“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalm 91:1

When crisis strikes, it is often too late to prepare. This truth resonates deeply as we reflect on the challenges faced in Israel’s Golan Heights and in communities worldwide reeling from natural disasters (wildfires and hurricanes) and antisemitic attacks.

But what does it mean to dwell in God’s shelter today? How can we prepare spiritually and physically for the storms of life?

The Shelter in Kibbutz Shamir: Faith in Action

Nestled in the western slopes of the Golan Heights, the ancient region of Bashan, Kibbutz Shamir is a testament to resilience. Known for its breathtaking views of Mount Hermon and the Hula Valley, this idyllic location belies the ever-present threat of attack.

In September, Hezbollah launched 30 rockets at Kibbutz Shamir, highlighting the urgent need for physical shelters. Barry Siegal, our partner on the ground with Vision for...

By Arlene Bridges Samuels

Two glorious celebrations converge on December 25, 2024: Christmas Day and the first day of Hanukkah. Also called the Festival of Lights or Feast of Dedication, Hanukkah lasts eight days. The first candle is lit at sundown on December 25. Although it is a time of gift-giving in the Jewish community, its significance is spiritually splendid. 

The Feast of Dedication marks two compelling events. First, an unexpected military victory when the brave Maccabees, beginning in 164 B.C., reclaimed their desecrated Second Temple from the Syrian dictator. Secondly, the Maccabees discovered one small cruse of Temple oil that proved to last eight days—far beyond its normal capacity—while a batch of specialized olive oil was made by Temple priests for the candelabrum. These miracles transpired 165 years before Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) birth. 

We will return to Jesus’ profound words as He walked in Soloman’s Portico during the...

In this edition of A Glorious Future, learn about Guta Goldstein’s remarkable story of resilience through song during the Holocaust, explore how Israel and U.S. forces are working to secure the region, and delve into the meaning of “Arrow of Bashan” as it ties Israel’s biblical heritage to its modern defense strategies. Plus, don’t miss our meaningful Christmas gift ideas and a heartfelt message from Bethlehem. 

When Our Yearning for Food Became Unbearable, We Sang  

Singing Up the Past shares the incredible story of Guta Goldstein, a 93-year-old Holocaust survivor, who found solace and strength in songs during her time in the Łódź ghetto and concentration camps. These melodies, preserved in her memory for over 75 years, offer a profound glimpse into the resilience of the human spirit.

Watch the trailer and listen to Guta’s unforgettable songs  

 Netanyahu: Syria buffer zone troops temporary 

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Deployment "until a force that is committed to the 1974 agreement can be established and security on our border can be guaranteed," PM's office says. 

Israeli troops positioned inside the buffer zone along the Syrian border are there as a temporary measure to prevent terrorists from committing an Oct. 7-style attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

“The collapse of the Syrian regime created a vacuum on Israel’s border and in the buffer zone established by the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement,” his office stated.

“Israel will not permit jihadi groups to fill that vacuum and threaten Israeli communities on the Golan Heights with October 7-style attacks. That is why Israeli forces entered the buffer zone and took control of strategic sites near Israel’s border,” the statement continued.

“This deployment is temporary until a force that is committed to the 1974 agreement can...

Music can be a lifeline—a source of hope, connection, and emotional nourishment. This is the story of Guta Goldstein, a 94-year-old Polish-Australian Holocaust survivor, whose journey of resilience and song is featured in Singing Up the Past, a short film showcased at the Jewish International Film Festival in Sydney and Melbourne.

Goldstein’s childhood was marked by the unimaginable. Between the ages of nine and fourteen, she endured internment in ghettos and concentration camps during the Holocaust. Amid the deprivation and fear, music became her solace—a way to cling to her humanity when everything else was stripped away.

At 93 years old, Guta Goldstein embodies the indomitable spirit of survival, memory, and the sustaining power of music. Her story, beautifully captured in the short film Singing Up the Past, offers a profound narrative of resilience during one of history's darkest times.

Born in Łódź, Poland, Guta faced unimaginable hardships during her...

This week, the Middle East witnessed unprecedented military action as both Israeli and U.S. forces conducted targeted campaigns in Syria to neutralize key threats. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the success of Operation Arrow of Bashan, a massive air campaign that dismantled most of Syria’s strategic weapons arsenal. Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted dozens of precision airstrikes to eliminate ISIS camps and operatives in central Syria.

The IDF operation, spanning over 350 airstrikes, targeted anti-aircraft systems, missile launchers, and naval assets across key locations, including Damascus, Latakia, and Tartus. The scale of the strikes has drawn comparisons to Israel’s actions during the Six-Day War. Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed Israel’s resolve, stating:
“The IDF has acted in recent days to attack and destroy strategic capabilities that threaten the State of Israel. Whoever follows in Assad's footsteps will end up like...

When Israel launched its largest air campaign since the Yom Kippur War, the operation was given a name steeped in historical and biblical significance: Arrow of Bashan. But what does this name mean, and why was it chosen?

The Biblical Roots of Bashan

Bashan was a fertile and prosperous region east of the Jordan River, often associated with strength and abundance. Its rich pastures, mighty oak trees, and strong bulls made it a symbol of power and prosperity. The region features prominently in the Bible as the land conquered by Moses and the Israelites under God's command (Deuteronomy 3:1-5), where King Og of Bashan—a giant and formidable adversary—was defeated. This victory served as a testament to God’s provision and Israel’s resilience.

Bashan also appears metaphorically in Scripture, often representing opposition to God’s people. For example, Psalm 22:12 speaks of "the bulls of Bashan" as a vivid image of powerful enemies encircling David.

In biblical...

In this edition of A Glorious Future, explore the fascinating meaning behind “Arrow of Bashan,” the name of Israel’s most extensive air campaign since 1973, and how it reflects the nation’s enduring legacy. We also delve into the decisive strikes by Israel and U.S. forces in Syria, the glimmer of hope in ongoing hostage negotiations, and the pressing call to address workplace discrimination against Jewish Americans. Plus, don’t miss our 12 Days of Christmas gifts and an inspiring message from Bethlehem this season.

Do You Know What "Arrow of Bashan" Means?

What does Arrow of Bashan mean, and why did Israel name its largest air campaign since 1973 after this biblical reference? Dive into the significance behind the name and discover how it ties Israel’s modern military efforts to its ancient legacy of strength, victory, and divine protection.

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 Arrow of Bashan: IDF and U.S. Forces Strike Decisive Blows in Syria 

This week,...

In this edition of A Glorious Future, we explore the heart-wrenching journey of hostage families still awaiting answers and the quiet courage of Christians in Bethlehem enduring persecution during Christmas. You’ll also uncover startling truths about workplace discrimination against Jewish Americans and reflect on how the collapse of the Assad regime ties into Biblical prophecy. As Modern-Day Esthers, we are called to understand, act, and pray. Read on to be informed and inspired. 

The Story of Hostage Negotiations and a Fallen Hero 

Imagine the unbearable pain of not knowing where your loved one is—or if they are even alive. That’s the reality for the families of more than 100 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. Yet, amidst this anguish, there is a glimmer of hope. Negotiations have resumed.

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Discrimination Against Jewish Americans in the Workplace  

A recent study by the Anti-Defamation League highlights troubling...