Nourish Your Biblical Roots with Yael Eckstein

As a kid, did you count down the days until school ended and summer began? I know I did! And even as grownups, we count down the days to important events—a milestone birthday, a wedding, an anniversary, or a graduation.But when we count down the days, we can disregard them as mere obstacles to get through in order to reach the big event, rather than as the priceless gift that each day is.As we prepare to celebrate Shavuot, the Bible teaches us to count each day in a way that celebrates the moment. On this episode, we'll learn how counting each day—in the right way—is the secret to making every day count.Find out what you know about Shavuot by taking our quiz!And listen to more of Yael's Bible teachings on her daily podcast, The Chosen People.

This month, Jews in Israel celebrate Jerusalem Day—Yom Yerushalayim—commemorating the miraculous reunification of God's Holy City after the Six-Day War of 1967.But as Yael Eckstein explains, we ALL—Christians and Jews—should celebrate Jerusalem! Not only is it God's designated place where His Holy Temple once stood—and will someday stand again—but as the psalmist says, “If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill” (Psalm 137:5).God does not want us to forget His eternal capital!Join Yael as she explores the spiritual significance of Jerusalem and why its historical reunification is so important. Let's praise God for the miracles He has done—and is doing—in Jerusalem!Learn more about Jerusalem and how God's children celebrate His Holy City.And listen to Yael's Bible teachings on her podcast, The Chosen People.

“This is like coming back to my roots.”That's what Ben Ferguson said when he sat down with Yael Eckstein at the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Conference in Dallas, TX. Ben began his career in Christian radio when he was just 12 years old, and attended his first NRB at 13, so he felt right at home as he talked with Yael about his lifework being a voice for what is right.A friend of Israel and of The Fellowship, Ben talks about using his platform to tell people about what is going on in the world, and of the many threats that people who have faith and who love freedom face—in America and in Israel. But he also uses his voice to talk of the good being done.Join us for this lively conversation with our friend, Ben Ferguson!

Paula Faris has won an Emmy Award as a broadcast journalist. She's anchored Good Morning America Weekend, and hosted The View. But this inspiring working mom's greatest calling is as a mother.And throughout her career at ABC News and running her own organization, CARRY Media, Paula has also felt called to support and give voice to the nearly 25 million mothers in America's workforce.As we celebrate the mothers in each of our lives, join Yael for this empowering conversation with Paula Faris in support of the moms who worked—and work—to make each of us who we are today.Read Paula Faris' insightful and practical book for moms, You Don't Have to Carry It All: Ditch the Mom Guilt & Find a Better Way Forward, as well as this working mother of three's children's book, Who Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?And join Yael five days a week to journey through the Hebrew Bible on The Chosen People.

It's always an honor to meet our heroes. And recently, The Fellowship was able to do just that.Captain Guy Barak is truly a watchman on Israel's walls. Having served in the Israel Navy for 26 years, Captain Barak has seen not only the many threats that the Jewish state faces on a daily basis, but has helped face those threats head-on. And in his current roles as the Israel Navy's attache to the United States and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military attache to the United Nations, Captain Barak brings both his own experiences and Israel's message of truth and light to the world.Captain Barak sat down with The Fellowship for a conversation in which he discussed his own experiences on October 7, 2023, as well as what Israel has faced in the many months of war since.This is a must-watch conversation for all who stand with Israel. Join us today!Learn how you can partner with The Fellowship in supporting the brave men and women of the IDF.

For many Jews, Yom HaShoah, Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day, is deeply personal. It's a day to remember one of the darkest times in history that resulted in the horrific murder of six million Jewish souls.But while Yom HaShoah is a somber day when the entire nation pauses to remember the lives lost at the hands of the Nazis, it's also a time for all of us to remember the lessons from the Holocaust. And it's a time when we renew the pledge that the Jewish people adopted after this catastrophic event: Never forget.Yet as Yael Eckstein reminds us, it is not enough to just remember; we also must take meaningful action. In today's powerful podcast, Yael shares two valuable lessons we can learn from the Holocaust about the power of one—the value and importance of saving even one life and how even one person can make a tremendous impact in the world. Listen now!

As the Jewish people celebrate Passover, we'd like to share this inspiring conversation between Yael Eckstein and Bishop Paul Lanier. The two discuss the relevance today of the ancient and timeless Exodus story for both Christians and Jews.The Passover celebration rallies people of faith around the table and reminds us of who we are in God. And through Passover, we are reminded that God is always with us—through our afflictions and our suffering—bringing us His redemption.Join Yael and Bishop Lanier for a hopeful message during this holy season.Learn more about the ancient and biblical celebration of Passover.And listen to more of Yael's Bible teachings on her podcast, The Chosen People.

One of the best ways to learn about something is to ask questions. In this special Passover episode, Yael Eckstein explains how the tradition of the Passover seder teaches us to ask questions. In fact, the telling of the Exodus story begins not with facts and explanations, but with questions.As Yael explains, this time-honored tradition of asking questions during Passover is an annual reminder that God wants us to be lifelong seekers. By asking God our questions and entering Passover with a spirit of curiosity, we are more open to learning, rediscovering, and recommitting to Him on our journey of faith, ultimately, growing ever closer to Him.Asking questions is a skill that we teach our children at Passover, but it's an important skill that can help all of us, no matter our age. This episode will show us how!Learn more about the ancient and biblical celebration of Passover.And listen to more of Yael's Bible teachings on her podcast, The Chosen People.

Think you know the whole story of the Israelites' redemption from Egypt and the splitting of the Red Sea? Think again!In preparation for Passover this month, Yael Eckstein shares Jewish teachings about what happened in the moments before the Red Sea split and the lesson it teaches us about overcoming obstacles, acting in faith, and seeing miracles in our own lives.Listen to more of Yael's Bible teachings on her podcast, The Chosen People.

With March Madness upon us, we'd love to share this favorite conversation between Fellowship President and CEO Yael Eckstein and Coach Bruce Pearl, a legendary college coach who's also a strong Jewish voice in today's world—on and off the basketball court.This college basketball season, the Auburn Tigers were the cream of the NCAA crop. With a 28-5 record during the regular season, the Tigers led a historically strong Southeastern Conference (SEC). Much of it is thanks to the leadership of Bruce Pearl.In a coaching career that's seen him win 702 games, Coach Pearl has led the Auburn Tigers to 240 wins in the past 11 years, four consecutive NCAA Tournament berths, and the program's first ever appearance in the Final Four. But while his success on the basketball court is well-documented, what might not be as well-known is his dedication and love for Israel and her people.In this podcast, Yael and Coach Pearl discuss how important his Jewish faith is in his career, how his love for Israel has inspired him throughout his lifetime, and the importance of finding common ground and joining together as people of faith. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

Michele Bachmann has long been a friend of The Fellowship—serving on the Board—and of Israel. But what many might not know is that this American and Christian supporter of Israel also once lived in the Holy Land.That's right, after graduating high school, Michele spent time living and working on a kibbutz in the Holy Land. Kibbutz Be'eri, where a young Michele lived, came to the world's attention in the days following the Hamas attacks of October 7, as it was the community hit hardest along the Gaza border.Michele stopped by The Fellowship's stage at this year's National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) convention to speak with Bishop Paul Lanier about her time spent living in Israel, how that shaped her faith and her lifework, how that community faced the terror of 10/7, and what Christians like her are doing to stand for Israel today.Join us for this conversation between two Christian friends of Israel, as they discuss the Holy Land of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.And listen to Yael Eckstein and Bishop Lanier on The Chosen People.

Soon, my family will join Jews around the world to celebrate one of the most joyous holidays on the Jewish calendar—Purim, which commemorates the events written about in the Book of Esther.During the Purim celebration, Jewish people host parties, share holiday treats with friends, and dress up in costumes and masks—a lot like Halloween. But unlike Halloween, people go door to door in order to give treats, not receive them. And the costumes have nothing to do with ghosts or gore.As Yael shares on today's special Purim episode, this is because the message of Purim is that things aren't always as they seem. We must look beneath the surface to see God in everything, and behind the masks we often wear to see God in every person.Listen to more of Yael's Bible teachings on her new podcast, The Chosen People.

If we want our children to live according to godly—not worldly—values, then courage is one of the most important values that we can pass down to them.Courage is celebrated each year during the biblical observance of Purim, which commemorates the story of Queen Esther, whose courageous actions saved the Jewish people from certain annihilation. As Yael shares, it is faith that gave Esther her courage, and courage that gave her the confidence to take a stand for her people. Together, faith and courage have always advanced God's work on earth.Listen to Yael's inspiring call to raise the next generation to be “strong and courageous.”And listen to more of Yael's Bible teachings on her new podcast, The Chosen People.

We live in a world that tells us that we have to be perfect. Perfect looks. Perfect house. Perfect life. But what if God's blessings are found in our imperfections?Join Yael Eckstein as she looks to what the Bible says—on how to embrace our imperfections and use them as a springboard to holiness and greatest.Every time we overcome our flaws and imperfections, we get closer to God—and rise even higher than the angels! If you've ever felt inadequate, or if shame and guilt are holding you back, this episode is for you. Listen now!And listen to more of Yael's teachings from the Bible on her daily podcast, The Chosen People.

National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) is the world's largest association of Christian communicators. Since the 1940s, NRB has worked tirelessly to help religious media outlets—in the U.S. and around the world.NRB strives for excellence in faith-based programming, by equipping and encouraging those who share their faith on television, radio, and all digital platforms. NRB is also a tireless advocate for freedom of speech for such broadcasters, fighting political and legislative battles for their rights in the halls of Washington, D.C., and beyond.Leading NRB is Troy Miller, President and CEO. This military veteran and veteran of the tech world is also a man of strong faith. Troy spoke with podcast Yael Eckstein about NRB's upcoming annual convention in Dallas, about The Fellowship's presence there, and about his love of Israel and NRB's work to support the Jewish state and its people.Join us for this conversation about standing up for what is right—faith, freedom, and fellowship—and how those in the media are helping us all spread this light in our sometimes dark world.For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Tu B'Shvat is a Jewish holiday that's considered the New Year of the Trees. Tu stands for the number 15, and Shvat is the name of the month in which the holiday falls. The fifteenth of Shvat, which falls in the winter, is the official date of this New Year—one of four new years on the Jewish calendar!Tu B'Shvat, also called the “birthday of trees,” takes place in the dead of winter. You might think that the spring, when the trees blossom and bloom, would be a much more appropriate time. Or maybe even autumn, when the trees display their brilliant colors. But winter, when we celebrate the life of the trees, is a time when the trees seem least alive. Many are completely bare and look all but dead. To understand why Tu B'Shvat is the New Year for Trees, we have to look beneath the surface…In this episode, Fellowship President and CEO Yael Eckstein shares about the celebration of Tu B'Shvat, and the lessons we can learn from this joyous ancient observance.Listen now—then see what you know about this Jewish celebration of God's Creation!And listen to more of Yael's Bible teachings on her daily podcast, The Chosen People.

Six years ago, The Fellowship lost its beloved founder, and Yael Eckstein lost her beloved father. The sudden passing of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein on February 6, 2019, left a hole in the hearts of so many—his family, his friends, and the millions of lives touched by his lifework.On this podcast, Yael celebrates her father's extraordinary life with a special guest—Beryl Eckstein, her father's younger brother. In this very personal and emotional episode, Beryl recalls growing up with Yechiel, walks us through the early, painful days when his brother was ostracized by the Jewish community for his work reaching out to Christians, and honors the lasting legacy of Rabbi Eckstein's historic bridge-building work.You won't want to miss this inspiring tribute to a man whose vision literally changed the course of Jewish-Christian relations.For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

What does it really mean to be kind? The definition of kindness, according to Jewish thought, is not be as simple as we might think.On today's podcast, host Yael Eckstein explores Jewish teachings from the Bible about what true kindness is… and what it isn't. And these lessons can be gleaned from the biblical laws of eating kosher! We'll also discover how acts of authentic kindness can impact our lives in ways we could never imagine.Listen now!And listen to more of Yael's teachings from the Bible on her daily podcast, The Chosen People.

On January 27, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, people around the world will remember the six million Jewish people who perished at the hands of the Nazis. This date was chosen, as it was on January 27, 1945, that the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp was liberated—80 years ago.In the aftermath of the Holocaust (Shoah in Hebrew) the Jewish people vowed, “Never forget.” But as host Yael Eckstein and her special guest Elisha Wiesel discuss on this special podcast, an alarming number of adults today know nothing about the Holocaust.Elisha brings a unique perspective to the conversation as the only son of Elie Wiesel, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Holocaust survivor, and author of Night, his renowned memoir of survival in the Nazi death camps. Elisha's father survived the Holocaust, including Auschwitz, where his mother and little sister were murdered.And on this podcast, a son shares his father's legacy, not only as a passionate humanitarian, but as a proud Jew who wanted to bring light to the dark places in our world. Listen now to this important and insightful conversation.

As we prepare to remember the light and life of a great leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we'd like to share some truly enlightening and inspiring words from his niece, Dr. Alveda King.In this podcast, Dr. King shares with Yael, “As I was brought up by my Daddy, my Granddaddy, and my Uncle ML, we must know that we are all one race, and we must work together for human dignity… anywhere and everywhere we are on this planet.”You won't want to miss this fascinating conversation with a Christian friend of The Fellowship that will inspire each of us to promote God's goodness wherever we are.

It's been said that if you win the morning, you win the day.On today's podcast, host Yael Eckstein shares interesting insights on how we should approach each new day. And she does this by looking to the Bible—at a Jewish teaching about the priest's daily service, first in the Tabernacle and then later in the Temple.By adopting this biblical mindset, we can experience every day with maximum joy, clarity, and productivity—and win the day!And listen to more of Yael's teachings from the Bible on her daily podcast, The Chosen People.

As people of faith, we often use the expression “walking with God.” But what does walking with God really mean?Having a close relationship with God probably means different things to different people. Some feel closest to Him in prayer. Others might draw nearer to God by reading His Word, the Bible.In today's episode, host Yael Eckstein will share what Jewish tradition teaches us about walking in God's ways—and how we can do that and grow closer to Him each day. You may be surprised at how simple it is!Listen now and learn more with this practical, insightful, and inspirational teaching.And listen to more of Yael's teachings on her daily podcast, The Chosen People.

Does your family have any special holiday traditions during this festive time of year?Most of us do, including host Yael Eckstein, who shares her special family traditions for Hanukkah. Yael explains how this holiday inspires hope, faith, and light for her husband and kids… and how Hanukkah has kept the Jewish people hopeful during the darkest of times in their history.This Hanukkah, let's remember all the light God brings to our lives and how this holiday has inspired faith in those who desperately need it.Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas!Learn more about Hanukkah in our Learning Center.And listen to more of Yael's teachings on her daily podcast, The Chosen People.

Why do you think that, during the darkest time of the year, the Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights?It's not a coincidence. We celebrate light during this dark time of year because only against that backdrop of darkness can we truly appreciate light.In this special Hanukkah episode, host Yael Eckstein will explore this season during which Jews remember the miracles that happened in their history and the miracles that are still happening today! As we'll learn in this powerful episode, Hanukkah reminds us that no matter how dark things may be, we can still find the light.No matter how impossible things may seem, God can make miracles happen. Listen now!Learn more about Hanukkah in our Learning Center.And listen to more of Yael's teachings on her daily podcast, The Chosen People.

How do miracles happen? A miracle just takes one step of faith and God takes care of the rest!That's what today's episode is all about, as host Yael Eckstein looks at the story of the miracle of the oil. We learn how when rededicating the Temple in ancient times, God's people lit the menorah on faith alone because they knew they didn't have enough pure oil for it to burn more than one day.And guess what? God performed a miracle, and the flame lasted for eight days until they could get more pure oil!This Hanukkah, all God wants us to do is light that first candle and He will do the rest. Just as the Hanukkah story has inspired the Jewish people throughout history, God's miracles in our own lives ignite hope and let our faith burn bright. Listen now!Learn more about Hanukkah in our Learning Center.And listen to more of Yael's teachings on her daily podcast, The Chosen People.

Hanukkah, a season of God's light and miracles, is probably one of the most well-known Jewish holidays, primarily because of its proximity to Christmas. But do you know what miracles are remembered and celebrated during this season?Join Yael Eckstein for a four-part podcast series on Hanukkah, exploring the many lessons of faith this holiday has for us. Today, Yael tells us the miraculous story of the Maccabees, and how their courage and faith in God were a huge turning point in history for the Jewish people.Hanukkah is a reminder that a single act of bravery can be turned into one of God's miracles!Learn more about Hanukkah in our Learning Center.And listen to more of Yael's teachings on her daily podcast, The Chosen People.

We all know that giving to those in need is important… but that doesn't mean it's easy. When we're short on time or money—or both—it's can be hard to give away what little we have.But on this podcast episode, host Yael Eckstein turns the concept of giving completely on its head. She explores verses in the Book of Exodus in which God commands the Israelites to contribute to His purposes. In this Bible passage, we'll discover a hidden message in the original Hebrew that will change your perspective on giving—and your capacity to receive.For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.And listen to more of Yael's Bible teachings on her new podcast, The Chosen People.

What will your legacy be?Maybe it will be how successful you were in your career. Or maybe it will be how much you loved your family.In today's episode, host Yael Eckstein turns to the Bible to show how we can leave behind a strong legacy of faith. When we prioritize doing good deeds and supporting the people in our lives in positive ways, we create a lasting impact that reaches far beyond our own lifetime.Every day is a chance to create a legacy of faith that will impact generations to come—and today's episode will show you how.For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.And listen to more of Yael's Bible teachings on her new podcast, The Chosen People.

So, you want to make a real difference in the world… but you don't know where or how to begin.As we'll learn on today's podcast, we can make a difference in the lives of others by simply asking, “How are you doing?” In a world where so many people are hurting, we should never underestimate the power of greeting every person with genuine care. It can save a life—even our own!This week, host Yael Eckstein explores the Bible story of Joseph's time in an Egyptian prison and how the simple act of greeting those around him—with sympathy and with understanding—changed his life, and ultimately, changed the lives of millions of people.Each one of us, just like Joseph, can bring more of God's light into the world and take care of those around us—and in this episode, we'll discover how.For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.And listen to more of Yael's Bible teachings on her new podcast, The Chosen People.

We are truly living in prophetic times as described in God's Word, aren't we? It began with the Book of Exodus, when God redeemed Israel from Egypt and promised to bring them home on “eagles' wings.”On today's episode, host Yael Eckstein will explore how the Bible prophesied about the times we are in right now—and what this means for us in our personal and spiritual lives. As people of faith, we are called to be God's partner in fulfilling biblical prophecy today, making this point in history such an exciting time to be alive!Listen now, as the people of Israel prepare to celebrate Aliyah Day—and then learn more about aliyah, the prophetic work of bringing God's people home to Israel.

“It has taken courage to birth these nations.”These words are an enduring theme in the life and work of Bishop E.W. Jackson—a pastor, an attorney, a U.S. Marine, and a Christian friend of Israel. A proud American who also stands for the Jewish state, Bishop Jackson sat down recently with Yael Eckstein to discuss his own experiences and his thoughts on the ongoing violence being experienced not just by the people of Israel, but by Jewish people around the world.Bishop Jackson's own military service gives him some insight into the struggles Israel faces—defending herself on the battlefield and in the international media. But he shares with Yael his own commitment to standing for Israel now, just as when he was a Marine, “the stewardship of my country was in my hands.”It's this stewardship that these two friends in faith and fellowship discuss in this inspiring conversation that once again shows how Israel's Christian friends are supporting her in her greatest time of need.Learn more about Bishop Jackson's S.T.A.N.D. (Staying True to America's National Destiny) project and listen to his daily podcast, E.W. Jackson for America.For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

As the High Holy Days come to a close, Jews around the world spend one last day in an intense celebration with God before resuming their normal routines.Simchat Torah, which means “Rejoicing in the Torah,” is unlike any other observance we experience in synagogue.As host Yael Eckstein describes in today's podcast, the entire congregation—from the youngest children to the oldest adults—takes out the Torah scroll and joins in a never-ending circle of dancing and singing. The celebration marks the completion of reading through the Torah, from Genesis to Deuteronomy, before the reading cycle begins again.But the lesson of Simchat Torah, says Yael, lasts all year long. Simchat Torah is a reminder that the way to stay close to God and transform inspiration into action throughout the year is through His Word.Learn more about this amazing celebration in today's powerful podcast.Visit our Learning Center to learn more about Simchat Torah.And for more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Do you know the one holy day that the entire world will celebrate in Messianic times?According to the prophet Zechariah, it's the Festival of Tabernacles, or as it's called in Hebrew, Sukkot (Zechariah 4:16).Unity among all of God's children is a major theme of this joyous biblical celebration that is part of the High Holy Days that Jews around the world have been observing. Host Yael Eckstein looks to the lessons of Sukkot on practical ways to bring us together.In a world that is increasingly divided, the celebration of Sukkot encourages a spirit of unity that can bring goodness, pleasantness, and blessings to our lives.For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“I'm sorry.”It's been said that these are two of the hardest words to say. We've all found ourselves needing to apologize… and dreading it. And we've all been hurt by someone who wouldn't apologize for what they did.In this special episode about Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, Yael Eckstein explores how those two words relate to the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Admitting our wrongdoings, committing to change, and moving forward is what Yom Kippur is all about.When we sincerely say, “I'm sorry,” God has mercy and God forgives. And those two little words—“I'm sorry” —have the power to heal relationships and change the future for the better.For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

How many of us think about repentance as we celebrate and usher in a New Year on January 1?When Jews usher in the Jewish New Year on Rosh Hashanah, the main focus is on repentance, or teshuvah, which means to “return” to God and to who we really are. The sound of the shofar, the ritual trumpet, signals this time to reflect on the past twelve months, fix any behavior that isn't helpful, and return to God who is waiting with open arms.In this special Rosh Hashanah episode, host Yael Eckstein shares the Jewish perspective on the meaning of repentance, its significance for both Christians and Jews, and how it has the power to nourish our souls and transform us into the people we are meant to be!For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.And learn more about the High Holy Days by visiting our Learning Center.

“Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people…”These biblical words, from Joel 2:15-16, are used by Pastor Lou Engle to describe an upcoming gathering of people of faith, of A Million Women, of one million Esthers, who are called to gather on the Mall in Washington, D.C., on the holiest day of the Jewish year, Yom Kippur—the Day of Atonement.This week, Yael Eckstein sits down with Lou Engle to discuss this monumental event, in which the Jewish people's Christian friends will come together in prayer and fasting—to pray for Israel in her time of need, to pray for America, and to pray for our world.Join us for this inspiring conversation, in which Lou and Yael discuss carrying on legacies of faith and how we have all been called, like Esther was, “for such a time as this.”Learn more about A Million Women—An Esther Call to the Mall.For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Did you know that God has an alarm clock for our souls?Beginning a month before the start of the High Holy Days, the sounds of the shofar, the biblically mandated trumpet, can be heard throughout synagogues across the world, calling people to reflect, repent and return to God.On this podcast, Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, continues exploring the significance and meaning of the Jewish High Holy Days, focusing on one of the primary rituals of this holiest time on the Jewish calendar: the sounding of the shofar.Yael explores why the Jewish people use a shofar to prepare themselves for the new year, and how its many sounds are a call to self-improvement, to repentance, and to return to God during these holy days.Join Yael as she explains the symbolism and messages of the shofar, and how its sounds should be reverberating in our daily lives.For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.And learn more about the High Holy Days by visiting our Learn Center.

Every year, Jewish people in Israel and around the world take a special spiritual journey.And on today's podcast, host Yael Eckstein shares how preparing for the upcoming High Holy Days can teach us all—Christians and Jews, alike—about connecting with God and ourselves.In coming weeks, Yael will explore how the sounds of the shofar awaken the soul; how Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, teaches us about the gift of repentance; and how Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, teaches us the power of forgiveness. We'll discover the blessings of unity that Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, teaches. And we'll see how this holy season ends with a celebration of God's Word on Simchat Torah—bringing God and His word with us into the new year.Yael begins the journey by looking at the three spiritual paths—repentance, prayer, and charity—that help prepare us for the High Holy Days. Join us for this unique spiritual journey.For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

Have you ever noticed how many “30 Day Challenges” our society gives us? Challenges to lose weight, to learn a language, to straighten up your house, or even straighten up your finances! The world loves to give us month-long challenges.But did you know the Jewish people have been doing a 30-Day Challenge for thousands of years?That's right! The Hebrew month of Elul began last night at sunset. And so did an ancient biblical Jewish practice—one Jesus likely participated in. During Elul, the Jewish people prepare themselves spiritually for the High Holy Days, which begin with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and conclude on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This annual month-long challenge—performed by generations of Jewish people—lays the groundwork for real and lasting change.Host Yael Eckstein shows us that it takes a full 30 days to connect with God, nourish our souls, and make spiritual changes that last, setting us up for a successful year to come and a blessed life ahead!For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

The Bible isn't just stories of epic happenings and holy miracles. It's not all Noah filling the ark or David defeating Goliath, mighty armies falling at the hands of God's people or great heroes rising from humble beginnings.God's Word is full of meaning—even in the places we might not expect. And this week's podcast is one of those places.Host Yael Eckstein takes a look at a passage in Scripture (Leviticus 2:4-7) that gives us a biblical history lesson—about the sacrifices and offerings that were brought to the Tabernacle, and then to the Temple. And, as Yael explains, even though we no longer bring the sacrifices described in the Bible, these verses still contain eternal messages relevant to our lives today—teaching us all to be grateful.Yael talks about how meeting the needy who The Fellowship helps restore her own perspective and sense of gratitude. And she shares the prayer that she recites the first thing each morning as soon as she opens her eyes.Discover how to better cultivate a grateful heart so that you can have an attitude of gratitude—feeling blessed, joyful, and thankful every single day of your life.For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“How does a nation come to Jerusalem?”That's a question that comes up during Yael Eckstein's latest conversation—with former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman. A Nobel Peace Prize nominee and the co-architect of 2020's groundbreaking Abraham Accords, Friedman freely shares about his work in the ambassadorship. And aside from his time in the embassy, the ambassador has also enjoyed a long and respected legal career and a second career as an author.His new book, One Jewish State—its foreword by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and out on September 3—looks hopefully and thoughtfully at the possibility for peace in Jerusalem. And during his conversation with Yael, Ambassador Friedman also shares his wisdom on life and faith—ultimately sharing an answer to the afore-mentioned question that was given more than two thousand years ago by the prophet Isaiah.So listen now to this insightful and inspirational conversation with a true servant and ambassador for America, for Israel, and for all people of faith.For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16)These words from the Bible—spoken from the Gentile Ruth to her Jewish mother-in-law, Naomi—were quoted in a Christian publication in 1932.As anti-Semitism rose in Germany—soon to spread across Europe, along with the Second World War—even then, Christians were standing up for their Jewish brothers and sisters. In this particular article, taken from the published archives of the Assemblies of God (AG), church leaders call on Christians to be like Ruth, supporting their needy Jewish loved ones.This instance of bravery ended up on the right side of history. But it was just one in a long line of Christian and Jewish bridge-building and fellowship displayed by this denomination founded back in 1911. By 1915, the AG is condemning anti-Semitism in Europe—long before the Holocaust, Jews faced pogroms in Russia and elsewhere. And as soon as the Nazis began their rise to power, the AG voiced their stance against anti-Semitism and for the Jewish people, loudly and to the world.This history of friendship between Christians and Jews is why Yael was excited to invite AG Director of Communications and Public Relations Mark Forrester to the podcast. Having served the AG for 16 years, Mark also published Trending Up: Social Media Strategies for Today's Churches in collaboration with close friends across denominational lines.A true bridge builder, Mark shares instances of historic and heroic support for the Jewish people. And a true friend of Israel, Mark talks about his first trip to Israel, as well as a visit to a southern kibbutz near Gaza shortly before the October 7th attacks. Join Yael for this inspiring conversation.For more information on today's episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.