Jerusalem Day

 Tonight begins the celebration of the reunification of the City of Jerusalem 44 years ago. There is much emotion when thinking about the chesed, grace, of G-d in allowing His Holy City to be brought back into the hands of His people. The 2 Spies are overcome with gratitude and a somber joy mixed with responsibility. Responsibility to be a good steward of this precious gift. The joy of seeing the wonder and good of this Golden City. The need to be found worthy to carry the mantle of one who is a watchman on the walls~ crying out day and night~ not giving G-d any rest until He makes Jerusalem a praise on the earth. The greatest gift is being here, at this time and season for the preparation of our Messiah's coming.

From Jerusalem, we wish you much joy!

(Enjoy this presentation by AISH)        The Heart of the Jewish People

Miriam Peretz ~ Mother of Fallen Soldiers

Today is Memorial Day. We want to share with you the testimony of our neighbor here in the village where we live who has lost two sons in the line of duty. We think you will be touched by her story, amazed by her strength and encouraged by her hope. We are....

Eliraz Peretz

He Died Defending Israel

Today in several countries around the world it is Mother's Day. In Israel, many mother's hearts are breaking rather than rejoicing. These mother's have lost sons and tonight begins  Yom HaZikaron~ Memorial Day. Tonight and tomorrow, the nation will stop to remember those who have fallen, who gave their lives to bring about our Nation. With every citizen called into service, there is virtually no family untouched by loss. A son, a husband, a brother. A grandfather, uncle, neighbor and friend. A sister, a teacher, the man at the grocery store. Almost everyone personally knows someone who has been taken.

We would like to share the story of one young man who represents the thousands who died defending Israel.
Yohan Zarbib ~ a lone soldier (here without family) from France who died August 12, 2006.

Prayers for Soldiers

Invoking God's protection for the members of the Israel Defense Forces.

Starting tomorrow night, Sunday May 8, Yom HaZikaron begins in Israel~ Memorial Day~ to remember all the fallen in Israel's military over all the years. On Monday night begins the Celebration of our Statehood. The 2 Spies find it very fitting that Israel remembers the great cost that was paid in human lives in order for us to have our Homeland. We dedicate today's blog post to the soldiers who are now serving in the IDF~ both active and reserve. Please remember to pray for the IDF as you pray for Israel.

Prayer for the Soldiers:

He Who blessed our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob -- may He bless the fighters of the Israel Defense Forces, who stand guard over our land and the cities of our God, from the border of the Lebanon to the desert of Egypt, and from the Great Sea unto the approach of the Aravah, on the land, in the air, and on the sea.

May the Almighty cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before them. May the Holy One, Blessed is He, preserve and rescue our fighters from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and may He send blessing and success in their every endeavor.

May He lead our enemies under our soldiers’ sway and may He grant them salvation and crown them with victory. And may there be fulfilled for them the verse: For it is the Lord your God, Who goes with you to battle your enemies for you to save you.

Now let us respond: Amen.

Perspective on Yom HaShoah

The Agenda was to completely destroy the House of Israel. In whatever measure, cause the Apple of G-d's eye to suffer untold misery and suffering on their way to the grave. As one of The 2 Spies expressed, this day has been difficult for him because of the depth of sadness involved. It was a day that was hard to enter into. Tonight, at lighting the Yitzchor Candle, the G-d of Heaven gave great comfort and revelation. It is important to remember this time. It is vital to not let loved ones be forgotten. To maybe even consider how would it have been for me as though I had personally been there. BUT....

It is even more important to remember the Almighty One and His Everlasting Arms that always sustain. Always in all times and all places to Remember not just the suffering and death BUT to Remember the One who never leaves us nor forsakes us. To look heavenward for comfort, hope and strength. To give praise that the Agenda did not succeed.  In looking to the L-rd of Heaven we find that there will be persecutions and suffering. It is in the destiny of those who are called according to G-d's great love and purpose. What is to be our preparation. What is to be our response. These are the lessons to be learned from the Holocaust for ourselves and future generations.

We say 'Never Again'. It is our battle cry. It is our deepest hope. It is our greatest fear. But if we will but open our eyes it is 'again'. There are many who are suffering and who have suffered in massive untold demonic ways. The angel of death sweeps the earth looking for food for it's soul. As for the Jewish destruction~ the groundwork is being laid day after day. Many of the same thoughts, opinions and creeds are held all over the world desiring the destruction of the House of Israel. The same apathy rules the hearts of the 'powers that be' who turn a blind eye and a deaf ear. The call to the Jewish people to come home to G-d's gift, Israel goes unheeded. The underlying hatred of the Jewish people is still fermenting in the hearts of many 'Christians'. The ripening of the fruit of the tree of destruction is coming ready for harvest.

And what shall our response be? Shall we cry 'Never Again' and remain blind and deaf? Or shall we turn our hearts and ears to the Voice of Heaven and learn from Him. There are many lessons from the Holocaust. Those who perished~ what would they tell us?  The greatest is to 'Never Again' be so blind or deaf or foolish as to rely on our own strength and but to be awake to the signs of the times and be prepared. To keep our eyes on our Maker and press into Him.

Yom HaShoah ~ Holocaust Remembrance Day ~

Tonight, Sunday May1, begins Israel's Yom HaShoah. Tonight and all day tomorrow there will be many programs of solemn remembrance of the people who died and those who are still living with the horrors of the Holocaust.

How do we remember?  How do we honor the names of those who died and make sure their life and death was not in vain? These are questions each person must answer for himself. To do nothing, to not mark the time in some fashion is like stepping across the line and joining those who deny this ever happened. The 2 Spies would ask all to not avoid this day because it is too painful and difficult to encounter. We who have no connection have the privileged of stepping into the world of our suffering brothers and sisters and for this one moment, help to make their burden a little lighter~to let them know they are not alone nor forgotten. For those who have personal suffering because of the Holocaust, please know that we stand with you waiting the full healing that can only come from heaven.

For those with children, we would caution you to make your observance sensitive to their age and ability to carry such a load. Below are some links that may help in your personal or family commemoration.

They Spoke Out:American Voices Against the Holocaust

Yad VaShem