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The Miracle, the Message, and the Mandate
The most fundamental miracle of Hanukkah is not oil or lights, though they are indeed miraculous and a part of the story. The foundational miracle is redemption and deliverance that comes from Heaven. But we have a part to play, too.
8-min
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Did Christmas Originate with Hanukkah?
Many believe Christmas to have solely pagan roots that were re-purposed by early Gentile Christians. Messianic Jewish luminary Theophilus Lucky has a different, interesting take on the theory of Christmas’ origins. Lucky believes that the birth of Messiah was celebrated every year at Hanukkah on the 25th of Kislev.
6-min
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What Makes Us Weird?
Following Yeshua while practicing Judaism is weird. It’s OK to be weird for the right reasons. But unfortunately, our communities are often also weird in other, needless ways. And this inhibits our ability to function in a way that reflects positively on either Yeshua or Judaism. Let’s imagine what Messianic Judaism could be.
5-min
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Brazil to Move Embassy to Jerusalem
Brazil plans to move its embassy to Jerusalem, the IDF released disability reports, a third parliamentary election is scheduled for March, Russian fighters may have countered Israel, and a high-speed train connects Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. This and more in this week’s Israel News Recap (Without the Rhetoric).
9-min
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Eight Days of Enlightenment
To make the celebration of Hanukkah special, in our experience, it is essential to separate these nights from our normal routines. With this in mind, we have structured a guide to provide solid discussions of a spiritual nature that you can share around the family hanukkiah.
5-min
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Festival of Lights in Israel
Hanukkah is not particularly commercial in this part of the world. It is still considered a minor holiday though it is exuberantly celebrated by both secular and religious. It's a holiday for families and kids, with gooey donuts, deep-fried potato pancakes, chocolate coins, songs, and school holidays.
4-min
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Parties Plan Next Election, Norway Cuts Palestinian Funding
Norway cuts funding to Palestinian Authority’s education program over violence in the textbooks. Israeli politicians are turning their eyes to another election once again. Egypt is negotiating a five-year deal with Hamas and Israel. This and more in the Weekly Israel News Recap (Without the Rhetoric).
8-min
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Five Reasons To Celebrate Hanukkah
Given that Hanukkah is a historically Jewish festival and that its celebration is not a mitzvah (commandment) of the Torah, why would Gentile believers in Yeshua celebrate it? Obviously Jewish believers have a cultural affinity for the festival, but is there any real biblical significance to it? Is there any reason Christians might want to incorporate the celebration of Hanukkah into their homes?
5-min
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Conversation with the Creator
Over time, poets, prophets, and scholars have composed powerful and inspiring odes, psalms, hymns, and petitions that are treasured by the Jewish community, but the art of simple conversation has never been lost. Constant awareness of God’s presence can make one’s whole life feel like a conversation with our Father in heaven.
6-min
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Border Protest Canceled for the Third Time, Unity Government Seems Possible
Rumors of a unity government swirl days before the deadline. The Gaza border protests are canceled for three weeks in a row, a two-year report on rockets and mortars and more in the Israel News Recap (Without the Rhetoric).
9-min
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Finding Your Soul Mate
The search for a soul mate sounds romantic, but how do you know if the person you are with is really your soul mate? Isn’t it possible that you missed your true soul mate or might still encounter him or her? What if you were married previously and are now on your second marriage?
5-min
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Netanyahu Indicted, Third Election Looms, U.S. Recognizes Settlements
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been indicted on serious charges of corruption, and if a government is not formed soon, a third election will be triggered. The White House changed its stance on the settlements, and rockets from Syria threaten the Golan Heights. This and more in the Weekly Israel News Recap (Without the Rhetoric).
11-min