Fake governments will cause truth and justice to prevail

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In my last post, I said it looks like the ball is being put into Israel’s political and military court by the hand of God. With the events of last week, things are in high gear, full throttle ahead.

Yesterday

Before we look at today, it is critical that we look at yesterday, at history so we can see the future. For those unaware, since December 11, 2020, we’ve been hosting expert speakers on current events from a biblical perspective with the first one being (Ret.) Col. John Somerville from Zion’s Watchman.

Since Dec 11, John has taught us about the US Presidents who became blessers of Israel. We have learned that each of these Presidents had someone early in their lives that planted the seed of Genesis 12:3 – always help and support the Jews.

If we take nothing else from John’s presentation, it must be this. This is our assignment too: plant seeds in the lives of others to always help and support the Jews. I would add, especially the children who have been placed in our lives.

If you’ve joined us live on Thursday nights or watched the recordings, you can clearly see the impact and importance of how nations rise and fall based on how they treat the land of Israel and the Jewish people. Let me know if you would like a copy of the recordings.

Fake governments

If the evidence proves President Trump was THE BEST American president towards Israel and the Jews, then why was he removed from office? I proposed the answer to this question in my last post: Biden was put into office for God’s purposes. The evidence is everywhere of the stolen election. In other words, we have a fake government that will carry out real consequences. But we’re not the only ones.

Last week, ICC judges rule that Judea, Samaria, Gaza and eastern Jerusalem are within the jurisdiction of the court.

https://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/296313

Did you know the ICC is also a fake government with fake members?

“The International Criminal Court of Hague was established in 1998 (to supposedly ensure the world never sees a Holocaust again.) The ICC has 123 member states including the “State of Palestine” (a non-existent political entity) but neither Israel nor the US is a member. The ICC tries individuals and not states with the case naming specific officials who could be subject to warrants upon traveling outside of Israel if the court rules against Israel.” -Adam Berkowitz, journalist for Israel 365

This means Netanyahu could would be arrested for fake “war crimes” the second he leaves Israel or even worse, goes into a territory the ICC claims to have jurisdiction on: Judea, Samaria, East Jerusalem included. The ICC’s fake claim of war crimes is based on the 2014 Operation Protective Edge carried out by Israel in response to the kidnapping and murder of three Jewish teenage boys by Hamas.

Sheker, Sheker and more Sheker is Israeli for lies, lies, and more lies.

Not only is the pressure being increased on Israel from the fake ICC, our fake government has put key people in positions of power that have direct implications for Israel.

Key person #1: Maher Bitar has been appointed as Senior Director of Intelligence of the National Security Council. Who is Maher Bitar? Maher Bitar, one of the executive board members of Students for Justice in Palestine, was one of the principal organizers of the 2006 conference hosted by Georgetown University’s SJP hate group. SJP spews anti-semitic propaganda on college campuses throughout the US and the world while harassing and gas-lighting Jewish students.

Daniel Greenfield pointed out on FrontPage.org, while studying in Britain at Oxford’s Refugee Studies Centre Bitar wrote in a paper that Israel’s “political existence as a state is the cause for Palestinian dispossession and statelessness”. In other words, Bitar is not an advocate for a two-state solution. Not at all. Bitar thinks that Israel – the US’s key ally in the Middle East- should not exist at all. Yet this individual will now handle some of the most heavily classified intelligence available to the United States. He will decide what information America’s intelligence community shares with foreign intelligence services. (excerpt from Melanie Phillips)

To get an inside look into what I’m attempting to say is explained much better in the article below, written by Caroline Glick.
BIDEN’S DRIVE TO WAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Biblical Perspective

Excerpt from an article by Adam Berkowitz with Israel365 News,

“Rabbi Hillel Weiss, the former spokesman for the Sanhedrin, emphasized that establishing courts and enacting justice is one of the Seven Noahide Laws incumbent upon all of mankind. 

“We are in an intense period in which the final redemption is unavoidably imminent,” Rabbi Weiss said. “There are no more second chances. People need to choose right now, which they support: a system of judgment in Jerusalem  based on the Bible or an idolatrous court based on lies.”  

He emphasized that politics is merely a tool God used to run the world.

“But men can usurp this,” Rabbi Weiss said. “Every nation brings their particular aspect to this which was the only justification for the United Nations and the ICC. But they cannot simply create their own truth that is in contradiction of the Bible and the truth.”

“The truth is that the land of Israel is the physical manifestation of the covenant between God and the Jews. By rejecting this, by serving the agenda of a made-up nation, the ICC has lost their mandate and their legitimacy.”

“This rejection of Jerusalem and the Biblical concept of justice is included in the prophecy by Zechariah,” Rabbi Weiss said, citing the prophet.

When all the nations of the earth gather against her. In that day, I will make Yerushalayim a stone for all the peoples to lift; all who lift it shall injure themselves. (Zechariah 12:3)

“This is why the same declaration of the ICC declaring a judgment has to refute Jerusalem,” Rabbi Weiss explained. “They are rejecting truth in justice but in essence, they are really rejecting Jerusalem.”

“They claim they have jurisdiction in ‘Palestine’,” Rabbi Weiss said. “That is precisely where their justice is relevant; in a made-up country that does not exist because their justice is also made up and does not exist.”

Rabbi Weiss described a solution that many would consider impossible or, at least, improbable.

“Trump began an effort to return the world to truth, to Jerusalem,” Rabbi Weiss said. “Nikki Haley was working to fix the UN. Just because Trump is not sitting in the Oval Office does not mean he is exempt from the task he began. That is just a political agenda. Establishing truth and justice is a Biblical mandate that is essential to all 70 nationalism and to all religions.”

It should be noted that the State Department under former-President Trump sanctioned Bensouda and Phakiso Mochochoko, head of The Hague court’s Jurisdiction, Complementarity and Cooperation Division, for “illegitimate attempts to subject Americans to its jurisdiction.” This was in response to the Hague’s investigation into alleged US war crimes connected to the war in Afghanistan. Bensouda’s six-year term will expire in June. 

In addition, the US shut the Palestinian Liberation Organization mission in Washington in response to the case being brought to the ICC as it violated a 2015 Congressional mandate against such a move as it prevented bilateral negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. “

It is clear

As I proposed in my last post, it is clear, the handwriting is on the wall. Israel is being forced into a position where they will stand alone with the world’s fake governments against them. From a biblical perspective, if the pattern holds, they will be forced to look to God for deliverance and help. The dismantling of world governments is happening. This has to happen to make way for God’s government soon to be set up in Jerusalem.

What we must do

It’s critical to keep up with current events in Israel and the Jewish people. Below are recommended Israel news sources. 

  1. Israel Hayom- http://www.israelhayom.com/ (conservative source)
  2. Arutz Sheva- http://www.israelnationalnews.com/ (conservative news source)
  3. Jerusalem Post- https://www.jpost.com (they have recently turned into a left leaning news source)
  4. Caroline Glick- http://carolineglick.com  (highly respected conservative, Zionist, Pro Judea & Samaria political analyst & journalist)
  5. Pulse of Israel- https://pulseofisrael.com (conservative, Zionist and Pro Judea & Samaria source based in Jerusalem – hosted by Avi Abelow)
  6. Jewish Broadcast System (JBS) – https://jbstv.org. Founded by American Jew, Rabbi Mark Golub (a wonderful human being!), JBS is a Jewish television channel featuring daily news from Israel, leading Jewish figures, issues and events of Jewish importance, Jewish studies,  Live Friday and Jewish holiday services for the home-bound, children’s programs, films, music, books and entertainment. (From watching JBS for the last 5-6 years, I can personally say I have learned a lifetime of “all things Jewish” from this channel…from politics to Judaism and beyond. He has a large portion of Left leaning guests and speakers but he works hard to balance it with Right leaning guests. Alan Dershowitz has a show on JBS too! )

Here’s a repeat of the short list of suggestions:

  • Align with and defend the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. 
  • Fight back against anti-semitism and replacement theology.
  • Learn the historical and geo-political facts of Israel and the Jewish people.
  • Stay humble, keep praying, repenting and pointing people to God. 
  • Join our free Thursday evening Zoom presentations where we host expert speakers who are teaching on all of this. Email me if you want to be included…atasteofisrael@gmail.com 

Up Next

This is where we turn the page and announce our next speaker on current events from a biblical perspective, Tommy Waller- founder of Hayovel! We are thrilled to bring Tommy who will continue teaching on Genesis 12:3. Please share with friends and join us! Email me at atasteofisrael@gmail.com if you’ve never received the zoom link.


The Future

Jerusalem is not a has been. Jerusalem is the future.

All eyes on Israel and especially, Jerusalem. In the soon-coming end of all the lies, the only real truth and justice will prevail- God’s truth and His Kingdom.

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem; may those who love you prosper. Psalm 122:6

A Shift In Thinking

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Greetings from a year and half hiatus. Since my last post, the world has changed. Forever. I’ve been posting my thoughts on FB but I suspect my days there are numbered. So, with great peace and lots to say, I’m returning to my blog because everything that is happening is really about Israel. We may not see that at the moment, but give it time, it will be in plain view. Please read on and share with friends.

Those who really know me, know that I’m an undying optimist.

Two weeks ago today, I gave myself the day to grieve over the loss of this country as we know it. I literally cried through most of our Zoom Bible study Friday evening. 

I was and am broken hearted. 

Not so much over losing our country’s greatest President, Donald J Trump to the biggest and most blatant political theft of our history, but more so over the loss of our morals, rejection of God and upcoming turn on Israel from our current government, knowing what that will bring us. In case you’re just tuning in to this issue, here’s a short summary of what I’m talking about. https://www.israelheartlandreport.com/news/palestinians-emboldened-by-the-new-us-administration?fbclid=IwAR0tG_Qw7AZzYnUsmcro7dIkn_YUMI-RfZ2oHqLy_YWiV-_3hw1PMsq4mlo

Honestly though, I agree with Dennis Prager. If I was in a position of counting ballots during Hitler’s election, I would have cheated my eyeballs out in the ballot counting if it meant keeping an evil person like him out of office. That would be my moral obligation to humanity, not to my government. The difference is that Trump isn’t the monster he’s made out to be. Unlike the evidence of Dachau, Auschwitz, Triblenka and more, there’s no evidence of Trump being a monster.

Ironically, the current TDS is the same mental illness as the baseless hate-filled Anti-semitism that fueled the Shoah…that caused thousands of good German Christians who were brainwashed into carrying out Hitler’s agenda, but that’s a different post. Nothing new under the sun. 

While we try to hang on to our beloved country with a death grip, and fight we must, I continue to believe the fall of America will eventually be seen as a positive thing from a biblical perspective. 

No, it’s never a “positive thing” to see a country fall, from a practical sense, but on the grand scheme of things, something much bigger and MUCH BETTER than our glorious Trump or disastrous Biden led government, is coming. 

I’m reminded of the book of Daniel that says God raises kings and removes kings for His purposes. And chaos will be in full swing when The Messiah comes. This was my first thought on January 20, 2021. Biden was put in office for God’s purposes.

I know that sounds ludicrous and repulsive to many, myself included and I have no idea how that will play out but I am convinced Biden was put in office for God’s purposes. 

One of the most eye opening things that happened to me on my first trip to Israel and many times over since then, is the way the religious Jewish people talk openly and freely, of the excitement and unbridled anticipation of the The Messiah coming. Simply put, they are excited about this.  Here’s a post about that. https://atasteofisrael.com/2019/07/05/3333/

In contrast, I’ve heard many Christians be fearful of The Messiah’s coming, claiming they’re not ready yet. What? Not ready for The Messiah?!  How often do you hear Christians talking in a positive connotation about the Messiah coming? I’m just not hearing it much. Simply put, they are scared of The Messiah coming.

I guess based on theological interpretation, many are fearful of what that means for their personal safety and security that will ensue with the growing chaos and rise of a corrupt Godless and lawless government.  

This is where I think we need a shift in thinking.  

The Living Word of God teaches over and over that HIS KINGDOM IS COMING. In order for HIS government to be established, all other governments must be crushed. Study the book of Daniel and you will see. 

America is never going back to being Great Again. Wrap your mind around that and embrace it. Biden was put in office for God’s purposes. Crazy, I know. 

With the evidence of America’s corrupt lying government currently turning on Israel with Biden’s blitz of executive orders including to reinstate financial support to Palestinian terrorists who get paid to kill Jews- The Pay to Slay program and talk of reinstating the Iran Deal to send more cash to fund their nuclear program and lift sanctions, aka The Deal with the Devil, it’s safe to say the handwriting is on the wall. 

This is going to force Israel to not be dependent on other countries for their God given sovereignty over their country. This is the next step. It’s as if the ball is being put into Israel’s political and military court by the hand of God. 

With their upcoming elections, the fourth in less than 2 years, I predict it will be jaw dropping drama with results no one could imagine. 

Back to Americans, HEAR ME WHEN I SAY: The Q Anon is a very dangerous false deception. Don’t put your hope and trust in that. You should run away from that as fast as you can. If I end up being wrong, then, Hallelujah! I’m not proposing my thoughts and convictions for the sake of being right.

The quicker we shift our thinking away from any man or government able to save us and give us peace, the more we will be aligned with God and His blueprint. The quicker we will have peace. Our trust and hope is in God and Him alone. 

Don’t get me wrong, we must continue engaging in politics and increasing our acts of kindness and speaking the truth but knowing our ultimate mindset should be on God’s agenda even if it seems counterintuitive or just plain crazy.

The soon to be outdated worldly government systems will very soon be replaced with God’s government. In Jerusalem.

Don’t be riddled with fear, God is doing this. He is in TOTAL control. He will protect us through the chaos.

Here’s a short list of suggestions:

  • Align with and defend the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. 
  • Fight back against anti-semitism and replacement theology.
  • Learn the historical and geo-political facts of Israel and the Jewish people.
  • Stay humble, keep praying, repenting and pointing people to God. 
  • Join our free Thursday evening Zoom presentations where we host expert speakers who are teaching on all of this. Email me if you want to be included…atasteofisrael@gmail.com 

All eyes on Jerusalem as we anticipate the eminent New and Eternal Kingdom being set up VERY SOON! Next Year in Jerusalem! 

Shabbat Shalom! 

Galilee Visit, part 2

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Galilee Visit, part 2

Last May, we visited Magdala, a very special place on the western coastline of the Kinneret. Magdala is the hometown of Mary Magdalene and now home to a beautiful new project initiated by Father Juan Solana of the Pontifical Institute Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center.

His vision for Magdala is to highlight the ministry of Yeshua and the lives transformed by Him. Father Juan’s vision is to also honor women of faith. As well as a retreat center for bible study, worship, prayer, meditation and spiritual growth.

Growth Plans

As construction continues, a guesthouse and restaurant will be added. The restaurant will be modeled after the Notre Dame Culinary Center in Jerusalem. If you missed my post about me teaching a culinary workshop there, you can read about it here. 

Surprise!

Father Juan’s vision was met with a surprise. Here’s a snippet about that surprise from Magdala’s site:

“When construction began in 2009, no one could have imagined what God had in store. As workers began to dig the foundation for the guesthouse, they discovered a First Century Synagogue where it is certain that Jesus taught. Inside the synagogue they also found The Magdala Stone, a discovery many archaeologists call the most significant archaeological find in the past 50 years.

As archaeologists continued to dig, they discovered an entire first century Jewish town lying just below the surface. With only 10% of the archaeology uncovered, the hometown of Mary Magdalene already provides pilgrims an authentic location to walk where Jesus taught and to connect with the first century life of Jesus’ followers.

Magdala is a unique Holy Land site with a first century city where the Jewish residents gathered in a synagogue where Jesus visited and taught. It is home to the beautiful Duc In Altum, which provides a place for worship, mass, and prayer.

Because of its unique nature, Magdala will actively contribute to building positive relationships with the diverse community of Christian believers and between Christians and Jews. In the coming days, Magdala will feature excellent accommodations and an outstanding restaurant, in addition to an expanded archaeological park.

Magdala is truly the crossroads of Jewish and Christian history.”

Bigger plans

Seems like God has a bigger vision which includes having us dig for the answers. Kind of like digging past the surface of the holy scriptures for the depth of understanding. In Jewish thought, this is called Sod (sode) which means secret or mystery. You have to dig to reveal it. It’s the deepest level of the PaRDes method of studying the bible. When we gloss over the surface, we often miss the greater treasure lying beneath. 

This reminds me of the recent mega-discovery of the complete, 350 meter long pilgrimage path from the City of David up to the Temple in Jerusalem. What’s so funny about it, is it was discovered because of a plumbing leak just below the surface of the parking lot that was covering this incredible find. Click here for that amazing story.

There are so many mind-blowing things in Israel, especially with ongoing archaeological work that seems to unearth incredible evidence of the bible with each passing day. Who knows, pretty soon, they may dig up the Garden of Eden! 

Enjoy the pics from Magdala and please visit there when you go to Israel.

they were actively digging while we were there…incredible!
the mosaics are absolutely gorgeous
here is Yeshua with Mary Magdalene…a beautiful story of a person’s life transformed
the hem of his garment…my personal favorite mosaic
Sunset over the Kinneret

Next week, I’ll share some Texas love from the Galilee. 

A Visit To The Galilee

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Soul Satisfying

Ahhhh, the Galilee Region.  Quiet, slowed pace, pastoral views. 

A stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The perfect place to retreat to.

8am, my first view of the Sea of Galilee

Home to what is known by the locals as the Kinneret (Key-nair-et), the Sea of Galilee is really not a sea at all. It’s a fresh water lake fed from it’s main source, the Jordan River. In fact, it’s the lowest fresh water lake in the world. 

Kinneret means harp. When you look at an aerial view, the Kinneret resembles the shape of a harp, like the kind King David played. 

Miracle after miracle, significant for Christians, the Galilee region was the home base of Yeshua’s ministry. From feeding thousands from a few fish and loaves of bread to walking on water, the Galilee region has a lifetime of historical events from this tiny area of Israel.

a synagogue where Yeshua taught.
layers of civilizations

Yeshua’s Town

My first trip to the Kinneret was with my pastor, Mark Biltz. The morning of our boat ride, the weather was perfect with calm water and serenity as far as you could see. The boat captain began playing worship songs that filled the air with praise and thanksgiving.

with Pastor Mark Biltz, 2014

I’m not one who easily cries, but in that moment, I was so touched at the natural beauty while being fully surrounded by a deep peace, I actually became teary eyed. It was a most beautiful experience…one I think of often. 

A picture of peace: the calm waters of the Kinneret.

Agriculture

One of the many things I have learned about Israel is how much food they grow. Not just for their nation but for others. Did you know they export 30% of what they grow to other countries? Little tiny Israel is feeding the world. It’s like Tikkun Olam mixed with a little Chutzpah! 

Bananas, citrus, berries, papaya, mango, melons, apricots, olives, figs, dates, grapes, pomegranates, vegetables galore and so much more! Every inch of land is utilized…even the fields at the airport are planted with citrus trees. 

Below is a picture of a banana farm and pomegranate farm situated on one of the banks of the Kinneret.  

Israel has always been an agricultural people from the beginning of time. Same goes for today. Even in today’s modern times, the Jewish Israeli’s observe the Shemittah cycle just like 2000+ years ago. Fascinating!!

This is only a glimpse of this special region of Israel…stay tuned for more!

A Visit To Haifa

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Love at first sight.

From the very first moment I saw Haifa, I instantly knew I could easily live there.

Haifa, 2014

Situated on the slopes of Mount Carmel along the coast just north of Caesarea, Haifa is Israel’s 3rd largest city after Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Israel’s port city, Haifa is where the export/import worlds meet.

Home to the magnificent Baha’i Gardens, the lookout from the top is absolutely stunning.

Looking over the Haifa port

Academics

University of Haifa and the ever impressive Technion, Israel’s leading tech university is located in this gorgeous city. Rumor has it that Technion has developed a type of “smellavision”. Can you imagine how this is going to change cooking shows? Woohoo!

Just down the road

Just down the road from Haifa is a place that was hard to visit yet so very important. It serves as a reminder of the fight the Jewish people have endured just for the right to exist and live in their God-given homeland.

As WWII was winding down, the British government who controlled Israel at the time, decided to allow some Jews to immigrate to Israel. At the time, Israel was called Palestine…a name given to the Jewish Holy Land by the Romans in an attempt to wipe out the name of Israel.

Can you imagine the relief and renewed life-giving hope the Jews felt as they were finally headed to freedom?

Wrong

Only it didn’t quite go that way.

What actually happened is a complete stain of disgrace on the British government. Caving into pressure from the Arabs to limit the number of Jews allowed to immigrate to their native land, Israel, the British government refused the Jewish refugees freedom.

Instead of immigrating to freedom, the Jews were shipped to, Atlit, an Illegal Immigrant Detention Camp. Complete with barbed wire, armed guards and degrading living conditions. From one hell to another.

In October of 1945, the Jews detained at Atlit were liberated by a young Israeli special forces unit called the Palmach through a clandestine operation.

A glimmer of truth can be found on the placard given by a group of Christians from the UK acknowledging this atrocity and asking forgiveness.

A Life lesson

Distraught over seeing this, I struggled to come to grips with yet another attempt to suppress God’s people from living as free people in their land.

Walking back to our tour bus, I couldn’t help but apologize to our Jewish Israeli guide for all the horrors that have been done to his people. His reply?

“Thank you, but we look forward, not backward.”

The Jews…this is why they are a beacon of hope. They never give up. If anyone has the right to “give up”, it is the Jews. But they don’t.

To live is in their DNA.

Life. This is what they do. They create, they work, they build, they L-I-V-E!

For those who have been reading my blog for awhile, you know I say it over and over… there is no other people group who inspires me more than the Jewish people.

It is so very important to not forget the past. To learn from history so that it doesn’t repeat itself. But it is life giving to look and move towards the future. This is the secret to living.

And the Jewish people lead the world in living.

L’Chaim!

The Breads of Israel

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I always tell my nieces, nephew and students that homemade or artisan made bread is the good life. Adding butter makes it a divine life, ha!

Seriously though

Bread goes far beyond physical sustenance. It has a level of spirituality that other foods don’t. Along with wine, bread is one of the key elements of religious ceremonies like the weekly Sabbath and communion. It is first mentioned in the bible in Genesis when King Melchizedek offered it to Abraham.

“Malki-Tzedek king of Shalem brought out bread and wine. He was cohen of El ‘Elyon (God Most High), so he blessed him with these words: “Blessed be Abraham by El ‘Elyon,
maker of heaven of earth
and blessed be El ‘Elyon,
who handed your enemies over to you.’ ”       
Genesis 14: 18-20

This specific act of giving bread and wine to Abraham from King Malki-Tzedek is a messianic picture of The Messiah- The Bread of Life whose Blood is The Atonement symbolized by wine and a gift to the seed of Abraham, the Father of people too numerous to count just as the stars in the heavens. 

Spirituality of Bread?

If that isn’t enough proof of the spirituality of bread, consider the Tabernacle God told the Israelites to build in Shiloh in the book of Exodus.

Giving very specific instructions and mind bending detail on the construction and prescribed use, bread played a very important role in the house of God on earth.

Specifically, the bread used in the first Tabernacle (and then in the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem), was called the show bread or…

“On the table you are to place the bread of the presence in my presence always”- Exodus 25: 30. 

Coincidental?

I thought it was quite striking that last week’s Bible reading was Exodus 25-27 at the same exact time an article came out about a very unique baker in Israel, Les Saidel of Saidel’s Bakery.

Les is working to recreate the bread that was once used in the Tabernacle in hopes to be ready for the upcoming rebuilding of The Temple in Jerusalem. Fascinating! Click here to read about it.

Click here for a very cool behind the scenes look at Saidel’s Bakery…it’s a virtual Foodie Field Trip! 

Even more cool is that I bring my groups to this bakery on my Biblical Food & Wine Tours. So much fun! 

God uses bread to symbolize His presence.  Something to think about next time you eat bread. 

May you have a good week in His presence.

The Wines of Israel

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Wine has always played an important role in the history of mankind; religious elements, celebrations and even enjoyed for health benefits.  But have you ever considered wine to have spiritual elements or even more…a necessary element to a biblical lifestyle? 

Read this short article I wrote about it for United with Israel.

Then there’s always the foodie perspective, religious or not. For the culinary traveler,  if you’ve not considered Israel as a top culinary destination, you are completely missing out.

Israel is home to incredible wines and avant-garde dishes that will have you swooning with delight. And I’m not the only who knows this.

In October 2016, this little secret graced the cover of Wine Spectator magazine. “The Wines of Israel, Surprising Quality From An Emerging Region” was the tagline.  

In 2015, Conde Naste’ Traveler magazine voted Israel as a top wine destination. Saveur Magazine, Forbes Business Traveler and others have also deemed Israel as a “must-visit” place for culinary travel.

Fact Check

Since the days of Noah, Israel has been producing wine longer than any other country. While there has been a hiatus for over 2000 years, the Jews are back in the vineyards of Eretz Israel, growing and producing global award winning wines.

That is THE miracle: The vines have come alive again after 2000+ years because the return of the Jewish people to their ancestral homeland, just as God promised. We are living in miraculous days!

“Once again, you will plant vineyards on the hills of Shomron,
and those doing the planting will have the use of its fruit.” Jeremiah 31:4

Friends

One of the highlights of my travels to Israel is meeting people from all over the world, many who become lifelong friends, such as my dear friends Thomas and Judy from Australia who are huge Israel lovers and wine lovers.

The picture below is our time together enjoying a glass of goodness in the upper Galilee from a few years ago “researching” wineries in Israel. What a fun adventure!

There’s more to Israel’s wine scene : Innovation

With Israel being the inventor of the cell phone, Intel computer processing chip, flashdrive and a gazillion other technological innovations that have made the world a better place.

They’ve also invented the computerized drip irrigation system and solar panel energy that increases efficiency in use of water, sunlight and soil conditions to produce award winning wines.

From October 2016 to forever, when it comes to Israeli wines, the best is yet to come.

Israel is the most incredible ancient-modern hip place to experience.

On my tours, we visit vineyards and touch the vines and drink the wine which means we are touching and drinking prophecy.

“I will restore the fortunes of my people Isra’el;
they will rebuild and inhabit the ruined cities;
they will plant vineyards and drink their wine,
cultivate gardens and eat their fruit.”  Amos 9:14

From sipping prophetic wine to spiritual highs, Israel is a must visit country.

Join me on the trip of a lifetime, L’Chaim!

The Sabbath Table

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The Sabbath Table changed my life.

Actually it was waking up to the Sabbath itself that changed my life.

Waking up.

The short version is almost 10 years ago, while doing a women’s bible study, one of the topics was on the Sabbath. Honestly, my first thought when I read about the upcoming topic was, “does this mean I have to take a nap on Sundays?” I rolled my eyes and thought to myself, I don’t have time to take naps, I’m a small business owner and I have to work 7 days a week, every single spare minute.”

Over the next few days, I had an encounter with God that literally changed the course of my life. I know that is big talk but it’s true to the very core of the words.

Out Of Time & Money

You see, the days following that bible study, my business took a nosedive. Out of time, money and options, I literally got on my hands and knees and begged God to help, to show me what’s going on.

In that moment of intense crying out, I happen to glance out onto my patio and saw three birds perched on my balcony. Instantly, Matthew 6:26 came to mind and I heard in my mind, “Be still and know that I am God”.

“Look at the birds flying about! They neither plant nor harvest, nor do they gather food into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they are?” Matthew 6:26.

From That Moment

It was from that moment that I began to learn about the beautiful gift of The Sabbath.  As a Christian for over 30 years, I thought I knew the bible well. Turns out, I had been missing out on God’s appointed times that He established long ago…like starting in Genesis 1. On the 7th day He rested.

Not to mention it’s one of the Ten Commandments and that it’s a dress rehearsal for the future Great Sabbath (Eternity).

Clueless

As a Christian, the only thing I knew about the Sabbath was as child, we had the Blue Law which prohibited retail stores from opening on Sunday. Other than that, I was clueless on how to observe the Sabbath, so I looked to my Jewish friends and resources, the blueprint, to learn from the people who have kept the Sabbath from the beginning of time.

There’s a Jewish saying that it’s not that the Jews have kept the Sabbath but the Sabbath has kept the Jews. Talk about inspiration and spiritual enrichment!

Markers

To my point of candles, bread and wine. These are the primary elements, the markers, of the Friday evening meal that ushers in the Sabbath.

Candles represent the Light of God that chases away the darkness and separation from the mundane to the Holy time of Sabbath, bread that reminds us of the life sustaining Manna that fell from heaven and the red wine symbolizes life-giving redemption.

Christians who observe the Sabbath see these elements as symbolizing Yeshua, the Light of the World, the Bread of Life and the Redeemer.

The dining table plays a central role in the Sabbath meals. The best dishes and a festive meal accompany Sabbath keepers. It’s like a mini-Thanksgiving meal every week!

A Sabbath Table ready for the Friday Erev of Shabbat Meal, Jerusalem

Friday Evening

The Friday evening meal begins with lighting the candles while saying a special prayer. Then songs to welcome the angels followed by breaking bread and a toast to life with special prayers over the bread and wine. After that, the father puts his hands on his children and blesses them and then turns to his wife and blesses her as the Proverbs 31 woman. The meal continues for hours over delicious food, singing and interesting, stimulating conversation.

The next day brings 2 more meals, a festive Sabbath Day lunch and a smaller meal towards the end of the day. Food is the hub of it all…a Foodie’s delight! Speaking of foodies, click here to learn about my Foodie Tours in Israel.

The Sabbath Meal

The Sabbath meal is such an important part of a biblical lifestyle, that it is considered unacceptable for people to eat alone during The Sabbath. Thankfully, when I’m in Israel, I always have a seat at the table of my dear Jewish friends for The Sabbath meal.

The Blueprint

Observing the Sabbath has truly given my life a richness and rhythm that was missing before. It’s a learning process, kind of like peeling back the layers of an onion.  

I’m not alone, there are thousands and thousands of Christians who keep the Sabbath and God’s other appointed times, looking to the Jewish roots of our faith, the blueprint.  

As I continue on this journey of faith, I keep finding out that the more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know. In other words, it would be an understatement to say how much I had been missing out on about God’s appointed times by not looking to the Jews and the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament).

Even more interesting is a recent article from a prominent Jewish Rabbi based in Jerusalem who put out a call for non-Jews to start keeping the Sabbath. In the article he discusses how the implication of this will impact the coming of the Messiah. FASCINATING!!!! Read about it by clicking here.   

Sabbaths in Texas vs Israel

So far, I’ve shared with you my personal awakening to the Sabbath which happened in Texas. Then I went to Israel where they observe it as a country. Everything is timed and scheduled around the Sabbath. From the moment the candles are lit at sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday, the atmosphere in Israel literally changes.

Like a warm blanket, the pace slows and calm and shalom begin to cover the land. No cars running around, no businesses open, no loud noises. Only the sound of people talking, singing, forks & dinner plates, laughter, cheers to life.

Soul Nourishment

There is nothing quite like it and it completely restores and nourishes the soul. It is truly life giving and the way Israel observes the Sabbath is the one thing I miss most when I’m not there.  

I am thankful to have the Jewish people to learn from. After all, the Bible does say, “the Word will go forth from Zion.” Isaiah 2:3

Foodie Tour of Israel

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One of my absolute favorite experiences that I’ve recently started doing is bringing my travelers on a Foodie Tasting Tour of Jerusalem’s famous Shuk, Mahane Yehuda. It’s Israel’s version of a farmer’s market but with more depth and soul.

With our friendly local guide, we taste and learn our way through this famous market and the different cultures represented there.

And spices. Oh my goodness, the spices and flavors are incredible and some are only found in Israel. Za’atar…ever heard of it? What about hyssop that’s mentioned in the bible? That’s another name for za’atar.

See?, even the food points us to some level or notion of spirituality.

A tour of the Shuk is a unique experience that most tours don’t offer. Actually no tours that I know of.  I once read that a Rabbi in Israel said, when you eat food grown by Jews in Israel, you are eating proof of God’s promise to bring His people back to their ancestral homeland in preparation for the Final Redemption for all of mankind.“But you, mountains of Isra’el, you will sprout your branches and bear your fruit
for my people Isra’el, who will soon return.” Ezekiel 36:8

We are living in the day of the words of Ezekiel coming to pass, just as promised.  

How’s that for soul food?

Join me for an unforgettable life experience in Israel!

My First Meal In Israel

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Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and I love trying the local favorites when I visit new places. So when I took my first trip to Israel, I was really looking forward to learning about their breakfast dishes. You know, eggs, toast, fruit, coffee.

So Funny!

Hahahahaha, I’m laughing at me because I was so naive to think the Israeli breakfast would be that plain. No my friend, the Israeli Breakfast is way more than eggs, toast, fruit and coffee.  The sheer amount and variety of the Israeli breakfast will knock you over.  Breakfast is the meal they are famous for! 

Eggs, Fish, Cheeses, Peppers, Israeli Salad, Veggies, Hummus, Bread, Muffins, Toast, Pita, Croissants, Yogurt, Fruit, Jam, Nuts, Olives, Juice, Coffee, Tea, on and on…it’s like drinking from a fire hose. Which is how I typically describe everything about Israel and I just can’t get enough of it.

Israel’s Famous Dish

Now that you have an idea of breakfast in Israel, let me share with you THE most popular Israeli breakfast dish: SHAKSHUKA! pronounced, [Shahck-SHOO-Kuh].

The most comforting and delicious dish I’ve ever eaten for breakfast. Peppers and tomatoes stewed down to a thick sauce topped with sunnyside eggs that adds a delectable layer of richness once the yolk breaks and oozes into the peppers and tomatoes. Add to that, your favorite toppings and served with a side of the famous Israeli Salad and warm bread.

From home cooked versions to fancy hotels, this dish is cooked all across the country, each putting their signature twist on the toppings. 

I was blessed to be able to take my first bite of the famous Shakshuka (topped with feta and chives) at a hotel on the beach overlooking the breathtaking Mediterranean one gorgeous sunny morning in May 2014. The location, the view, the weather, the meal itself…everything about it was more than I imagined…it was absolute perfection. 

The famous Israeli Shakshuka was my very first meal on my very first trip to Israel, another captivating moment that I will never forget. Click here for a 4 minute video about that trip.

Recipe Sharing!

Please enjoy the Shakshuka recipe below. Or better yet, join me on my next trip to Israel in May because the only thing better than cooking Shakshuka is eating Shakshuka in Israel: it is food for your body and soul.