In this conversation, Ron and Matt Davis interview Rachel Kushner, the CEO (Chief Enthusiasm Officer) of Links to Messiah. They discuss Rachel's background growing up in a Messianic Jewish home, the inspiration behind her ministry, and the importance of bridging the gap between the Old and New Testaments.

Rachel shares how Links to Messiah provides resources and activities for families to engage with Jewish holidays and traditions, helping them understand the Jewish roots of their faith. The conversation highlights the significance of family engagement and the joy of learning about the Bible in a fun and interactive way.

Takeaways

• Links to Messiah is a ministry that provides resources and activities for families to engage with Jewish holidays and traditions.

• The ministry aims to bridge the gap between the Old and New Testaments, helping families understand the Jewish roots of their faith.

• Family engagement is crucial in teaching children about the Bible and creating a lifelong relationship with Jesus.

• Learning about the Bible can be fun and interactive, and it doesn't have to be boring.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction

02:49 - Rachel's Background

05:49 - Rachel's Father's Story

07:23 - Links to Messiah Ministry

10:01 - Connecting the Hebrew Scriptures to Yeshua Jesus

12:01 - The Importance of Family Engagement

15:45 - Bridging the Gap between the Old and New Testament

19:51 - The Role of Links to Messiah in Equipping Families

21:24 - Rachel's Enthusiasm and Joy

23:04 - Upcoming Events and Resources

25:02 - Closing Remarks

• Moving to a new country and culture can be challenging, especially for children who have to adjust to a new language and education system.
• There is a growing need for marriage and relationship counseling in Israel, and many people are open to seeking help in these areas.
• The spiritual climate in Israel is changing, with more openness to the Messiah and a willingness to explore faith.
• The ministry focuses on counseling, discipleship, and outreach to Holocaust survivors and young believers in Israel.
• Sending children off to war is a difficult experience for parents, but there is a sense of pride and support for those serving in the Israeli army.
• There is a significant amount of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiment in the media, which adds to the challenges faced by the people living in Israel. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an existential war for Israel's existence, not just a war for land.
• The American church needs to upgrade its knowledge of scripture and worldwide politics to ask the right questions and confront false accusations against Israel.
• Yom HaZikaron is a day of remembrance for fallen soldiers in Israel, while Yom Ha'atzmaut is Israel's Independence Day.
• The Israeli educational system is facing challenges, including the dumbing down of curriculum and the introduction of biased ideologies.
• There is a need for biblical scholarship and literacy in the church to counter ignorance and indifference.

In this episode of The Jewish Road Podcast, 'The Bitter & The Sweet,' we talk through the intense emotions surrounding Israel's back-to-back observances: Yom HaZikaron, a somber Memorial Day, and Yom Ha'Atzmaut, the vibrant celebration of Independence Day.

What we are seeing in the headlines these days encapsulate the ongoing story of Israel - a nation carved out of conflict and marked by continual struggle for existence against rising tides of global antisemitism.

Join us as we discuss how Israel's fierce spirit of independence is intertwined with the profound sacrifices made by its people. We'll explore why the existence of a Jewish state is not just a political necessity but a the only hope in a world where ancient enmities persist.

We also talk about how believers worldwide can support Israel in these trying times, emphasizing the church’s role in advocating for peace and justice. This discussion is not just about remembering the past - it's about actively shaping the future in anticipation of the Messiah's return.

Takeaways

• Israel's independence and the ongoing struggles and wars the nation has faced are significant in both biblical and historical contexts.
• The rise of anti-Semitism and the need for the church to stand with Israel is a pressing issue.
• The ultimate hope and victory will come when the Messiah returns.
• Praying for the peace of Jerusalem and keeping our eyes on God's promises is crucial in these times.

Chapters