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In the period between Pesach and Shavuot, which is called Sefirat Omer (Counting of the Omer), there are usually no weddings or any organized fun. The reason has to do with the memory of the death of Rabbi Akiva, who is a very famous figure in Orthodox Judaism, but a problematic figure for Messianic believers. As some Messianic researchers say, it was Rabbi Akiva, who declared Bar Kochba the Messiah, who destroyed the unity in the country of Israel and provoked a confrontatio

We are excited to share a new initiative that we believe will significantly impact our community and beyond—a permanent historical exhibition located in the heart of Haifa’s culturally rich German Colony. This project is a natural extension of our ongoing work through Return to Zion. We seek not only to meet humanitarian and spiritual needs but also to restore identity, deepen understanding, and share the hope of Yeshua. Project Vision Our goal is to create a permanent, profe

Some believe that the name Haifa derives from the combination of the words “Hof” (meaning coast/shore) and “Yafé” (meaning beautiful), while others speculate that it is an acronym for a “comfortable seat.” To some extent, both interpretations hold true. Situated on Mount Carmel, Haifa is embraced by the Mediterranean Sea on two sides. The climate in Haifa is humid yet pleasant, and the city exudes a welcoming atmosphere. It is home to a diverse population including Jews, Chri

The Hebrew Bible is replete with synonyms, where different words with distinct sounds carry similar meanings. For example, darkness equates to sin, the image of this world symbolizes a fall, and references to Egypt or the Babylonian captivity evoke notions of the Babylon Tower. While these elements may vary on the surface, within the context of Scripture, they collectively symbolize evil and degradation, a state of being to be avoided. Conversely, terms like light, God’s peac

Year 2000. Return to Zion Congregation. The Formation of the Congregation A group of believers from the Tents of Mercy Congregation, located in the suburbs of Haifa (where Eitan Shishkoff was the Senior Pastor at that time), with the leadership of Leon and Nina Mazin, started to hold meetings with a small number of people in Haifa City. But from the very beginning, it was clear that Haifa is considerably larger and more intense than the Krayot (Haifa suburbs) in the dynamics

When we look at the lives of the Patriarchs, we idealize many things. Of course, each of them was a Hero of Faith, a Man of God. But they were also ordinary people with their own quirks. Today's analysis is dedicated to Chapter 25 of the Book of Genesis, particularly to our foremother Rivka (Rebekah). The purpose is to draw from her faith, avoid mistakes, and trust in the Lord in our own way, as revealed to us. Genesis 25:19-21 says, "This is the account of the family line of

Sometimes, you get used to an environment full of blessings and kindness, yet you quickly forget the "dirt" from which you came out, and the light of God becomes something ordinary for you. And just then, a temptation enters the heart, the same, old, and very dangerous in the style: "eat from this fruit and you will be stronger." This is the ancient way in which the "evil inclination" (Satan/"old serpent") tempts us. And it's important to be alert. “Wherefore laying aside all

In this article, I will continue my reflections on Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians. Paul’s central thought is the restoration of the three types of unities. They were all part of God's plan, but they all became degraded for various reasons. Adam was meant to bring restoration to these unities, but the sin of the first people aggravated everything. However, when the last Adam –  Yeshua of Nazareth – died and rose from the dead, powers were revealed that did not exist before –

Passing into the new year 2023, we feel the importance of the words of Yeshua, who commanded, “When the Holy Spirit descends on you, you will receive strength and will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 In recent weeks in the congregation we have been studying Ephesians. Paul says, “You may see my understanding of the mystery of Christ, which was not proclaimed to former generations… so that even the Gentiles may

The weekly chapter the Re'eh (Deuteronomy 11:26 - 16:17) leads to some thoughts that are relevant in our time as well “Behold, I offer you today a blessing and a curse: a blessing if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you today, but a curse if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God…” Deuteronomy 11:26-28 The commandments of the Lord were never intended for our salvation. Salvation is God's sovereign action based on His mercy and love

I have been living in Israel for more than 30 years (more than half of my life), of course, during this time, the traditions of the people have largely influenced me. Ava 9 in the Gregorian calendar usually falls at the beginning of August. This day is remembered as the day of the destruction of the first and second Temples in Jerusalem. For those who do not know this story, in Jewish life the Temple, Eretz Yisrael (Israel), the Creator, the Torah - all this goes in the secti

The Lord said to Moses, “Take a census also of the Gershonites by their families and clans. Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting. This is the service of the Gershonite clans in their carrying and their other work: They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, …“ (Numbers 4:21-25 NIV) Why can't I teach others like the sons of Kohath? Or enter the Holy of Hollies like the children of Aaron? Are they more wo

For Yeshua, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 1 Corinthians 5:7 NIV The special time, when according to the Biblical calendar we celebrate the holiday of Unleavened Bread and the Exodus from the house of slavery, I wish you health, success, and victories. Let’s be honest, we are not living in simple easy times. The whole world is focused on the situation between Ukraine and Russia, we see how various spiritual forces both good and bad are active. Unfortunately, these d

I noticed an incredible prophetic power in the Weekly Torah chapters, according to Jewish custom, analyzed from the days of Ezra ... Their images and allegories and sometimes direct instructions on these corresponding days and weeks ... And today, against the backdrop of aggression in Ukraine, I am reading and trying to learn something… The weekly Torah portion Pkudey begins with words These are the amounts of the materials used for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the coven

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Messiah, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relatio

The Lord chooses a man named Abram. And tells him to become a tool to correct the corrupted world. The first Jew. (Abram in Hebrew means "passed over.") God says to Abram, “Go! Let's start moving." As we know, he left with his whole family, and with his nephew Lot, for whom he had paternal feelings - the 75-year-old Abram did not yet have his own children. After long wanderings, friction began to occur between the two relatives: So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarr

So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and then went into the tent. Moses told his father-in-law about everything the Lord had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake and about all the hardships they had met along the way and how the Lord had saved them. Jethro was delighted to hear about all the good things the Lord had done for Israel in rescuing them from the hand of the Egyptians. Exodus 18:7-9 NIV Wh

And Israel said, “I’m convinced! My son Joseph is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” Genesis 45:28 NIV Father's joy. He really wanted to see his son, and then such sudden news and an offer come. Of course, much is not clear. It is not clear why Yosef offered the Father and his brothers to go up to Egypt at all? He himself says that Egypt is below (you came down to me) and Eretz Avot/Land of the Fathers is above (go up to my father). Such a powerful man as he co

Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. He instructed them: “This is what you are to say to my lord Esau: ‘Your servant Jacob says, I have been staying with Laban and have remained there till now. Genesis 32:3-4 NIV We see Jacob returning from Haran. He has wives, children, and property. He had just held the last negotiations with Laban and made peace with him. And here are new expectations, and the incomprehensible par

Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Harran. When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. Genesis 28:10-11 NIV   Lesson 1 Speak to me, God of my Father! It is difficult to understand where Jacob came to. It is traditionally believed that he went north from Beer Sheva, and having reached the place that today is called “Beit El”, he spent the night and saw angel