Who’s Really Pulling the Strings in the Middle East?

The Middle East is a puppet show of chaos, with Houthis, Hamas, and Hezbollah commanding attention. But these groups are just the actors - who’s the puppet master behind it all?

In this episode, we take you behind the scenes to explore the power dynamics at play. Iran stands as the director of this global drama, but is there an even greater force working behind the curtain?

We unravel the tangled threads of these terror groups, their shocking origins, and the roles they play in a larger theopolitical battle.

From advanced rocket systems to covert sabotage missions, this episode sheds light on how Israel is navigating an unrelenting war.

If you’ve ever wondered why peace feels impossible in this region, this conversation is your front-row seat to the truth.

• The Houthis, Hamas, and Hezbollah are key players in a larger battle orchestrated by Iran.
• Iran’s influence is more visible than ever, with advanced weapons, funding, and strategic manipulation at its core.
• Israel’s defense systems, like the Iron Dome, are saving lives, but the threat remains relentless.
• This isn’t just geopolitics - it’s a theopolitical battle with spiritual implications.

• 0:00 – Welcome and Problem Hook: Why the Middle East conflict is more than it seems.
• 2:30 – The Puppet Show: Understanding Iran’s role as the puppet master.
• 8:15 – The Houthis: From Yemen to Israel - why this distant group matters.
• 16:40 – Hezbollah: A state within a state in Lebanon, armed and dangerous.
• 24:50 – Hamas: The terror organization controlling Gaza and its tragic legacy.
• 33:15 – Iran Unveiled: How Iran’s direct involvement has changed the stakes.
• 40:20 – Theopolitics Explained: The spiritual battle behind the headlines.
• 47:00 – A Glimpse of Hope: The ultimate peace that only Yeshua can bring.
• 53:10 – Final Thoughts: Practical ways to support Israel and stand with truth.

Dive deeper into this conversation and access additional resources at thejewishroad.com/puppets. This is an episode that will challenge your understanding and strengthen your resolve.

Can a Hoodie Change the World?

What if your clothing could spark a conversation, stand against hate, and support the Jewish people?

This episode dives into our newest project: Jewish Road Gear. It’s more than shirts and hoodies - it’s a way to wear your voice, stand for truth, and be a blessing to Israel.

We unpack the inspiration behind our designs, the messages they carry, and how each purchase makes an impact in Israel today.

As anti-Semitism rises and misinformation spreads, we’re inviting you to stand up, speak out, and make a difference.

Each piece of gear tells a story - whether it’s about knowing your roots or declaring that the Jewish people are still chosen.

Learn how wearing this gear connects you to a larger mission and why now is the time to act.

• Be a Voice: Wearing Jewish Road Gear is a way to stand against anti-Semitism and for truth.
• Know Your Roots: A reminder that the Christian faith is deeply rooted in Jewish heritage.
• Still Chosen: A declaration that God’s promises to Israel remain true today.
• Every Purchase Helps: Proceeds go directly to supporting Israel’s people and ministries.

• 0:00 – Introduction: The power of fashion to tell a story.
• 3:15 – The Humor Break: A return to the Catskills for some Jewish humor.
• 8:00 – Why Jewish Road Gear?: The heart behind the project and the messages we’re sharing.
• 15:30 – Know Your Roots: The design reminding Christians of their faith’s Jewish foundation.
• 23:45 – Still Chosen: Proclaiming God’s faithfulness to the Jewish people.
• 32:00 – How Proceeds Help: Direct impact on Israel’s people and ministries.
• 37:30 – Call to Action: Stand, pray, and be a voice with every piece of gear.
• 42:00 – Closing Thoughts: Shalu shalom Yerushalayim - pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Find Jewish Road Gear at thejewishroad.com/gear. Every item is a step toward standing with Israel and making a tangible difference.

What You Think About Israelis Might Change

Israelis are often painted as aggressors - heartless warmongers driving their enemies from the land. But what if that narrative is missing the humanity of their story?

In this episode, we sit down with new friends Moshe and Sasha, who share what life really looks like in the middle of the chaos.

Imagine being uprooted from your home, moving four times in one year, all while figuring out how to keep your kids in school and put food on the table. Now, add to that the heartbreak of a tourism business collapsing under the weight of rockets and global fear. This isn’t just geopolitics - it’s survival.

But through it all, a remarkable shift emerges - a Jewish-Israeli perspective of Christians they never expected. Sasha shares her journey of discovering a love and warmth from believers in the West that has transformed her understanding of faith and reconciliation.

It’s a glimpse into how even in war, relationships can heal old wounds. This conversation will challenge what you think you know and leave you with a profound appreciation for the resilience of the Israeli people and the unexpected ways God is moving.

• Life in Israel is more complicated than the media portrays—this is a story of survival, resilience, and unexpected hope.
• Sasha’s perspective on Christians transformed from fear to trust, breaking long-held stereotypes.
• Tourism, a cornerstone of Israel’s economy, has been devastated, leaving families scrambling to make ends meet.
• God is at work in surprising ways, bringing reconciliation where division once reigned.

• 0:00 – Welcome and Introductions: Meet Moshe and Sasha, two Israelis with incredible stories to share.
• 2:45 – Moshe’s Journey: From software engineer to tour guide, connecting Christians to the land of the Bible.
• 9:30 – Sasha’s Story: Discovering her Jewish identity and her surprising encounters with Christian love.
• 16:20 – Life During War: The struggle of living through constant relocations, rockets, and economic hardship.
• 29:10 – Arab-Israeli Relations: A nuanced look at the dynamics between Jews and Arabs in Israel.
• 35:50 – Surprised by Christian Love: How encounters with Christians have reshaped Sasha’s worldview.
• 42:15 – Jewelry with Meaning: Sasha’s handmade creations that bring the beauty of Israel to the world.
• 48:30 – Theopolitics and Hope: Israel’s spiritual and global significance explained.
• 56:00 – Closing Encouragement: Ways to support Israel and bring hope to its people.

Visit BeautifulIsraelStore.com to bring a piece of Israel’s beauty and history into your life. Every purchase helps rebuild lives and sustain hope in the land where biblical stories unfolded - and continue today.

“Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim - Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” Keep the people of Israel in your prayers and hearts.

How is it that today’s church can read a Bible rooted in Israel, focused on a Jewish Messiah, and authored by Jewish voices, yet somehow feel disconnected from the Jewish story?

Have we really allowed the narrative of God's chosen people to end 2,000 years ago, when in reality, it’s just getting good?

In this episode, "How Does A Church Stand With Israel?" we dig into the undeniable link between our faith and the ongoing story of Israel - a story still unfolding and intensifying in ways that truly demand our attention.

With longtime friend Pastor Jeremy Mercer of Connection Church in Corona, CA, we look at what it means to stand with Israel as a church. Jeremy shares how his church actively supports and prays for the Jewish people, building a community that stands with Israel not out of politics but as a fulfillment of biblical promises.

Together, we walk through strategies for making Israel a priority in our own churches and why, now more than ever, this matters deeply. On the other side of this conversation, you’ll have a better idea of how to embrace God’s promises for Israel and move from passive awareness to active blessing.

• Faith in Action: Pastor Jeremy emphasizes how his church’s love for Israel goes beyond words, actively supporting and praying for the Jewish people.
• Scriptural Foundation: The importance of understanding scripture in context, seeing the connection between Old and New Testaments, and grasping the Jewish roots of the faith.
• Genuine Connection: Through long-lasting friendships and community support, Pastor Jeremy illustrates the power of relationships in ministry.
• Responding to Current Events: Reflecting on the significance of supporting Israel during turbulent times, especially following recent events in Israel.
• Teaching Contextually: The need for pastors to preach boldly on Israel's role in God’s plan, countering replacement theology and embracing the full narrative of scripture.

• "Without the Jewish story, we miss the full picture of God’s love story for His people."
• "Our role as the church is not political but biblical when it comes to standing with Israel."
• "Supporting Israel is more than a stance, it’s a journey of faithfulness to God’s promises."

• 0:10 - 4:30: Introduction: Reconnecting with Pastor Jeremy and His Journey to Ministry
• 4:30 - 9:15: Faith and Friendship: Growing Up with Israel in Their Hearts
• 9:15 - 13:50: Biblical Foundations: How Scripture Informs Our Stand with Israel
• 13:50 - 18:30: Ministry Focus: Connection Church’s Commitment to Israel
• 18:30 - 23:00: Responding to Current Events: Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem
• 23:00 - 28:30: Humility in Ministry: How Pastors Can Seek Support and Wisdom
• 28:30 - 33:20: Supporting Israel Practically: Tips for Churches and Individuals

Episode 113: "Don't Sit This One Out: Stand Like Esther with Your Vote"

With division on every front, some believers are stepping back, declaring "Jesus 2024: Our Only Hope." While it's a powerful reminder to keep our eyes on Him, it’s simply not enough to watch from the sidelines. Our faith calls us to be active, engaged, and responsible in our world - not passive spectators. This episode dives into why Christians must participate in the democratic process, even when it feels intimidating or divisive.

Drawing from the story of Esther, Ron and Matt discuss how God’s sovereignty doesn’t relieve us from action; it calls us to it. Esther didn’t sit back and “let go and let God” - she stepped up, even at personal risk, because the fate of her people depended on it. Today, as believers, we’re called to step up in our own way, and voting is one of those ways. The conversation covers not only the importance of this responsibility but also how our choices impact issues that matter deeply to God’s heart, including Israel and the direction of our nation.

Don’t sit this one out. Listen in to be inspired, challenged, and encouraged to show up, speak up, and cast your vote.

• Faith in Action: How God’s sovereignty works through our responsibility.
• The Power of Participation: Why neglecting our right to vote diminishes our influence in a divided world.
• Standing with Israel: Understanding Israel’s central role in God’s plan and why it matters to the global Church.
• Lessons from Esther: Courage in the face of fear and the willingness to risk for the greater good.

• 00:00 – Introduction: Why Every Vote Counts
• 02:13 – Division in America and the Christian Response
• 03:05 – Surprising Stats: 90 Million Christians, 40 Million Don’t Vote
• 05:27 – God's Sovereignty and Our Responsibility
• 07:48 – The Story of Esther: Partnering with God
• 10:11 – Esther's Moment of Courage: “If I perish, I perish”
• 12:33 – Why Israel Matters: A Lens for Understanding Today’s World

It’s a time of uncertainty, a time when the world seems increasingly divided, and the future is unpredictable.

For the Jewish people, the feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) is a reminder of God's faithfulness in the wilderness. But how do we hold on to that ancient promise in the chaos of today’s world, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Israel?

This episode of The Jewish Road Podcast is about the deeper significance of Sukkot, the existential battle facing Israel, and how believers can respond in solidarity and prayer.

1. Sukkot as a Reminder: Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) is a reminder of God’s provision and faithfulness to the Israelites during their wilderness journey, symbolizing hope and trust in God’s presence.
2. Current Events and Biblical Prophecy: The conflict in Israel today is not just another battle; it aligns with biblical prophecies and sets the stage for future events described in Scripture.
3. Global Antisemitism: The rise of antisemitism worldwide, particularly following the October 7th attacks, mirrors historical patterns, but on a global scale, showing a spiritual battle against God’s people.
4. The Christian Response: Christians are called to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and stand with Israel, advocating against anti-Israel sentiment and offering tangible support.
5. God’s Promise of the Kingdom: Sukkot also points forward to a time when God will establish His kingdom on earth, dwelling among His people and bringing peace. This hope anchors believers amidst the chaos.

1. [00:00 - 03:00] - Introduction and Context: Overview of the current season and the significance of Sukkot for the Jewish community.
2. [03:01 - 08:00] - Sukkot in the Bible: Discussion on the biblical origins of Sukkot and its meaning as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in the wilderness.
3. [08:01 - 13:00] - The Modern Battle: Analysis of the October 7th attacks, the global rise of antisemitism, and Israel’s ongoing fight for survival.
4. [13:01 - 17:00] - Connecting Past and Present: How Sukkot ties into the future kingdom and the fulfillment of God’s promises amidst the current global unrest.
5. [17:01 - 23:41] - Christian Response and Call to Action: Encouragement for Christians to stand with Israel, pray for peace, and participate in being a light in dark times.

What if you waited your entire life, followed rituals painstakingly, prayed for atonement, but never really knew if you had been forgiven by God?

This is the reality for many in the Jewish community during Yom Kippur.

In this episode of The Jewish Road Podcast, we explore the Day of Atonement, looking into its significance for both Jews and Christians. We unpack the biblical roots of Yom Kippur, discuss its modern observance, and ask the critical question: if Jesus is the ultimate High Priest and the final atonement, what does that mean for us today?

1. Yom Kippur in Jewish Tradition: Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in Judaism, where Jewish people seek to make things right with God, often unsure of whether their efforts are enough.
2. Jesus as the Fulfillment of Atonement: The temple sacrifices and the role of the High Priest in Jewish history were shadows of what Jesus would ultimately fulfill as the final atonement for sin.
3. The Significance of the Scarlet Thread: For 40 years before the destruction of the Second Temple, the scarlet thread on the Yom Kippur scapegoat stopped turning white, symbolizing that the sacrifices were no longer accepted - coinciding with the death and resurrection of Jesus.
4. Jewish Rituals and the Messiah: Jewish traditions and practices, like the two goats on Yom Kippur, symbolically point to Jesus, who became both the sacrifice and the scapegoat for humanity's sins.
5. The Growing Openness in Israel: Amid military tension, young Israeli soldiers are increasingly looking toward God, with many becoming open to the idea of Jesus as the Messiah.

• 00:10 – Introduction: Yom Kippur, the High Holy Days, and Israel's current state
• 03:00 – The Meaning of Yom Kippur and Jewish Rituals: A Time to Make Things Right
• 05:00 – Leviticus 16: The Scriptural Basis for the Day of Atonement
• 09:00 – Tale of Two Goats: The Sacrificial and Scapegoat Symbols
• 12:30 – The Scarlet Thread and Its Prophetic Significance
• 17:00 – The Shift in the Covenant: Jesus as the Final High Priest
• 21:30 – The Talmud and the Mysterious Change 40 Years Before the Temple’s Fall
• 26:00 – Hebrews: Jesus’ Role as the Ultimate High Priest and Fulfillment of the Atonement
• 29:00 – Israel Today: Spiritual Awakening and Openness to Jesus
• 31:26 – Closing Remarks: Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem

Summary

How do you reconcile being both Arab and Israeli in a land of deep divisions?

For Robert "Ruby" Bishai, this tension is not only part of his personal journey but also the heartbeat of his ministry. Ruby, an Arab Israeli believer in Yeshua, has found a profound calling to serve both the Jewish and Arab people of Israel. Growing up in a Jewish town as an Arab Christian gave him a unique perspective on the challenges and beauty of these two cultures colliding.

Today, Ruby is a bridge between these worlds, striving to foster unity and bring the hope of Messiah to those who seem divided by history.

Through Fields of Wheat, the ministry Ruby serves with, he mentors young believers and supports soldiers during times of war - often being a living testimony of love across cultural boundaries. His passion stems from a deep sense of destiny, recognizing that God has called him to stand in the gap between Arabs and Jews, seeing the promise of Isaiah 19:24,25 come to life.

Ruby’s story is one of identity, reconciliation, and the unshakable hope that peace and salvation will come to both Arab and Jewish people.

Takeaways

• Living as an Arab Israeli in Israel comes with its challenges, but Ruby Beshai embraces his unique identity and serves both the Arab and Jewish communities.
• Fields of Wheat is a ministry in Israel that focuses on developing the youth and young adult believers and fostering unity between Jewish and Arab believers.
• Ruby Beshai has had the opportunity to supply soldiers with equipment during times of war and has also shared the gospel with them, seeing an openness among the Jewish people.
• Despite the conflicts and tensions in the Middle East, there is hope for peace and the salvation of both the Jewish and Arab people.

Chapters