WHY ISRAEL? by Derek Prince

WHY ISRAEL?

BY DERECK PRINCE

One of the best ways we can begin to repay that debt of love is by prayer and intercession.  As our awareness of Israel’s place in God’s plans grows, let’s open the Scriptures to gain a clearer understanding of the significance of the land and the people of Israel.

 To pray effectively for Israel and the Jews, we need to be informed about them. The information we need does not come from the world’s perspective or from the media. It comes from God’s viewpoint, which we find in the Bible.

Chapter 1

  The name Israel describes the nation descended from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Remember that Jacob was renamed Israel, and from his twelve sons are derived the twelve tribes of Israel. Later on, the people of Israel were called Jews. So really, Jews and Israel today are synonymous.

  In the New Testament, the name Israel occurs seventy-seven times, and these references are never, never applied to the Church. Please hear that again very clearly—the name Israel occurs seventy-seven times in the New Testament and never once is it a description of the Church. The word “Jew” occurs seventy-five times in the Old Testament and one hundred eighty-eight times in the New Testament. On the other hand, the term “Christian” occurs only three times in the New Testament. These numbers indicate the significance the Lord has placed on the people and nation of Israel.

A Unique People

 I want to emphasize in this first chapter that Israel is a unique people. There is no one else like Israel. As we consider the uniqueness of Israel, let’s begin by examining what is stated by David in 1 Chronicles 17:21. Praying to the Lord, David says:

  • Who is like Your people Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people—to make for Yourself a name by great and awesome deeds, by driving out nations from before Your people whom You redeemed from Egypt?

In this prayer, David is saying there is no other nation whom God set out to redeem. He portrays Israel as a nation set apart from other nations. One unchallengeable fact emerges from this text: Israel is unique. The remarkable fact is that Israel did not choose this uniqueness; God chose it. This means if we pray for them just like we pray for any other nation, we are not praying with insight or understanding. In other words, we would not be praying in line with Scripture.

 Let us look at the previous verse, verse 20, which states the uniqueness of Israel. I realized for the first time in a recent study how directly verse 21 relates to the previous verse. It is important to recognize that the uniqueness of Israel springs out of the uniqueness of God.

Verse 20 says,

  • “O LORD, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. And who is like Your people Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people.”

We cannot pray effectively for Israel if we classify them with other nations. They are a unique people with a unique destiny expressing the uniqueness of their God. We cannot pray effectively if we pray a general prayer for all nations, including Israel. The facts of Scripture bear out their uniqueness.

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WHAT WILL THE LORD DO? – WHAT WILL YOU DO?

WHAT WILL THE LORD DO? –
WHAT WILL YOU DO?

BY JOHN PROSSER, PRESIDENT, OEUSA

Know therefore this day that the Lord your God is He Who goes over before you as a devouring fire. He will destroy them and bring them down before you; so you shall dispossess them and make them perish quickly, as the Lord has promised you.

Deuteronomy 9:3 AMPC

As I write this article, Israel is at war! It is under attack by formidable enemies whose sole mission is to annihilate Israel. Militant terrorists have carried out the deadliest attack in Israel’s history, perpetrating barbaric acts of violence against Jewish men, women, and innocent children. The Jewish people have not witnessed such violence and loss of life since the Holocaust. This act of war against Israel has propelled the world to great instability and great danger. These are indeed perilous times. 

This is the time. This is the day. This is the hour for “we the people” – those who believe and trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – to stand and raise their voices in prayer and support for the Jewish people and for their nation – Israel. Just as God called Moses and chose him to be an instrument in His hand to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, to free them from slavery and lead them into their Promised Land, we too must stand in intercession for the Israelites. We must plead with the LORD for the sparing of His people as we read in Deuteronomy 9:26: “And I prayed to the LORD, O LORD God, do not destroy Your people and Your heritage, whom You have redeemed through Your greatness, whom You have brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand.” (AMPC) Our intercession must be like Moses’ cry before God. We must identify with their suffering and pray that they will cry out to their God to save them! The LORD is faithful to answer their cries!

We are witnessing the buildup of world events that will bring about the culmination of the second exodus. The mighty Hand of God orchestrated the first exodus, and He is orchestrating a mass Aliyah to bring His people home to their Promised Land – Israel. Today, many are asking, “What will Israel do?” to defend itself against its mortal enemies? I believe the most crucial question to ask now is, “What will the LORD do? What is His plan?” We have full confidence, and we trust that the God of Israel will deliver His people from this present-day enemy – for His great Name’s sake! “For the LORD will not forsake his people, for his great name’s sake, because it has pleased the LORD to make you a people for himself.” (1 Samuel 12:22 ESV) 

This is a time for action to help God’s people as they face the perils of this wicked war. Our personal responses to the LORD’s call to service will greatly impact our own personal lives and the lives of our Jewish friends. The needs will be great, and we will work together with Ebenezer Operation Exodus International to provide help and relief to Jewish people in new and unique ways!

This war also has the potential to bring dire consequences to America, placing Jewish people in grave danger. They need our prayers and support as never before as anti-Semitism continues to increase radically and grow louder throughout our nation. Are you prepared to answer God’s call to serve Him and His chosen people in perilous times? Let us join our voices to the LORD in thanksgiving and praise! “Sing to ADONAI! Praise ADONAI! For he rescues those in need from the clutches of evildoers.” Jeremiah 20:13 CJ 

KRISTALLNACHT REMEMBRANCE

KRISTALLNACHT REMEMBRANCE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2023

O Israel, hope in the LORD! For with the LORD there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. Psalm 130:7 ESV

Kristallnacht, also known as the “November Pogroms” or the “Night of Broken Glass,” was a shocking act of anti-Semitic violence against Jewish people that occurred during the lead-up to the Holocaust in World War II. This violent event unfolded on the night of November 9–10, 1938, in Nazi Germany. This was a well-organized attack orchestrated by Nazi paramilitary forces and civilians targeting Jewish people.

The name “Kristallnacht” originated from the widespread shattering of glass from windows in Jewish-owned establishments, synagogues and residences during this hateful event. The violence was instigated and sanctioned by the Nazi regime, which had been escalating its anti-Semitic policies and propaganda since taking power in 1933. This resulted in the death of at least 91 Jewish people, thousands more were arrested, and countless Jewish owned properties were destroyed.

This event served as a turning point in the history of the Holocaust, signifying a shift from anti-Semitic legislation and discrimination to violent, organized attacks on the Jewish population. It foreshadowed the horrors that would unfold during the Holocaust, including the systematic murder of six million Jewish people. Kristallnacht stands as a solemn reminder of the consequences that can arise when a society remains silent in the face of unchecked hatred and acts of violence against Jewish people.

On October 7, 2023, we witnessed the deadliest day in Israel and Jewish history since the Holocaust. Today, we continue to witness an alarming and dangerous escalation of anti-Semitism since that horrific attack in Israel. It is shocking and deeply disturbing to see the level of hatred and rage that has erupted in our nation and around the world against our Jewish brothers and sisters.

As Christians, we bear a tremendous responsibility before God to be our brothers’ keepers. We are those whom the LORD has called to carry His sons and daughters back to their God-given land, Israel (Isa. 49:22). We owe the Jewish people a profound debt; therefore, let us remain steadfast in our prayers, love, and support for Israel, all Jewish people in the land, and those in the diaspora. We cannot stand by silently at this critical crossroads for Israel, its people, and the nations. Let us persevere, building ourselves up in our most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keeping ourselves in God’s love as we wait upon Him to bring about the fullness of His redemptive plan for Israel and all the nations. For His Holy Name’s Sake!

We will continue to stand strong in our commitment to support Israel and her people. Your generosity, both in prayer and financial support, is the driving force that enables us to offer crucial assistance to Jewish people returning to Israel. The challenges ahead are significant, and we must make provision for their safety and meet all their needs as they navigate the many challenges and dangers they may encounter on their Aliyah journey. Please prayerfully consider making a gift to bless our Jewish brothers and sisters. Thank you!

To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept for Yeshua the Messiah: May mercy, love and shalom be yours in full measure. Now, to the one who can keep you from falling and set you without defect and full of joy in the presence of his Sh’khinah — to God alone, our Deliverer, through Yeshua the Messiah, our Lord — be glory, majesty, power and authority before all time, now and forever. Jude 1-2, 24-25 CJB

In God We Trust!

John Prosser

OPERATION EXODUS USA STANDS WITH ISRAEL

OPERATION EXODUS USA STANDS WITH ISRAEL

ADONAI brings to nothing the plans of nations, he foils the plans of the peoples. But the counsel of ADONAI stands forever, his heart’s plans are for all generations. How blessed is the nation whose God is ADONAI, the people he chose as his heritage! A king is not saved by the size of his army, a strong man not delivered by his great strength. To rely on a horse for safety is vain, nor does its great power assure escape. But ADONAI’s eyes watch over those who fear him, over those who wait for his grace to rescue them from death and keep them alive in famine. We are waiting for ADONAI; he is our help and shield. For in him our hearts rejoice, because we trust in his holy name. May your mercy, ADONAI, be over us, because we put our hope in you.

Psalm 33:10-12, 16-22 CJB

Operation Exodus USA stands with Israel and her people as they face this horrific war imposed upon them. We are united in prayer, trusting and believing in the LORD to once again deliver Israel and its people from the devastating scourge of terrorist attacks and the grim shadow of war that has fallen upon them. Our hearts are heavy as we witness the courage and resilience of our Jewish brothers and sisters in the face of this perilous crisis. Their strength and determination are an inspiration to us all.

Israel urgently needs our fervent and unceasing prayers, love, and support as never before! Join us now as we stand together, proclaiming and declaring God’s eternal plans and purposes to restore and redeem all of Israel! We thank God that Israel is walking in unity as they protect themselves against the destruction of their enemies.

Our prayers will bring comfort and strength to the people of Israel. We are thanking God for each one of you standing on the wall in passionate intercession for Israel—your highly anointed and effective prayers are a sweet aroma unto the LORD! Thank you for your love, friendship and support.

For those who are not members of our national prayer network, we extend an invitation to join us in praying for Israel and her people through specific and impactful prayer points.  You can participate by clicking on the following link: https://operationexodususa.org/pray/

For the latest news from Israel, please read CBN’s report below:

Israel Prepares for Long and Drawn-Out War
CHRIS MITCHELL – CBN NEWS ISRAEL – Latest Report as of 10/12/2023

JERUSALEM, Israel – President Isaac Herzog told foreign journalists Thursday that Israel is preparing for a “long and drawn-out campaign against Hamas” as the Israel Defense Forces continued to hammer Hamas targets inside the Gaza Strip and amassed troops on the border for a potential ground invasion. Israel says the heavy airstrikes are crippling Hamas despite the terror group still firing rockets into southern Israel. “We are destroying Hamas’s ability to function as a sovereign; it is no longer managing to administer Gaza,” Israel’s top military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Thursday.

Casualties Rise as War Rages On
Meanwhile, the death toll continues to climb. More than 1,300 Israelis have been killed since Hamas’ assault began, and Gaza officials say at least 1,200 people have died in the airstrikes. Israel ordered a “complete siege” of Gaza after Hamas went on a murderous rampage in southern Israel. Egypt has rejected proposals to establish humanitarian corridors out of Gaza for Palestinians fleeing the fighting, raising concerns about a humanitarian crisis. Energy Minister Israel Katz said Thursday that no electricity or water will be supplied to Gaza until the hostages Hamas took are returned. “Humanitarian aid to Gaza? No electrical switch will be turned on, no water pump will be opened and no fuel truck will enter until the Israeli abductees are returned home,” he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Humanitarianism for humanitarianism. And no one can preach morality to us.”

Netanyahu Forms Emergency Unity Government
On Wednesday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a national emergency government with Benny Gantz, former IDF Chief of Staff, and head of the National Unity Party. “People of Israel, tonight we created a national emergency government. Israel is united, and tonight its leaders are united too. We’ve put aside every other consideration because the fate of our country is laid on the table,” said Netanyahu. Netanyahu expressed horror at what Hamas has done, saying, “We saw boys and girls bound, who were shot in the head. Men and women burned alive. Young women who were raped and slaughtered. Soldiers who were beheaded.”

Hamas’ Terror Exposed
After a three-day battle, IDF forces took back the village of Be’eri. Major General Itai Veruv described what happened, saying, “People that were captured, their hands were locked, and someone kills them, children in the same room, and someone came and killed them all. Fifteen girls, teenagers, were put in the same room, they threw a hand grenade, and it’s over. This is a massacre. This is a pogrom.” Israeli leaders compared Hamas to ISIS and found an ISIS flag in a kibbutz taken over by Hamas terrorists. Up north, a false alarm sent a million Israelis into bomb shelters on Wednesday night, but the situation remains tense with many wary of an attack by Hezbollah and a two-front war. The IDF has deployed reservists to the Israeli towns on the border with Lebanon to ensure the safety of the residents.

US Working to Rescue Hostages & Supply Military Aid
Israel estimates Hamas kidnapped more than 160 hostages from numerous nations, including Israelis. President Joe Biden told a roundtable of Jewish leaders that he is “doing a lot” to rescue those Americans held hostage by Hamas, stating, “We want to make it real clear we’re working on every aspect of the hostage crisis in Israel, including deploying experts to advise and assist with recovery efforts … I have not given up hope of bringing these folks home.” The U.S. administration is rushing resources to Israel, including a carrier strike group, F-35 and F-15 fighter jets, needed ammunition, and interceptors to replenish the Iron Dome aerial defense system. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived Thursday in a show of US support and meetings with Netanyahu.

Meanwhile, concerns are growing of further violence after former Hamas leader Khaled Mashal called on Muslims worldwide to stage a day of jihad holy war on Friday, October 13th.    

In God We Trust!

John Prosser and the OEUSA Team

Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces. For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May you have peace.” For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.  Psalm 122:6-9 NLT

THE LORD’S APPOINTED TIME TO FAVOR ZION

THE LORD’S APPOINTED TIME TO FAVOR ZION

BY JAMES MACLEAN, BOARD DIRECTOR, OEUSA

But You, ADONAI, sit enthroned forever. Your renown is from generation to generation.
You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her,for the appointed time has come, for her stones are dear to Your servants, and they cherish her dust. So the nations will fear ADONAI’s Name and all the kings of the earth Your glory.

Psalm 102:13-16 TLV

As Israel celebrates the 75th anniversary of her rebirth, we see her former desolation now cultivated, vineyards are flourishing on the hills of Samaria, and ruined cities are now fortified and inhabited by the exiles who have been regathered to the Land. In His mercy, God has arisen to fulfill His prophetic promises and to display to the world that His appointed time to favor Zion has come. This past May, God initiated a move that has brought into focus His everlasting love story with Jacob. If properly stewarded, this move will intensify and accelerate His parallel plans for the restorations of Israel and the Church – both of whom He has declared as holy nations set apart for Himself.

For the three weeks preceding Shavuot (Pentecost), many in the worldwide Church responded to a call to fast and pray for the peace of Jerusalem and the fulfillment of God’s covenant to redeem and restore Israel. Isaiah 62, the foundational Scripture for this call, details God’s plan for the restoration of the Land and His people, as well as the pivotal role the Church is to play in advancing His purposes. In this passage, the Church is depicted as fulfilling its call to administer God’s government in the earth through intercession. The intercessors’ relentless Israel’s glorious restoration is complete.

The hope of restoration rests not upon the faithfulness of the people, but upon the perfect faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God. He has staked the holiness of His name upon His triumphant restoration of all things. When He initiates something, its birth is exciting, but its maturity is His purpose. We see Him imparting to His Church His love for Israel – the Land to which He is married – and His people in whom He delights. Simultaneously, we see Him imparting to the heart of His Church its desperate need for His government. The maturity of these parallel initiatives will yield Isaiah 62’s fulfillment – His Church with His heart for His people, aligned with His purposes, establishing His Word in the earth under His authority.

How does a people who by nature seek to self-govern according to their ways and thoughts be transformed into the administrative assembly of God’s government according to His ways and His thoughts? Let us consider the declaration of the psalmist: “How precious is Your loving kindness, O God! The sons of man take shelter in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your delights.” Psalm 36:7-9

To whom does this offer of shelter apply? “Sons of man” indicates that all who bear the nature of man are included. It is not exclusive. These sons and daughters can come with their thoughts and their ways to Him and take refuge under the protections His government affords. He draws the sons of man to abide in the shadow of the Almighty, where His impenetrable wings protect against every external force. However,  a far more glorious provision than just protection is offered. He affords all that He has and all who He is to those who choose to partake from the abundance of His house and the river of His delights (or pleasures). There, He desires to share Himself – His delights, His purposes, His ways, His thoughts, His character, His righteousness, and His peace.

By necessity and by call, God is leading His Church to take refuge in Him, abide there, be sustained there, and be transformed there. Let us yield to His drawing and avail ourselves of His banquet table. There, we partake of His nature and cultivate a sophisticated palate able to discern the delicacies of His Kingdom and prepared to reject the cheap imitation. As He shares from the river of His delights, we encounter that which delights Him – what He loves, who He loves, and to what He remains zealous.

The Blood of His covenant has set us free from the wells that never satisfy. Let us take hope in the increase of His government, return, and abide in the shelter of His wings. Let us pursue the knowledge of the Lord by feasting on the abundance of His house and drinking from the river of His delights. Let us press past the repetition of repentance that stalls at refreshing, and yield to the restoration to which He has committed the glory of His name.

These past 75 years have demonstrated that these are the days God has appointed to favor Zion. The Isaiah 62 prayer movement calls for the Church’s restoration to be established through its yielded participation in the restoration of Israel. He is imparting to His servants His love for her stones as He rebuilds them, and His compassion on His people born of her dust, who in His acceptance are restored to life from the dead. He is calling His Church to incline their hearts and minds to His call to active alignment with His revealed promise of restoration. This Isaiah 62 prayer movement indicates that now is the appointed time for the Church to arise in harmony with Her King to favor Zion.

GOD IS OPENING THE WAY FOR A GREATER EXODUS …

 

GOD IS OPENING THE WAY FOR A GREATER EXODUS THAT IS BUILDING MOMENTUM FOR JEWISH PEOPLE IN AMERICA

BY JOHN PROSSER, PRESIDENT, OPERATION EXODUS USA

 

 Today I ask heaven and earth to be witnesses. I am offering you life or death, blessings or curses. Now, choose life! Deuteronomy 30:19 ESV. 

 

THIS IS A CRUCIAL TIME FOR THE CHURCH (THE REMNANT) TO RISE UP IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S COMMAND TO CARRY HIS SONS AND DAUGHTERS HOME 

(ISA 49:22).

 

All the sinners among My people will die by the sword, those who say [defiantly], “The disaster will not overtake or confront us.”

Amos 9:10 AMP

 

It is impossible to deny or ignore the decay of Christian-Judeo values in American society against God has brought a great calamity in our country and around the world. 

 The LORD is using this time to shake and sift His chosen people Israel and the nations. A reversal must take place in the hearts of God’s people. Repentance and obedience to God are prerequisites to living our lives under the blessing and protection of the Lord. An unrepentant heart—choosing death over life—leads to deception and separation from God! Today I ask heaven and earth to be witnesses. I am offering you life or death, blessings or curses. Now, choose life! Deuteronomy 30:19 ESV. 

 In the coming days, if the levels of uncertainty and instability continue to rise in our nation, we could experience the downfall of our way of life, as we know it today. This would have a direct impact in the lives of American Jewish people, precipitating for many of them an urgent exodus and return to their God-given land of Israel. 

 Perilous times are the catalyst the LORD uses to propel His people to obey Him and make Aliyah. Many Jewish people are recognizing their true identity as God’s chosen people and their God-given rights to return to Israel. Unfortunately, the majority of American Jewry are still in denial of the dangers of disobeying God by choosing to remain in exile. The level of anti-Semitism rising in our nation is very alarming, and it should be a great concern to all American Jewry and the Church.  

We cannot predict what the work of our ministry will look like in the near future. Olim (Jewish immigrants) may find themselves in a variety of dangerous and difficult challenges. Opportunities will arise to assist the Olim in new and unusual ways that we have not experienced before. Many American Jews are realizing that we have entered “a new day” in America—a “new way” that we have not been before. 

 This is a crucial time for the Church (the remnant) to rise up in obedience to God’s command to carry His sons and daughters home (Isa 49:22). As we pray and remind ourselves that our ministry’s mission is a holy work, the Father—in His faithfulness—will help us as we seek Him for His wisdom and guidance. 

My prayer is that our ministry, in the fear of the LORD, will remain before our Holy God in a posture of humility, prayer and worship—as the LORD opens the way for an exodus that is building momentum for Jewish people in our nation. All glory be to our God! 

 Thank you, dear friends and partners, for your confidence and trust in the work of Operation Exodus USA. Together, let us choose to commit ourselves to bless Israel and the Aliyah of His chosen people, no matter what comes our way! In the fear of the LORD, one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. Proverbs 14:26 ESV.

Original article published in issue 5/2022 of  Operation Exodus USA  Newsletter.

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Response to COVID-19/ Corona Virus Pandemic

Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you; don’t be distressed, for I am your God. I give you strength, I give you help, I support you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 CJB

Dear Friends,

Let us keep building ourselves up through our most sacred faith, praying in the power of the Holy Spirit, and keeping ourselves hidden in the love and faithfulness of God. The panic and unprecedented hysteria continue to build around the corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic. As I listen to the daily news, I am amazed at the many life-changing events that are taking place all around us.

The authority of God’s Word is the most powerful weapon we have against the corona virus and any other pestilence that would come against us. His living Word is the vaccine we need to build up an immunity to the current virus that continues to spread throughout our nation.

A synagogue not far from our home has become the epicenter of an outbreak of this current virus in Westchester County, New York. The rabbi is one of the many congregants who have tested positive for the virus. This outbreak accounts for 108 of New York State’s 173 cases reported thus far. The governor of New York has called in the National Guard to a “containment area” established around a community in New Rochelle in an attempt to limit the spread of this virus.

Here is a statement in part by Rabbi Reuven Fink: A crisis can bring out the best in people. It is bringing out the best in us. But as we see, despite all these measures, the amount of people testing positive is increasing. We all have to be careful to comply. We still have a way to go in handling our communal situation. Together, we can persevere and triumph over these challenges. With our ever-abiding faith in G-d who is the healer, we pray that we, as well as our fellow Americans and the peoples of the world, will conquer this disease. 

We need to come together in prayer for our Jewish brothers and sisters who are in great need of healing, much comfort, and encouragement. Please pray for God’s wisdom for those in authority to know how to combat this virus so that lives will be saved and disruptions to their normal lives will cease.

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all generously and without reproach; and it be given to him.” James 1:5 NASB

Together, let us proclaim Psalm 91 over every state on the map below, decreeing that the coronavirus will cease in our nation, in Israel and all other nations. Pray God’s healing power over all who are currently affected by it. Let us encourage one another with this scripture: “Tell everyone who is discouraged, BE strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…” Isaiah 35:4 GNT

During this time of shaking and uncertainty, we are sensing a strong unction from the LORD to go deeper in prayer and wait upon the LORD for His direction. No matter what happens in the days ahead, Aliyah will continue! In obedience to God’s call, we must be prepared and ready to assist hundreds upon hundreds of Olim who will make Aliyah this year.

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to bring you faultless and joyful before his glorious presence — to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, might, and authority, from all ages past, and now, and forever and ever! Amen. Jude 1:24-25 GNT

John Prosser
President/CEO
Operation Exodus USA

The Jewish High Holy Days?Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

THE JEWISH HIGH HOLY DAYS —
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

 

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)

Shirley Lawrenson

NYC Aliyah Director
Operation Exodus USA