another 40 years. One word. If we’re honest, we’ve all made the same mistake. Maybe you’ve said, “I got a new job, but it’s really hard”? Or maybe, “My son gets good grades, but he struggles in sports.” That one word diminishes our blessings, transforms positives into negatives, blocks us from the Promised Land and keeps us in the desert. Yet, as host Yael Eckstein explains, we can take that same word and use it to strengthen our faith and overcome our own giants and obstacles. Discover how on today’s podcast.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

What is your name? Do you know the meaning of your name, or why you were given your name? According to Jewish tradition, every person has three names: one that they are called by their parents, one that they are called by others, and one they are remembered by. On today’s episode, podcast host Yael Eckstein shares verses from the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), and some fascinating Jewish teachings that will help us understand the meaning of our names, the role they play in our spiritual lives, and why each one of us has the amazing opportunity to choose a name for ourselves.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

More than 3,500 rockets have been fired into Israel by Hama terrorists in Gaza, and while there have been calls for a ceasefire, Israelis are bracing for more. As casualties continue to mount and conflict has broken out on other fronts, podcast host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, answered questions about the current situation during a recent Emergency Fellowship Family Meeting with 10,000 supporters and friends on the call.

Listen to this special crisis edition of “Nourish Your Biblical Roots,” as Yael speaks from the Holy Land about how the conflict started, Israel’s response, and what The Fellowship is doing on the ground in Israel to help those under attack.

What if you were asked to name the most important quality in a person of faith? What would you say? Honesty? Purity? Compassion? Scripture actually has an answer to this question. In honor of the Jewish holiday Shavuot, the Festival of Weeks, which begins tonight, we’ll learn about the one quality that can take our faith to the next level. The biblical figure Ruth demonstrated this quality when she followed her mother-in-law Naomi back to Israel and joined the Jewish people. So did the nation of Israel when they accepted God’s Torah unconditionally at the foot of Mt. Sinai. In today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein will explain how both these biblical stories connect to the holiday of Shavuot, and why the quality of unconditional commitment — or commitedness — to God and His Word matters the most.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

It’s human nature to want to fit in, isn’t it? In fact, sometimes we sacrifice what makes us different in order to be like everyone else. But God made each one of us as unique individuals with a different role to play in His Kingdom. In today’s episode, podcast host Yael Eckstein takes a deeper look at how the twelve tribes of Israel were placed when they encamped in the desert and what lessons this can teach us about the blessings of being true to who God created us to be. 

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Want to receive more blessings in your life? If so, you might consider doing… less. That’s right! Conventional wisdom says that the more we work, the more we will achieve… and the more blessings we’ll have in our lives. But as we’ll learn on today’s podcast, that isn’t always the case. Host Yael Eckstein explores a biblical directive, known as the sabbatical year, to let the land lay fallow every seventh year. The spiritual message for us? Sometimes we need to do less in order to receive more blessing in our lives. Listen now!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

As kids, who didn’t count down the days until the end of school and the beginning of summer vacation? Even as adults, we sometimes count down the days to an important event — a milestone birthday, a wedding, or a special vacation. But if you think about it, in counting down the days, we can mistakenly relegate those days as obstacles to get through in order to reach the anticipated event, rather than as the priceless gift that each day is. On today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein shares biblical verses that direct us to count each day in a way that celebrates the moment. Through ancient Jewish teachers, we will learn how counting each day — in the right way — is the secret to making every day count.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

We all want to have a positive influence on others and leave our mark on the world, but how do we do that? More importantly, where do we start? On today’s episode, podcast host Yael Eckstein explains how the service of the High Priest on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur, teaches us how to be a positive influence. We’ll learn from Yael’s teachings and personal experiences that the best way to spread God’s light and be a positive influence starts from the inside-out. If we want to impact the world around us, the best place to start is inside ourselves.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Our God-given ability to speak has incredible power. On today’s episode, podcast host Yael Eckstein shares Jewish teachings that reveal how our words have the potential to cause terrible destruction, but also the potential to build, to heal, and to inspire. We will explore how to harness this great power in order to speak only good things into our lives and into the world.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

What does it really mean to be kind? The definition of kindness, according to Jewish thought, might not be as simple as we might think. On today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein explores Jewish teachings from the Bible about what true kindness is… and what it isn’t. And these lessons can be gleaned from the biblical laws of eating kosher! Additionally, we discover how acts of authentic kindness can impact our lives in ways we could never imagine. Listen now!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Think you know the whole story of the Israelites’ redemption from Egypt and the splitting of the Red Sea? Think again! On today’s special Passover episode, podcast host Yael Eckstein shares Jewish teachings about what happened in the moments before the Red Sea split and the lesson it teaches us about overcoming obstacles, acting in faith, and seeing miracles in our own lives.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

It has been said that if you win the morning, you win the day. On today’s podcast, host Yael Eckstein shares a Jewish teaching about the priest’s daily service as described in the Bible, first in the Tabernacle and then later in the Temple, which offers us some interesting insights on how we should approach each new day. By adopting the right mindset, Yael explains we can experience every day with maximum joy, clarity, and productivity — and win the day!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Wouldn’t it be nice to always feel so blessed that your heart overflows with gratitude no matter what’s going on in your life? In today’s episode, Yael Eckstein talks about the importance of recognizing our blessings and giving thanks to God — even during hard times … especially during hard times. Jewish tradition teaches that having an attitude of gratitude is essential in our service to God and is a critical component for living a joyful life. While it can be hard to feel truly grateful when we are facing challenges, Yael reveals how it’s always possible. 

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

This week’s Torah portion, the parsha, is called Vayikra, which means “and he called,” and covers Leviticus 1-5. In this parsha, we read about the sacrifices and offerings that were brought to the Tabernacle, God’s temporary sanctuary, and later on in history, to the Temple. As Yael explains, even though we no longer bring the sacrifices described in the Bible, the verses still contain eternal messages relevant to our lives today.

The verses that Yael focuses on this week are from Leviticus 2:4-7, which read, “If you bring a grain offering baked in an oven, it is to consist of the finest flour: either thick loaves made without yeast and with olive oil mixed in or thin loaves made without yeast and brushed with olive oil. If your grain offering is prepared on a griddle, it is to be made of the finest flour mixed with oil, and without yeast.  Crumble it and pour oil on it; it is a grain offering. If your grain offering is cooked in a pan, it is to be made of the finest flour and some olive oil.” While these verses describe the different types of grain offerings, Yael reveals these verses teach us important lessons about expressing daily gratitude and how we can cultivate a grateful heart during the good times in our lives, as well as during more challenging times.

In this episode, Yael talks about how she maintains a state of gratitude in her own life. She discusses the challenges of living in Israel, but how her annual trips to Ukraine, where she distributes aid to elderly Holocaust survivors, help restore her perspective. Yael also shares the Jewish teachings and rituals that help her maintain a constant state of feeling grateful and blessed, including the prayer that she recites the first thing each morning as soon as she opens her eyes.

Discover the daily practices of cultivating a grateful heart that Yael learned from her parents and that she is now passing down to her own children, and how we can incorporate these same principles into our own life so that we can feel blessed, joyful, and thankful every single day of our lives. No matter what.

Check out this complimentary downloadable chapter from Yael’s book, Generation to Generation, about teaching our children the value of gratitude and how you can pass along those principles to your children and grandchildren.

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Have you ever felt like everything in life is falling apart? Have you ever felt like giving up? For many of us, this past year has presented many challenges and difficulties. In this episode, podcast host Yael Eckstein reveals what Moses did when he built — and rebuilt — the Tabernacle many times over and what his actions teach us about how to rebuild after experiencing setbacks in our lives.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

This week’s Torah portion, the parsha, is called Vayakhel-Pikuedai and covers Exodus 35:1-40:38. In this parsha, we read about how the Israelites built the different components of the Tabernacle and then brought them to Moses who erected the structure and anointed it.

In today’s episode, Yael focuses on Exodus 40:17, which reads: “So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year.” While most of us would gloss right over this verse without a second thought, Yael shares ancient Jewish teachings about what really happened when Moses set up the Tabernacle.

As Yael explains, according to Jewish tradition, Moses had set up and taken down the Tabernacle repeatedly through the Israelites’ journey in the desert. But what Moses did when he erected the Tabernacle over and over again conveys an important message for anyone going through hard times.

Every one of us experiences setbacks in life, both physically and spiritually. However, we have all been given the ability to rise up and rebuild over and over again. In this episode Yael opens up about her personal journey going from “sitting shiva,” mourning her father’s sudden death, to sitting in his chair as the new president and CEO of The Fellowship. She shares how this very verse from Exodus 40:17 inspired her and gave her the strength to keep going. This podcast episode will give you, too, the power to rise again, fueling your spirit to help you get through anything and come through it stronger than ever before.

Read Yael’s daily devotionals.

Read Yael’s latest weekly message.

Sign up for Yael’s daily devotions and weekly messages.

Check out Yael’s new book, Generation to Generation: Passing on a Legacy of Faith to Our Children.

Learn more about the lifesaving work of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

Follow Yael on Instagram at Yael_Eckstein and on Facebook at YaelEckstein.

Have you ever felt like you don’t matter? Or that what you do simply doesn’t count for anything? Podcast host Yael Eckstein shares another way of understanding God’s command to Moses to count the people of Israel found in this week’s Torah portion and its important message about our true value and power to change the world for the better.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

This week’s Torah portion, the parsha (listen to Episode 1 for more information on this ancient Jewish Bible reading plan), covers Exodus 30:11 through Exodus 34:35. In this episode, Yael focuses on the first verses of the portion, which read, “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘When you take a census of the Israelites to count them, each one must pay the LORD a ransom for his life at the time he is counted. Then no plague will come on them when you number them’” (Exodus 30:11-12). While this verse may not seem particularly inspiring at first, Yael reveals deeper layers of meaning that become apparent when the passage is studied in Hebrew, the language in which it was originally written. In exploring what God intended in ordering that the people be counted, Yael reveals a powerful message about the value of each person and how each one of us has the potential to profoundly impact the entire world. In a world of 7 billion people, we often lose sight of our uniqueness and importance. In this episode, Yael shares stories from her own life, as well as Jewish teachings about how much each of us matters and how knowing our true value can — and should — guide our choices and actions every day of our lives.

Read Yael’s daily devotionals.

Read Yael’s latest weekly message.

Sign up for Yael’s daily devotions and weekly messages.

Check out Yael’s new book, Generation to Generation: Passing on a Legacy of Faith to Our Children.

Learn more about the lifesaving work of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

Follow Yael on Instagram at Yael_Eckstein and on Facebook at YaelEckstein.

Uncover the hidden message in God’s commandment to use olive oil to light the Lampstand in the Tabernacle.  Yael Eckstein will explain how this ancient source of light teaches us how to access light in dark times, and become a much-needed source of light in the world today.

For more information on today’s episode visit nourishyourroots.org.

Discover the most ancient Bible reading plan in the world, that was first established in the 6th Century BCE and is followed by Jews around the world today. On today’s program, Yael Eckstein will share why this tradition is so relevant to Christians and how it can profoundly impact your walk with God.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Join Yael from the Holy Land as she shares spiritual insights, lessons from the Torah, and conversations about life in Israel.