The celebration of Purim is a festive time in Israel that is mandated in the book of Esther and is still a fun celebration of treats and costumes, commemorating the story of Esther and how her bravery helped save the Jewish people. Today, celebrations fill the streets with parades and an important Jewish treat for the day, hamantaschen purim cookies. Hamantaschen purim cookies are triangle shaped cookies made to resemble Haman’s three pointed hat. It is also said to be shaped like his ears. Haman was the villain of this Biblical account who was trying to wipe out the Jewish race through deceiv ..read more

While visiting the Holy Land, the instinct may be to focus solely on searching for archaeological remains and pinpointing biblical locations. However, you must not forget about the land itself. Numerous descriptions in the scriptures draw upon elements of nature, including weather patterns, landscapes, and wildlife. Therefore, delving into the environmental and cultural context enriches your comprehension and appreciation of biblical narratives. An amazing parable about the landscapes in the Galilee are is written in Matthew 13:31-32: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man ..read more

Jewish Fasting – A Practice of Culture and Faith in Israel Understanding Jewish Fasting Traditions Jewish fasting is an important ritual of religious significance and sacrifice. This act of religious life is such a tremendous and deeply rooted practice that is called for in the Bible, both in the Old Testament and New Testament. Historical Significance of Jewish Fasting Fasting holds significant religious and historical importance in Judaism. Fasting in Judaism is deeply rooted in historical events, serving as a means of spiritual reflection, repentance, and remembrance of significant events i ..read more

Biblical Archaeology Discoveries Found Across Israel Biblical archaeology discoveries make headlines every year as researchers, professors, archeologists, and history enthusiasts converge in Israel on their quest for remarkable findings. While Israel is undoubtedly the setting for the events of the Bible, the discovery of the evidence always adds an exciting dimension. In a country like Israel, evidence is only slightly beneath the surface, though that surface might be covered by a high-rise building or a parking lot! Great care is taken by the Israel Antiquities Authority to make sure that e ..read more

The Significance of the Holy Sites Jesus Visited in Northern Israel Northern Israel is a significant pilgrimage location in Israel, attracting believers worldwide. This relatively small area is rich with history and is home to numerous holy sites of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This is the setting for numerous significant teachings and miracles performed by Jesus. The scriptures allow us to trace Jesus’ footsteps across the Holy Land, and modern archaeological discoveries and sites validate these historical locations. Discover the five places in Northern Israel where Jesus walked, m ..read more

The Trees of Israel January 25th marks the Tu Bishvat, known as the birthday of the trees in Jewish culture! Upon their return to the Promised Land, Zionists discovered a landscape damaged by the absence of many trees and unfavorable conditions. This spurred an initiative to replant trees and nurture the land. Tu Bishvat stands as a celebration of this enduring connection and commitment to the care of the land. The Jewish National Fund remains dedicated to reforesting Israel, having successfully planted over 240 million trees and established 1,000 parks, along with various other land preservat ..read more

Exploring the Colors of Israel Israel is a place of extraordinary beauty, covered with vibrant and rich colors. During your Christian Holy Land tour, experience the Bible in vivid color as you journey through the landscapes where biblical events took place. Which unique colors of Israel will you discover during your journey? The Unique Colors of Israel The Significance of Blue: A Traditional Israel Color From the fluttering fabric of the national flag to the endless expanse of the sky, the color blue reigns supreme in modern day Israel. The color was chosen to utilize a shade of blue for the t ..read more

Hanukkah 2023 This week, we will begin the festivities of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. This tradition commemorates a miracle that occurred over 2000 years ago when the Jewish people triumphed over darkness, and light radiated for eight days from a single jar of oil. This year, the celebration of lights holds even greater significance for the spirit of all those in Israel and the global supporters of the nation. Hanukkah is a moment for family celebration. On the first evening, families come together to exchange gifts while singing around the hanukkiya (Hanukah menorah) and light the ..read more

A SHORT UPDATE FROM SUSAN’S DESK – TUESDAY NOVEMBER 14TH It has been a little over a month since we woke up on Saturday, October 7th to the sound of the sirens here in Nes Ziona, followed by a barrage of missiles launched from Gaza. We quickly learned of the horrific events that are taking place just 35 miles south of our homes and office. On the 7th, we had 2 groups in the country (one from the USA and another from Australia), and a filming crew from the Zola Levitt Ministries. We maintained close communication with our groups and film crew to ensure that they all secured places on the earlie ..read more

October 7th, 2023 October 7th marked the turning point in our lives. We find ourselves three weeks into the War and  want you to know how grateful we are for your ongoing prayers and messages. Your words bring a smile to our faces and give us the strength to continue moving forward together with hope that we will meet again soon. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, the beautiful side of humanity has unfolded. In these trying times, the people of Israel have come together as one, offering support and assistance, extending support to the soldiers on the front lines. Across the nation, people ..read more