To understand Israelis, you have to understand this: While Israeli culture is steeped in the tradition of religious Judaism, most Israelis are anything but. In fact, an overwhelming 80% of Israelis identify as non-religious.

We met *Timor at a Shabbat dinner in Argentina. And were surprised to learn that although he did not believe in God, he followed kosher laws so strictly that he insisted on waiting no less than the rabbinic requirement of 6 hours after eating the Argentinean steak dinner to enjoy a dairy dessert. This way the two would never touch. When we asked him why, his answer floored us.

His brows furrowed as he leaned forward and explained soberly, “My grandparents and their parents and their parents before them risked everything to live as Jews. Now that I have the freedom to live as a Jew in our own land, I will not dishonor them by giving up the freedom that they died for.”

For Timor and many like him, being Jewish is about identity and community. And often, it has little to do with religion. Because the religion that they know hasn’t answered the questions of their hearts. They haven’t experienced the grace of knowing the unconditional love of God through the atonement of Messiah. In fact, they’re not even waiting for Messiah. And they certainly don’t know that Jesus loves them. To your average Israeli? Jesus is just some white Christian guy that much of the world has historically used as an excuse to hate the Jews.

Your contribution to this ministry tells another story. Your gift says, I know that your Jewish identity is important and precious. Because God set the Jewish people apart to reveal Himself to the nations and to bring into the world the Jewish Messiah! By your act of love, you are redeeming the name of Jesus for Jewish Israelis. And we can not thank you enough.

We are so thankful for the opportunities we have had to share that love while studying in Israel the last two months, and also to be heading home now to wrap up our time at Moody Bible Institute. Soon, we will be traveling again to teach about Messiah in the Passover and we pray that God will use these presentations to bless many and stir up greater love in the Church for the Jewish people. Thank you for your continued prayer and support in all of these things.

Love,

BJ and Carissa

*Name changed