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.

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