Can a Hoodie Change the World?

What if your clothing could spark a conversation, stand against hate, and support the Jewish people?

This episode dives into our newest project: Jewish Road Gear. It’s more than shirts and hoodies - it’s a way to wear your voice, stand for truth, and be a blessing to Israel.

We unpack the inspiration behind our designs, the messages they carry, and how each purchase makes an impact in Israel today.

As anti-Semitism rises and misinformation spreads, we’re inviting you to stand up, speak out, and make a difference.

Each piece of gear tells a story - whether it’s about knowing your roots or declaring that the Jewish people are still chosen.

Learn how wearing this gear connects you to a larger mission and why now is the time to act.

• Be a Voice: Wearing Jewish Road Gear is a way to stand against anti-Semitism and for truth.
• Know Your Roots: A reminder that the Christian faith is deeply rooted in Jewish heritage.
• Still Chosen: A declaration that God’s promises to Israel remain true today.
• Every Purchase Helps: Proceeds go directly to supporting Israel’s people and ministries.

• 0:00 – Introduction: The power of fashion to tell a story.
• 3:15 – The Humor Break: A return to the Catskills for some Jewish humor.
• 8:00 – Why Jewish Road Gear?: The heart behind the project and the messages we’re sharing.
• 15:30 – Know Your Roots: The design reminding Christians of their faith’s Jewish foundation.
• 23:45 – Still Chosen: Proclaiming God’s faithfulness to the Jewish people.
• 32:00 – How Proceeds Help: Direct impact on Israel’s people and ministries.
• 37:30 – Call to Action: Stand, pray, and be a voice with every piece of gear.
• 42:00 – Closing Thoughts: Shalu shalom Yerushalayim - pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Find Jewish Road Gear at thejewishroad.com/gear. Every item is a step toward standing with Israel and making a tangible difference.

Why are Jewish Israelis hesitant about Christians? Why do most of us barely scratch the surface of what Israel truly represents?

In this episode, two Israeli voices shatter misconceptions, unpack a war-ravaged economy, and share the untold struggles - and hopes - of their homeland. It’s raw. It’s honest. It’s an invitation to rethink everything you thought you knew.

Two Israeli guests, Moshe and Sasha, join Matt and Ron Davis for a riveting conversation about the complexities of Israel, its people, and their relationship with Christians. This episode goes beyond the headlines to explore the deeply personal impact of war, the evolving relationship between Jews and Christians, and the unique cultural treasures of Israel, from biblical jewelry to the hope for peace.

0:00 - Welcome and Introductions

• Hosts Matt and Ron introduce Moshe and Sasha, Israeli guests with unique perspectives.
• Overview of the discussion: war, faith, and bridging cultural divides.

2:45 - Moshe’s Journey: From Software to Tour Guide

• Moshe shares his shift from tech to guiding Christian tours in Israel.
• The challenge: teaching Bible-savvy Christians new insights about their faith through Israel’s geography.

9:30 - Sasha’s Awakening: Discovering Her Jewish and Christian Connections

• Sasha recounts her journey from Russian-born ignorance of her Jewish roots to embracing Israel as her homeland.
• Surprising discovery: Christians don’t hate Jews - they love them and Israel.

16:20 - The Fifth Gospel: Why Israel Brings the Bible to Life

• Moshe explains how visiting biblical sites transforms how Christians read Scripture.
• Quote: “Israel is the Fifth Gospel - it makes everything come alive.”

21:05 - War’s Ripple Effects: Trauma and Resilience

• Sasha and Moshe describe the toll of ongoing war on Israelis.
• Struggles with relocation, school changes for kids, and the economic impact on tourism.

29:10 - Misunderstood Alliances: Arabs in Israel

• Exploring the nuanced relationship between Jews and Arab Israelis.
• Despite tensions, many Arabs and Jews share resilience and mutual struggles in times of crisis.

35:50 - Christian Love for Israel: A Surprising Comfort

• Sasha reflects on the warmth and support from Christian communities abroad.
• Contrasts between divisive global narratives and personal Christian friendships.

42:15 - Treasures of the Land: Jewelry and Biblical Inspiration

• Sasha’s unique handmade jewelry line incorporates flowers and symbols from Israel’s sacred places.
• A blend of artistry and biblical meaning - bringing the land of Israel into people’s lives.

48:30 - Hope and Theopolitics: Israel’s Unfinished Story

• Moshe shares his views on Israel’s future, the global dynamics of the Middle East, and the divine undertones in the battle for the land.
• Challenges and opportunities for peace in a “theopolitical” conflict.

56:00 - Closing Words and Support for Israel

• The hosts encourage listeners to support Israel through prayer, financial contributions, and cultural engagement.
• Visit BeautifulIsraelStore.com to explore Sasha’s jewelry and support Israeli artisans.

Visit BeautifulIsraelStore.com to bring a piece of Israel’s beauty and history into your life. Every purchase helps rebuild lives and sustain hope in the land where biblical stories unfolded - and continue today.

“Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim - Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” Keep the people of Israel in your prayers and hearts.

Picture a church united in purpose, voices raised in prayer for the peace of Jerusalem, a congregation standing in solidarity with Israel and its people.

In this episode, Matt and Ron Davis welcome longtime friend Pastor Jeremy Mercer, who has led his church to cultivate a deep love and active support for Israel. Together, they explore what it means to stand with the Jewish people in a way that honors God’s heart.

Jeremy shares how his personal journey and commitment to biblical teachings have fueled his church's passion for supporting Israel. Through stories of friendship and faith, the three discuss the transformative impact of aligning the church with God’s promises for His chosen people.

This episode offers believers practical steps and scriptural insights, showing how the church can move from awareness to action in blessing Israel, especially during trying times.

• Faith in Action: Pastor Jeremy emphasizes how his church’s love for Israel goes beyond words, actively supporting and praying for the Jewish people.
• Scriptural Foundation: The importance of understanding scripture in context, seeing the connection between Old and New Testaments, and grasping the Jewish roots of the faith.
• Genuine Connection: Through long-lasting friendships and community support, Pastor Jeremy illustrates the power of relationships in ministry.
• Responding to Current Events: Reflecting on the significance of supporting Israel during turbulent times, especially following recent events in Israel.
• Teaching Contextually: The need for pastors to preach boldly on Israel's role in God’s plan, countering replacement theology and embracing the full narrative of scripture.

• "Without the Jewish story, we miss the full picture of God’s love story for His people."
• "Our role as the church is not political but biblical when it comes to standing with Israel."
• "Supporting Israel is more than a stance; it’s a journey of faithfulness to God’s promises."

• 0:10 - 4:30: Introduction: Reconnecting with Pastor Jeremy and His Journey to Ministry
• 4:30 - 9:15: Faith and Friendship: Growing Up with Israel in Their Hearts
• 9:15 - 13:50: Biblical Foundations: How Scripture Informs Our Stand with Israel
• 13:50 - 18:30: Ministry Focus: Connection Church’s Commitment to Israel
• 18:30 - 23:00: Responding to Current Events: Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem
• 23:00 - 28:30: Humility in Ministry: How Pastors Can Seek Support and Wisdom
• 28:30 - 33:20: Supporting Israel Practically: Tips for Churches and Individuals

Episode 113: "Don't Sit This One Out: Stand Like Esther with Your Vote"

With division on every front, some believers are stepping back, declaring "Jesus 2024: Our Only Hope." While it's a powerful reminder to keep our eyes on Him, it’s simply not enough to watch from the sidelines. Our faith calls us to be active, engaged, and responsible in our world - not passive spectators. This episode dives into why Christians must participate in the democratic process, even when it feels intimidating or divisive.

Drawing from the story of Esther, Ron and Matt discuss how God’s sovereignty doesn’t relieve us from action; it calls us to it. Esther didn’t sit back and “let go and let God” - she stepped up, even at personal risk, because the fate of her people depended on it. Today, as believers, we’re called to step up in our own way, and voting is one of those ways. The conversation covers not only the importance of this responsibility but also how our choices impact issues that matter deeply to God’s heart, including Israel and the direction of our nation.

Don’t sit this one out. Listen in to be inspired, challenged, and encouraged to show up, speak up, and cast your vote.

• Faith in Action: How God’s sovereignty works through our responsibility.
• The Power of Participation: Why neglecting our right to vote diminishes our influence in a divided world.
• Standing with Israel: Understanding Israel’s central role in God’s plan and why it matters to the global Church.
• Lessons from Esther: Courage in the face of fear and the willingness to risk for the greater good.

• 00:00 – Introduction: Why Every Vote Counts
• 02:13 – Division in America and the Christian Response
• 03:05 – Surprising Stats: 90 Million Christians, 40 Million Don’t Vote
• 05:27 – God's Sovereignty and Our Responsibility
• 07:48 – The Story of Esther: Partnering with God
• 10:11 – Esther's Moment of Courage: “If I perish, I perish”
• 12:33 – Why Israel Matters: A Lens for Understanding Today’s World

It’s a time of uncertainty, a time when the world seems increasingly divided, and the future is unpredictable.

For the Jewish people, the feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) is a reminder of God's faithfulness in the wilderness. But how do we hold on to that ancient promise in the chaos of today’s world, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in Israel?

This episode of The Jewish Road Podcast is about the deeper significance of Sukkot, the existential battle facing Israel, and how believers can respond in solidarity and prayer.

1. Sukkot as a Reminder: Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) is a reminder of God’s provision and faithfulness to the Israelites during their wilderness journey, symbolizing hope and trust in God’s presence.
2. Current Events and Biblical Prophecy: The conflict in Israel today is not just another battle; it aligns with biblical prophecies and sets the stage for future events described in Scripture.
3. Global Antisemitism: The rise of antisemitism worldwide, particularly following the October 7th attacks, mirrors historical patterns, but on a global scale, showing a spiritual battle against God’s people.
4. The Christian Response: Christians are called to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and stand with Israel, advocating against anti-Israel sentiment and offering tangible support.
5. God’s Promise of the Kingdom: Sukkot also points forward to a time when God will establish His kingdom on earth, dwelling among His people and bringing peace. This hope anchors believers amidst the chaos.

1. [00:00 - 03:00] - Introduction and Context: Overview of the current season and the significance of Sukkot for the Jewish community.
2. [03:01 - 08:00] - Sukkot in the Bible: Discussion on the biblical origins of Sukkot and its meaning as a reminder of God’s faithfulness in the wilderness.
3. [08:01 - 13:00] - The Modern Battle: Analysis of the October 7th attacks, the global rise of antisemitism, and Israel’s ongoing fight for survival.
4. [13:01 - 17:00] - Connecting Past and Present: How Sukkot ties into the future kingdom and the fulfillment of God’s promises amidst the current global unrest.
5. [17:01 - 23:41] - Christian Response and Call to Action: Encouragement for Christians to stand with Israel, pray for peace, and participate in being a light in dark times.

What if you waited your entire life, followed rituals painstakingly, prayed for atonement, but never really knew if you had been forgiven by God?

This is the reality for many in the Jewish community during Yom Kippur.

In this episode of The Jewish Road Podcast, we explore the Day of Atonement, looking into its significance for both Jews and Christians. We unpack the biblical roots of Yom Kippur, discuss its modern observance, and ask the critical question: if Jesus is the ultimate High Priest and the final atonement, what does that mean for us today?

1. Yom Kippur in Jewish Tradition: Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in Judaism, where Jewish people seek to make things right with God, often unsure of whether their efforts are enough.
2. Jesus as the Fulfillment of Atonement: The temple sacrifices and the role of the High Priest in Jewish history were shadows of what Jesus would ultimately fulfill as the final atonement for sin.
3. The Significance of the Scarlet Thread: For 40 years before the destruction of the Second Temple, the scarlet thread on the Yom Kippur scapegoat stopped turning white, symbolizing that the sacrifices were no longer accepted - coinciding with the death and resurrection of Jesus.
4. Jewish Rituals and the Messiah: Jewish traditions and practices, like the two goats on Yom Kippur, symbolically point to Jesus, who became both the sacrifice and the scapegoat for humanity's sins.
5. The Growing Openness in Israel: Amid military tension, young Israeli soldiers are increasingly looking toward God, with many becoming open to the idea of Jesus as the Messiah.

• 00:10 – Introduction: Yom Kippur, the High Holy Days, and Israel's current state
• 03:00 – The Meaning of Yom Kippur and Jewish Rituals: A Time to Make Things Right
• 05:00 – Leviticus 16: The Scriptural Basis for the Day of Atonement
• 09:00 – Tale of Two Goats: The Sacrificial and Scapegoat Symbols
• 12:30 – The Scarlet Thread and Its Prophetic Significance
• 17:00 – The Shift in the Covenant: Jesus as the Final High Priest
• 21:30 – The Talmud and the Mysterious Change 40 Years Before the Temple’s Fall
• 26:00 – Hebrews: Jesus’ Role as the Ultimate High Priest and Fulfillment of the Atonement
• 29:00 – Israel Today: Spiritual Awakening and Openness to Jesus
• 31:26 – Closing Remarks: Praying for the Peace of Jerusalem

Summary

How do you reconcile being both Arab and Israeli in a land of deep divisions?

For Robert "Ruby" Bishai, this tension is not only part of his personal journey but also the heartbeat of his ministry. Ruby, an Arab Israeli believer in Yeshua, has found a profound calling to serve both the Jewish and Arab people of Israel. Growing up in a Jewish town as an Arab Christian gave him a unique perspective on the challenges and beauty of these two cultures colliding.

Today, Ruby is a bridge between these worlds, striving to foster unity and bring the hope of Messiah to those who seem divided by history.

Through Fields of Wheat, the ministry Ruby serves with, he mentors young believers and supports soldiers during times of war - often being a living testimony of love across cultural boundaries. His passion stems from a deep sense of destiny, recognizing that God has called him to stand in the gap between Arabs and Jews, seeing the promise of Isaiah 19:24,25 come to life.

Ruby’s story is one of identity, reconciliation, and the unshakable hope that peace and salvation will come to both Arab and Jewish people.

Takeaways

• Living as an Arab Israeli in Israel comes with its challenges, but Ruby Beshai embraces his unique identity and serves both the Arab and Jewish communities.
• Fields of Wheat is a ministry in Israel that focuses on developing the youth and young adult believers and fostering unity between Jewish and Arab believers.
• Ruby Beshai has had the opportunity to supply soldiers with equipment during times of war and has also shared the gospel with them, seeing an openness among the Jewish people.
• Despite the conflicts and tensions in the Middle East, there is hope for peace and the salvation of both the Jewish and Arab people.

Chapters

Summary

Imagine discovering that one of the most influential figures in Biblical history may have been misunderstood for centuries. That’s the compelling problem Ryan Lambert tackles in his book, The Weird Apostle. As a Messianic Jew, Lambert challenges the traditional portrayal of the Apostle Paul, urging us to see Paul not as a renegade who sought to break away from Judaism, but as a devoted Jew who remained faithful to the Torah.

In our latest episode of The Jewish Road Podcast, Lambert shares his deep passion for building bridges between Christians and Jews, shining a new light on Paul's mission and his message.

Lambert argues that by understanding Paul within his Jewish context, we can undo centuries of replacement theology that has strained Christian-Jewish relations. He points out that Paul never intended to create a new religion but sought instead to unite Jews and Gentiles under the worship of the one true God. And far from being a distant theologian, Paul was a real man writing letters to real communities, with a sense of urgency about the return of the Messiah.

Lambert’s insights invite us to reconsider Paul’s legacy and the rich, shared history between Jews and Christians, opening the door to greater unity and understanding in our faith journeys.

Takeaways

• Understanding Paul in his Jewish context can challenge the traditional narrative and improve relationships between Jews and Christians.
• Paul was a faithful Jew who upheld the Torah and did not seek to replace Judaism with Christianity.
• The Jewishness of Jesus is widely recognized, but the Jewishness of Paul is often overlooked.
• Reframing Paul's role as a bridge between Judaism and Christianity can help foster dialogue and understanding. Paul believed that the end was near and expected the Messiah's return in his lifetime.
• Paul's letters were intended for real communities and not as theological texts for future generations.
• Replacement theology has created division between Christians and Jews and goes against Paul's message.
• Paul's message was intended to join Jews and non-Jews together under the worship of the one true God.

Chapters