Shalom, dear friends, brothers and sisters in Messiah Yeshua.

Thank you for your feedback, your prayers, and your continued support. All of this is very precious to us and brings real encouragement to our hearts.

First, a little news. Everyone is aware that there has been a certain respite in the war. Even in Lebanon, things have quieted down somewhat. I do not know for how long. Those who were serving in the army or in the reserves have returned home. Still, to be honest, the work is not yet finished. But through it all, we continue to remember that the Lord holds everything in His hands, and that He is able to use presidents, prime ministers, governments, and many other people and agencies according to His wisdom. We continue to pray that the Lord will bring calm to the situation.

When you live through such times, sometimes your nerves simply begin to give way. So for now, we are thankful for the peace, for the beautiful greenery blooming all across Israel this spring, and for the opportunity to breathe a little and rest. Glory be to God for everything.

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This past Shabbat, something unusual happened: our entire team of elders, together with their wives, did not attend the service. We entrusted everything to our youth, and instead we went to attend the Bat Mitzvah of the daughter of Dima Lyutarevich, the leader of our daughter congregation.

As you may know, the Bar and Bat Mitzvah tradition is relatively recent in Jewish history. Some connect it to the account in the New Testament where Yeshua, at about twelve years of age, was taken by His parents to the Temple. It is possible that this was connected in some way to entering into responsibility before God for the commandments. Or perhaps the Gospel is simply describing the family’s regular pilgrimage to Jerusalem for worship. In either case, today’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah is somewhat similar to a confirmation ceremony in many churches.

A child is prepared and instructed in the Scriptures, taught to read a passage from the Torah, and expected to give a short commentary. If there are additional talents, such as music, the child may also be invited to perform. Avigail Lyutarevich, Dima’s daughter, did everything beautifully.

Here are a few photos from that special day.

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Thank you for reading our updates. Please continue to support us in prayer—for emotional restoration, for inner strength after these long months, and for peace, God’s Shalom, over this land and its people.

Blessings to you in Yeshua.

With respect,

Leon Mazin