Tiferet Yeshua regularly hosts special holiday events for Russian-speaking Holocaust survivors in the greater Tel Aviv area. Three times a year—at Passover, the Feast of Trumpets and Hanukkah—our very own Moti Cohen rolls up his sleeves and cooks almost 100 bountiful meals, including specialty Russian dishes, for these precious people who always show up with smiles and enthusiasm. In addition to the amazing food, we organize a concert of holiday songs and share a short message from the Word.

 

 

This year, Hanukkah fell on New Year’s Eve – the most important secular holiday celebrated in Russia which focuses on family and light. For the second year in a row it was my privilege to share a short encouraging message about the light of the world, Messiah Yeshua.

The creation of light is the first recorded words of God, and Yeshua testified that He is the Light of the world. During this time of year when the days are shorter and when “spiritual” darkness is increasing in the world, it can be easy to focus on the presence of darkness around us. Light, however, has a unique power: darkness can never overcome light, but even a small amount of light pushes back the darkness.

We are called to shine our lights before others (Matt. 5:16), and if Yeshua is the Light of the world, then we are to be like Him: humble servants of all. These Holocaust survivors holiday events are an amazing opportunity for us to do just that. Our team of volunteers spreads through the hall serving our important guests and taking time to chat with them, to give them attention and get to know them better. It was clear to us all that God’s love and light were in the room.

Seeing the smiling faces of people who lived through some of the darkest times in Jewish history, hearing their words of gratitude as they held our hands, and noticing the twinkle in their eyes as they received our love was a tangible demonstration of the power of God’s love and light to transform and give life. These Holocaust survivors are living examples that with God’s grace people can overcome great suffering and sorrow and live a life of faith and hope. Please join us in prayer for all the precious survivors who are receiving the witness of the Light of the world, Yeshua, and that they would open their hearts to Him!

When you support Tiferet Yeshua, you are helping us shine the light of God’s love to precious Holocaust Survivors here in Israel!

 

Immediately following Passover, after rejoicing in God’s deliverance of our people and celebrating His mercy and miracles, we enter a very somber season. First, we mark Holocaust Remembrance Day, and, a week later, Memorial Day which then culminates in Israel’s Independence Day celebrations only 24 hours later – making us all feel a little bit like being on an emotional roller-coaster.

These “ups and downs” are extremely difficult to explain to someone who has never experienced them in such proximity.  Yet for Israelis it is a part of life, as even on the saddest days we draw strength from stories of bravery and resilience, acknowledging the fact that no matter what troubles we have encountered along the way, we are still here… still strong… and are not going anywhere.

When I do, however, attempt to explain how we can endure this rollercoaster every year, Psalm 30 immediately comes to mind.

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.

-Psalm 30:4-5

Since October 7, Israelis have been struggling with continuous loss, worry for hostages and soldiers, and darkness intertwined with the joys of life – not only national holidays, but also family celebrations of birthdays, newborns, weddings, and the general appreciation of being alive.

From the first verse of Psalm 30 until the last, these moments of rising and falling are intertwined with continuous thanksgiving and praise to our Lord – the one who lifts us up when we cry out, the one who heals us, the one whose anger is for a moment yet whose favor is for life, the one who hides His face but then turns towards us and transforms our mourning into dancing and gladness.

Most Israelis have what I believe is a God-given belief that we will rise up stronger than before – how else could we survive living in this country “pressed on every side”?

It is interesting that already in October right after the attacks, one of the top internet searches in Israel was “Tehillim” – Psalms. Religious or secular, willingly or not-so-willingly, Jews are connected to this land and to our God, the God of Israel, and, as a result, we tend to seek Him in times of trouble.

I believe this is exactly the reason why Paul states with such confidence in Romans 11:26 that “all Israel will be saved.” As Israeli believers we pray this verse daily over our nation, and we invite you to do the same as part of God’s olive tree.

One day, God will wipe away every tear, and sorrow will be no more – this hope is lifting us up during our present struggles, and it is our prayer that this hope will encourage and lift you up in any sorrows or loss you may be enduring.

by Katy Sorsher Smith