Keep in touch with what is happening
behind the scenes at First Fruits of Zion.
By Boaz Michael | Comments (5) | Posted on March 5, 2008
I am on the bed trying to conjure up the energy to start packing. We leave at five in the morning for a final day of shots; our goal is to do three in Caesarea and one in a seedy part of Tel Aviv. We fly out at eleven in the evening so tomorrow will be very full.
Out of the forty teaching segments we hoped to capture, with God’s help, we have 36 down on tape. If tomorrow goes well, we will leave the land with our objectives accomplished.
One of the most difficult things about this trip has been a sense of connection and disconnection. On the one hand, we have, as always, enjoyed a sense of connection with greater Israel, praying at the western wall and participating in Israeli religious culture, but on the other hand, we have come face to face with the stark reality of our estrangement from greater Judaism. It has frequently happened, on more than one occasion, that ultra-orthodox Jews have gathered around to listen as we have presented the teachings. They listen with obvious appreciation and approval until—all of a sudden—the teaching references the apostles or the Master, and then they are hurrying their children away, muttering about the “Notzrim” or offering objection.
It’s very sad. Our Master is so maligned and misunderstood. We need to stand strong and develop our own sense of pride and joy in our identity in Messianic Judaism. I believe that the new HaYesod program is going to go a long way toward establishing this.
Tomorrow night we get on the plane and start shifting our emphasis to the next the stage in the development of the new program. This includes a lot of writing and revision of the original program. Please continue to pray for us as we seek Abba’s leading in bringing this great message of Torah and Messiah to Israel and the nations.
If there is one fitting picture that will be the final picture from our time in Israel it is this one. Look close you’ll see me busy managing the team from a very strategic position.



Three new 5" x 7" pocket guides: Guidelines for keeping Shabbat, Prayers for opening Shabbat and for closing Shabbat at havdalah.
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Visitor Comments
Boaz, you don't look so good, but the guy standing next to you in the way cool vest, now he looks fine!!
God protect you all as you travel. We're excited to have you all back. But I know leaving there will be difficult. Thank you for all your hard work to make such a crucial connection happen.
Shalom,
Donalee
Posted by: Donalee | March 5, 2008 8:04 PM
I was grieved to read the story of families being whisked away when the Master was mentioned. It is similar to how some beleivers today react when we mention the Torah. Someday, Messiah will return and we will see a resTORAHtion of all things.
The work of FFOZ is a part of that restoration. I give thanks everyday for FFOZ's teaching and all they have done to help me (and others)understand the WHOLE of God's truth.
May you all continue to be blessed and returned home safely.
Shalom Aliechem
Posted by: Bill Beyer | March 6, 2008 8:22 AM
By the time you read my comment, you may very well be back on U.S. soil. We have appreciated the updates and pictures. Thank you so much for that added effort. From the looks of your final picture, the Shabbat you will soon be having with family and friends will be very well deserved. I'm sure all the video and teaching that you captured there in the Land will always stand as a testimony to these last 3, and very INTENSE weeks. May Hashem continue to bless your efforts, and multiply the fruit!!
Shaloma,
Dale and Sherry
Posted by: Sherry Schoenwald | March 6, 2008 9:21 AM
Thanks for the wonderful photographs, especially of Jerusalem. It was just like being there,seeing all the familiar places.
I hope that you all got back OK, and that it was a real blessing.
Shalom
Ruth
Posted by: Ruth Walker | March 6, 2008 11:16 AM
Amen!
We need to stand firm in our own identity within Messiah.......and of his sheep he has lost none as saith the scriptures. So all will be well..indeed...Shalom Brother.
Posted by: D.A.Fluker II | March 6, 2008 11:30 AM