by Chanale
Chanale: “This week’s Torah reading is Parshat Lech Lecha, the portion of the Bible that tells the story of Abraham’s journey from the land of his father from the land of Canaan out into the unknown, in direct adherence to G-d’s instruction. He leaves behind the land of his birthplace, and home of his father, to travel to the Land of Israel, where G-d promises him descendants that will be as many as the stars and sand.
As a Jew, Abraham’s courage lives on in my DNA and with this courage, I too, packed up my life and left behind all I’ve ever known to relocate to Israel, a tiny country in the Middle East surrounded by its sworn enemies. As a Jew, I believe that this land was promised to me and my children and so long as we live righteously and walk in the ways of G-d, we too will flourish and succeed in this special country surrounded by G-d’s Love and protection.
Today, as we enter our third year in the Holy Land, and celebrate Yom Ha’Aliyah with the hundreds of other families that migrate to Israel each year from all 4 corners of the earth, I am thankful for the opportunity to experience our culture, heritage, and traditions in a country where all citizens are treated equally and have unlimited opportunities to grow in all material and spiritual matters. I am still an American patriot and will always appreciate visiting the States and enjoying all it has to offer but I am also an Israeli citizen and therefore proud to hold two passports to two Countries that put G-d first and respect the word of the Bible. May we all
have the freedom to live safely in our homes and worship G-d in a meaningful way and like Abraham, receive G-d’s generous blessings.”
Here is a song Chanale wrote and performed:“We are the Jews”
by Chanale
Having lived in Jerusalem, I remember that the High Holy Days were always exciting, filling me with much respect as I joined our Jewish friends to prepare our hearts and minds for the two most important days in the Jewish year.
The preparation for these days goes hand in hand with being challenged to use each day as an opportunity for growth and discovery. The sound of the shofars everywhere is a beautiful reminder that all are coming together, focusing on these most important days.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the two High Holy Days in Israel. These days are about putting God first in our personal lives, and the recognition that God is in control of everything in our lives and the lives of our family. These days are a time of celebration and reflection.
First the Jewish people celebrate Rosh Hashanah—a time to reflect on the goals we want to achieve in life, the direction we want to move into, and the destination we want to reach. One of the most popular customs involves eating apple slices dipped in honey—a wonderful treat shared by everyone with everyone. It is believed that the apple brings healing, and the honey signifies the hope that the New Year will be sweet.
Yom Kippur is a day of fasting—an opportunity to look at the decisions we have made during the year and to reflect on our directions, decisions and choices. Then, as needed, we ask forgiveness and enter the new year focused on having success.
People attend services at the synagogues reading the Scriptures and praying prayers of forgiveness. It is a day—the only day in Israel—when everything becomes quiet.
These days are very important to our Jewish friends but also to those of us who stand with them and Israel in these important days.
L Shana Tovah (Greeting during the High Holy Days)
I simply don’t have the words to describe to you how wonderful it is to be back in the Land. My journey to Israel began a year ago almost to the week. In February of 2015 I came to Israel for the very first time. Believe me when I tell you, I had no idea what I was in for!
As a first timer in Israel, I was wide eyed and overwhelmed by everything…and I do mean everything. God sovereignly used nearly every moment to wreck me for His Land and People! By the half way point of the trip I was saying yes to God like I had never said yes before. It was a yes from the very depths of my being. A trip to the Land will do that. Long before the end of the trip I knew one of things that I had to do. I had to bring a group of Pastors back to the Land. I believed that God wanted to wreck others just as He had wrecked me.
So here we are…and God is absolutely speaking clearly to the hearts and minds of His servant leaders. I can’t help but to smile, because I know their journey, just as mine, is just beginning….and It’s all for His Name’s Sake!
I’m back in the Land again, and it feels like home to me. There are few places or things on this earth like Israel! The moment your feet touch the ground…it touches you back, God Himself touches you.
Out of all the places I’ve visited in Israel, none have impacted me like Caesarea. I’m amazed by the confrontational vision Peter received while on the roof top at Simon the Tanner’s house and his response…after a struggle of course. Then, in obedience to God, Peter walked the 30 miles from Joppa to Caesarea with the three men sent by Cornelius, the Roman Centurion. Peter was being set up and every Gentile who knows Messiah as Savior and Lord should be jumping for joy right about now!
It was at Caesarea that the gospel was first preached to an all Gentile audience and God moved as only He can. You know the story, the Bible says, “while Peter was still speaking the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.” The believers from among the circumcised who were there with Peter were amazed!
That’s what I am when I think about this great salvation that we have…amazed! I’m amazed that God would draw to Himself a Roman Centurion Soldier and prepare the heart of Peter (a Jew), to go and share the gospel message with him and his household. If all of that were not enough, God moved in an unmistakable and undeniable way! Yes, this great salvation is for us all!
Truth is, as much as it was for you and I…”IT IS for His NAME’S SAKE.”
My first trip to Israel was in many ways a blur. I saw so much and God was showing me so much, it took weeks to unpack it all. There were times when I felt as though it was just God and me…alone in the Land. Almost completely oblivious to those who were there with me. First timers…be forewarned!
As I prepared for this trip, God lead me to a most interesting passage of scripture. “And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.”Jer. 18:4 (ESV). I sensed God wanting me to pay attention to those around me, those who would be on the trip with me. As the days progressed here is what I saw.
First, the combination of our tour guide, the pastors and ministry leaders that made up our touring group and the fellowship that continues to grow into true relationships. All make up the “Hand of the Potter working on the outside of the vessel.”
Secondly, there was God’s Word and Spirit working deeply and richly inside each of us, producing changes, “as it seemed good to the potter.” This is the “Hand of the Potter working on the vessel from the inside.”
Every day I observed the Potter doing that which only the Potter can! Reworking men and women as it seemed good to Him. Further, I saw men and women yielding to the strong yet gentle hand of the Potter, as He skillfully reordered our lives for His Name’s Sake!
How does one (let alone six) move from Brooklyn, to Florida, to Israel?
Working with Chanale and hearing her story on making Aliyah, has been a worldwind of an experience! She is a remarkable, active, busy stay at home mom that never seems to be in one place for very long. Truthfully, she is a hoot! She sings and makes videos of her life! Her deep love for Israel is infectious.
While she was sad to leave her parents, she couldn’t wait to take the next step in her and her family’s life. Their move to Israel had been carefully thought out and planned.
We shared with Chanale that we would be praying for the success of her and her family as we agreed together that it was G-d’s own will according to Jeremiah chaper 41, verse 32:
“Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land in truth with My whole heart and with My whole soul.” Jewish Publication Society Bible
Operation Exodus USA is honored and humbled to be a tiny piece of this miracle of the Exodus from the USA to Israel. Jew and Christian working side by side brings tears to our eyes. We hope our small part will demonstrate our love and commitment to the Jewish community and Israel.
Chanale writes:
“We have 4 children, 3 girls and a boy, Hadassa 10, Yaffa 8, Sarah 4 and Netanel 2.
My husband and I are a “mixed marriage.” He is a Sefardic Jew and I am of Ashkenazi ascent. I am the oldest of 7 children.
We moved from Brooklyn, where we lived for ten years, to Florida three years ago, in order escape the escalating real estate prices and cold weather. We found affordable housing in Hollywood and enrolled our children in Toras Emes, where they are receiving an excellent education. Our commitment to Judaism runs very deep, and spirituality and practical application of Jewish law are both the underlying foundation and common thread in all our undertakings here in America. We raise our children to believe that as Jews they are special, and their lives have tremendous meaning and value. Their education at school and at home reflects those beliefs. We also emphasize the importance of family and appreciate the time we spend with our grandparents, aunts and uncles.
Recently, we’ve begun to question whether our commitment to life and success here in America is a worthwhile investment considering the tumultuous nature of the recent elections and the simmering of anti-Semitism that seems to be threatening to rear its ugly head. We also have a number of aunts who are still unmarried and unfortunately, we don’t have many cousins to enjoy on our long American Sundays. Our family in Israel misses us terribly and we’ve decided that our hearts are responding to a call from our homeland, Israel. We have discussed this for hours and hours, made lists of the pros and cons and really believe that with God’s help, the next chapter of our story will take place in Israel where our children can connect with the culture, history, and holiness that is part and parcel of the land of the Jews.”
We reached out to Chanale once she settled in Israel:
She said, “We are doing very well and our family is very happy here in Israel.”
Below is a recent song that Chanale wrote, “I Am the Land”:
We have the honor of chatting with folks like Chanale every day! We are so blessed in our relationships with our Jewish friends. Since 1991 together, with over 55 nations, Ebenezer Operation Exodus International and Operation Exodus USA have assisted tens of thousands of people make Aliyah. Thankfully, and by G-d’s Grace.
Why do we assist our Jewish friends with their Aliyah? Because, we have been called by HaShem according to Isaiah chapter 49, verse 21:
“Thus saith the L-rd GOD: Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations, and set up Mine ensign to the peoples, and they shall bring thy sons in their bosom, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.” Jewish Publication Society Bible
Also, so that the world will know that the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the One True G-d.
If you are thinking of making Aliyah, ask your Jewish Agency shaliach about us or visit our website at AliyahUsa.com.
Or, if you are someone who would like to support folks like Chanale and her family to make Aliyah, feel free to click the “Donate” button.
As stated to Abram by G-d in Genesis 12:3:
“And I will bless them that bless thee, and him that curseth thee will I curse; and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.”
“We welcome you to watch this inspiring video featuring various Jewish people who have returned to their ancestral homeland of Israel. In this short, yet powerful clip, those from the Jewish community lovingly express their gratitude for the help that they have received from Christians all across the globe.
Although we as Christians are only carrying out what God has called us to do, it is very encouraging to hear these words of appreciation and see the success that the Jewish people have found in Israel. Now we want to thank you for being a part of this miracle through your support of Operation Exodus USA.”
I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all my heart and soul. Jeremiah 32:41 NIV
