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	<title>Light of Zion</title>
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	<link>https://lightofzion.org</link>
	<description>Igniting Israel and the Church</description>
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		<title>Holocaust Remembrance Day 2026 &#8211; Perspectives</title>
		<link>https://lightofzion.org/anti-semitism/holocaust-remembrance-day-2026-perspectives/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kerry Teplinsky]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 01:03:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Anti-Semitism]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lightofzion.org/?p=5468</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Holocaust Remembrance Day and a Personal Testimony  Eighty years after the liberation of Nazi concentration camps, we are confronting a resurgence of antisemitism which, alongside a political-social upheaval not terribly unlike that of today, led to the murder of 6 million Jews (and an estimated 10 million others). Despite refrains of &#8220;Never again,&#8221; could it happen again on our watch?  Living eyewitnesses and survivors of the Holocaust are fast diminishing in numbers. Their portentous voices must not be relegated to the dust bins of history. They clearly see and forsee what many others cannot or will not.  Recently, I needed to undergo cataract surgery in both my eyes. My sight had diminished to such an extent that even strong eyeglasses could not fully correct it. But because my vision loss was gradual over several years, I could not or did not notice any significant change. Then, one day, I found I could no longer read road signs on highways or streets. As a result, I did not know quite where I was, where I was going or what would take place just down the road. Everything around me looked foggy, and frightening so.  On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we remember that according to Scripture, cursing the Jewish people leads to a type of spiritual cataract. “Whoever touches you touches the apple of His [God’s] eye. I will surely raise My hand against them” (Zechariah 2:8-9). Those who harm the descendants of Jacob, whether through words or deeds, dare to poke a finger in the eye of the Almighty. As a result, they themselves suffer loss of vision.  Just as a cataract clouds the eye’s lens and blocks incoming light, the light of truth becomes imperceptible to those steeped in bitterness toward Israel or the Jews. Such individuals find themselves in a metaphoric fog, even if they identify as Christian believers. Before long, those given to theologies that lead to antisemitism may be unable to read &#8220;road signs&#8221; of the times. They can easily lose their way. Angst, bitterness, blame shifting and disdain or hate toward God’s covenant people may enshroud them in darkness. “If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness” (Matthew 6:22-23) They need a surgical fix from the Great Physician Himself. To be sure, none of us is without sin. None can claim perfectly clear spiritual vision. The Master cautioned us to get the wood plank out of our own eyes before admonishing others to get a speck of dust out of theirs (Matthew 7:3-5). Concerning the Jewish people, the Scriptures speak of a partial blindness that has come on Israel due to our leaders’ rejection of Yeshua (Romans 11:25). Nonetheless, Zechariah suggests a uniquely dangerous loss of sight (perception, knowledge and discernment) takes place when we curse Israel. For those who curse Israel are themselves cursed (Genesis 12:3).  As antisemitism escalates, and as you encounter anti-Israel lies and rants in virtual or real space, we bless you to stand firm and to prophetically voice God&#8217;s covenant love for the children [&#8230;]]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>ARISE, SHINE, FOR YOUR LIGHT HAS COME! (Isaiah 60:1) by Sandra Teplinsky</title>
		<link>https://lightofzion.org/general/arise-shine-for-your-light-has-come-isaiah-601-by-sandra-teplinsky/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kerry Teplinsky]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:17:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lightofzion.org/?p=5461</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Wholehearted greetings of blessed shalom as we reflect on a transformative 2025 this Hanukkah – Christmas season. Every year, the truths celebrated at each of these two holidays seems to take on greater personal relevance and importance. We re-discover with new depth and breadth how we must lean into the faithfulness of our miracle working God, as did the Maccabees of old. Those ancient warrior-priests model for us the love-driven courage God is imparting to overcome intensifying evils of these pivotal last days. The Maccabees inspire us to contend joyfully by grace for Israel’s salvation, revival in the Church, and spread of the Gospel. Alongside Hanukkah, Christmas reminds us of the unparalleled gift of Messiah’s birth (whenever it actually occurred) as the overcoming Light of the World. As we celebrate God through the holidays, our hearts are filled with thanksgiving for your partnership in the ministry. Despite wars, terrors, traumas and antisemitism, it has been a year of profound impact. We have seen God move powerfully in the land. This year-end letter offers a glimpse into what has been accomplished through your prayers, support, friendship&#8212;and God’s grace. We hope these highlights encourage and strengthen your faith as we press into 2026. First, a brief word about the Israel-Hamas War. As 2025 comes to a close, many ask whether or not Israel won its war with Hamas. In summary, the most accurate and honest answer at this time (December 8, 2025) is both yes, and no. To the extent that victory in war traditionally occurs when a nation surrenders to an enemy that has militarily overpowered it, Israel did not win the war. Hamas insists it will never surrender to Israel. Already, it is vigorously rebuilding military and ideological capacity to attack Jews around the world. Hamas boasts it won the war largely through media-driven lawfare, generating enough global hate for Israel and Jews that a Palestinian state is merely a matter of time. Israel did, however, achieve its stated objective of freeing the hostages &#8212; in exchange for the release of thousands of unrepentant, convicted jihadi prisoners who say they plan to keep trying to kill Jews. In addition, Israel has relinquished sovereign territory in the Negev to a foreign military presence, while acceding biblically stewarded land in Gaza (and possibly Judea and Samaria) to a future multi-national, Muslim influenced or dominant, governance. Israel continues battling prolonged psychological trauma. There is much internal strife over well-documented, ignored early warnings of the October 7, 2023 attack. At this writing, thousands of Israeli soldiers remain seriously wounded or maimed, suicides are on the uptick, and slightly more Jews have emigrated out from Israel to live in other nations since the war began, than have immigrated into Israel and made aliyah. Thankfully, the war exposed deep state realities and high-level sabotage within Israel. It also inspired a significant turning to God by many. It is much too early to fully evaluate the consequences of Israel’s war with Hamas, officially renamed the War of Redemption. But we pray the new name will prove prophetic of its ultimate outcome: Redemption. INTERCESSORY AND DIPLOMACY MINISTRY  This [&#8230;]]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>An Urgent Shofar Call: American Christian Antisemitism by Sandra Teplinsky</title>
		<link>https://lightofzion.org/anti-semitism/an-urgent-shofar-call-american-christian-antisemitism-by-sandra-teplinsky/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kerry Teplinsky]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:32:19 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Anti-Semitism]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lightofzion.org/?p=5447</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[“Be alert, stand firm in faith; be courageous; be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14) This is an article we’d hoped never to have to write. It is a “shofar call” for us to stand against dangerously mounting antisemitism (Jew hate) among Christians in America. If you are not American, we hope that you, too, hear the shofar call. The satanically driven spirit of antisemitism has most likely infected some or even much of the Church in your nation as well. The notion of Christian antisemitism should be an oxymoron but sadly, it is not. At this time, the little book of Obadiah is instructive to us all. The prophet speaks to Israel’s “brothers” who stand silently by while Jews are attacked, doing nothing to try to stop it: “On the day Jerusalem was destroyed you stood aloof from your brother Jacob. On the day that strangers took his forces captive and carried off his wealth … you were like one of them collaborating with the enemy &#8230; The judgment day of the Lord draws near on all nations. As you have done [or not done] it shall be done to you in retribution. Your evil dealings [of standing aloof] will return on your own head.” (Obadiah 1:11, 15, Amplified Bible) The Hebrew translated “stood aloof” in verse 11 could also be translated “stood by,” precisely as a bystander would do. The prophet&#8217;s message is clear: We cannot stand by and do nothing when God&#8217;s people, our &#8220;brothers,&#8221; are attacked. If we do, He sees us as complicit in the attack. Obadiah is echoed in the classic words of statesman Edmund Burke who famously said, &#8220;All it takes for evil to prosper is for good people to do nothing.&#8221; We write you today because we feel the grieving of God&#8217;s heart &#8212; not only for the sons and daughters of Jacob, but for His beloved Church to embrace His covenantal/kingdom purposes. For many years we have shared that antisemitism would engulf the nations, including much of the Church, as we head into the end times, with anti-Christian attacks soon following. We believe now is that time. (Just before sending this email we learned that New York City has fallen into Islamist hands. Hours ago, Zohran Mandami was elected mayor of that most important city in America. Mandami supports jihadi Islam, openly identifies as pro-Hamas and anti-Israel, and is an avowed Marxist. Around the world, jihadists are celebrating a major victory. Here in Israel, we anticipate a wave of aliyah by New York Jews.) HOW TO RESPOND? Regarding antisemitism, the main battle to which God has called us (the Teplinskys) is that of speaking truth to overcome deception in the Church. Your own battle may be in the Church, in your extended family, in a secular sphere of society, or all the above. In any case, we want to equip you as best we can to fulfill your calling. We want you to hear the Lord say, &#8220;Well done, good and faithful servant&#8230;Enter into the joy of your Master!&#8221; (Matthew 25:23) Here is a very [&#8230;]]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>The Hostage Release: A Step Toward Peace? by Sandra Teplinsky</title>
		<link>https://lightofzion.org/palestinian-conflict/the-hostage-release-a-step-toward-peace-by-sandra-teplinsky/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kerry Teplinsky]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 10 Oct 2025 10:30:48 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Israeli Society]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Palestinian Conflict]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lightofzion.org/?p=5425</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[An agreement has finally been reached for the release of our hostages as part of the peace proposal outlined by President Trump and supported by multiple nations. The news brought a surge of hope to our battle-weary nation today (October 9). But that hope is restrained. We are overwhelmingly thankful for the agreement&#8211;which covers only the first phase of Trump’s proposed pathway to peace. Later phases involve complex negotiations that could take years to resolve, if ever. And while some aspects of the plan seem nothing less than brilliant, others are quite problematic&#8211;particularly in view of Scripture. From our perch in Jerusalem, here are some preliminary pros and cons of the deal as it is currently being reported. Pros The return of our hostages. Opportunity for healing of Israel’s national trauma and domestic disputes. Decrease in the killing of Israeli soldiers and innocent civilians in Gaza. Short-term reduction in global castigation of Israel. Recovery and rebuilding in Gaza, with potential inroads for the Gospel to be shared. Cons Hamas has not committed to disarming or giving up governance in Gaza. This is a red line neither Israel not Hamas have been willing to cross. Israel must immediately cease most military operations and withdraw from major areas in Gaza. A consortium of nations will assume responsibility for Gaza achieving and keeping peace toward Israel. Nations and coalitions of nations have tried many times to keep Islamist groups from attacking Israel. They have always failed. Repeatedly, the terrorists have deceived, intimidated and threatened international peacekeeping or security forces into passive inaction, at best. At worst (and in each instance), international peacekeepers have collaborated with the terrorists. Qatar would play a major role in implementing and enforcing a peaceful transition in Gaza. Turkey would presumably play a lesser but still active role. That country has long maintained a policy of passive but vicious aggression toward Israel. Few Israelis see Turkey or Qatar as a trustworthy partner for peace. Over 1700 convicted Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails will be released. Some of the prisoners are top masterminds of heinous mass murders of Jews. They will reportedly be sent abroad, mostly to Turkey. Hamas leaders already openly boast that prisoners and other terror operatives exiled to Turkey (and elsewhere) will be able to plan and execute even more and worse terror attacks on Jews around the world. Hamas has broken every cease fire agreement it has negotiated with Israel, then found a way to blame Israel for doing so. When Israel has responded in defense, Hamas has ramped up its propaganda campaign against the Jewish state, fanning flames of anti-Semitism to ever greater levels. While Trump’s plan does not outright require a Palestinian state, it does commit Israel and the international community to pursuing a path toward Palestinian statehood. God, however, allotted Gaza to the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:47, Judges 1:18). Moreover, under traditional or customary international law, Gaza rightly belongs to Israel. Other considerations Some believers say the proposed plan should be dismissed because, in their view, it is inspired mainly or entirely by antichrist forces. Instead of entering into a false peace, [&#8230;]]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>YOM TERUAH &#8211; ROSH HASHANA 5786 / FEAST OF TRUMPETS &#8211; NEW YEAR  5786</title>
		<link>https://lightofzion.org/biblical-feasts/yom-teruah-rosh-hashana-5786-feast-of-trumpets-new-year-5786/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kerry Teplinsky]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2025 12:18:01 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Biblical Feasts & Holidays]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lightofzion.org/?p=5396</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Shalom Friends, Grace and peace to each of you at the start of this season of God&#8217;s appointed fall feasts. The feasts (moedim) of Yom Teruah (Trumpets), Yom Kippur (Atonement) and Sukkot (Tabernacles) are mandated in Leviticus 23:23-44. You can read more about them from our brief, introductory article here. Extra-biblical Jewish tradition recognizes Yom Teruah as the start of a new year, often linking the feast to the presumed birth date of the world. Honoring that tradition, we bless each of you from Zion with a happy and healthy new year. In 5786, may you be inscribed in heaven&#8217;s book of life through Yeshua in overflowing, infinite fullness. May you come to personally know His faithfulness, favor and fatherly goodness as never before. Meanwhile, what do we hear heaven&#8217;s shofar sounding at this year&#8217;s fall feasts? The Spirit and the Bride will say, &#8220;Come!&#8221; in what can best be described as a new dimension or dynamic. (Revelation 22:17) In 5786 the world will continue writhing and roiling in anticipation of its soon-coming redemption. But if you live surrendered to YHVH, you are in the world, not of it. Therefore, may you personally abide this year in the wraparound love and saturating shalom of your Bridegroom King. He will be there with you and for you. His kingdom is at hand; it is advancing and the gates of hell can not prevail against it. In the coming year, Israel and the ekklesia will stand shoulder to shoulder in divinely infused, warrior strength. Both will overcome and break through in battle as spiritual strongholds and kingdoms clash. Both will be victorious from God&#8217;s perspective (though not always the world&#8217;s) as we continue in surrendered faith and love in the power of Holy Spirit. Let&#8217;s lean into 5786 together, joyful in our part in fulfilling the Great Commission. (Matthew 28:18-20) Individuals, churches and nations will make destiny-determining decisions in 5786 concerning Israel and the Jewish people. Eventually, their choices could seal their alignments with God Himself. As we witnessed in the recent, tragic murder of Charlie Kirk, a young, prophetic voice to America, biblical values will be challenged this next year. In the process, be intentional about staying encouraged in the Lord. Yeshua said these things must come to pass. (Matthew 24:6) As they do, you are called to make history, standing firm in truth! Messiah told us, &#8220;Do not think that I have come to bring peace on the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword &#8230;&#8221; (Matthew 10:34, Amplified Bible) While the weapons of our warfare are spiritual, and our battle is not against flesh and blood, the battle does rage as evil contends against the advance of God&#8217;s kingdom. Remember that Jesus also said, &#8220;Peace I leave with you; My perfect peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you..Do not let your heart be troubled&#8230;Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.&#8221; (John 14:27, Amplified Bible) &#8220;I have overcome the world.&#8221; (John 16:33)]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>Sukkot&#8217;s Blessings in 5786/2025 &#8211; October 6–14, 2025</title>
		<link>https://lightofzion.org/biblical-feasts/sukkots-blessings-in-5786-2025-october-6-14-2025/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kerry Teplinsky]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2025 07:42:57 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Biblical Feasts & Holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Israeli Society]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lightofzion.org/?p=5419</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[“On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, the Lord’s Feast of Tabernacles begins and it lasts for seven days.” (Leviticus 23:34)  Be enriched and renewed with a Spirit-filled and joyful Sukkot! Here in Jerusalem, multitudes of Christians from the nations have come to worship and celebrate the Lord this Sukkot. We are happily welcoming groups from every inhabited continent. We&#8217;re witnessing a beautiful alignment of the ekklesia with Israel, and a growing &#8220;one new humanity&#8221; in Messiah (Ephesians 2:15)! MESSIANIC DEVOTIONS FOR SUKKOT 5786 We hope you&#8217;ll be blessed by these brief devotions for Sukkot 5786. We encourage you to read the Scriptures below and prayerfully meditate on each of the eight devotions, one for each day of this special feast.* Dwelling in a sukkah (Lev. 23:42) tangibly engages us with the reality of God’s sheltering and secure provision throughout our journey on earth. Meeting with Him at this appointed place and time renews loving trust in His never-ending goodness and grace.The sukkah is a gateway to intimacy with God. Sacrificial offerings (Lev. 23:36-38; Deut. 16:17; Num. 29:13-39) are an integral aspect of Sukkot. As New Covenant believers we offer our bodies as living sacrifices in worshipful service to God (Romans 12:1). Because Sukkot is the feast of final harvest, we also give a special offering from the many blessings we&#8217;ve received during the past season of growth. Sabbath rest (Lev. 23:35-36, 39) is given us as a gracious gift on the first and eighth days of the feast. On those days we put aside our usual busy-ness. We&#8217;re intentional about resting in His presence. Then the Lord of the Sabbath saturates our bodies, souls and spirits with His heavenly shalom. The adornment of creation (Lev. 23:40) is a biblically mandated component of Sukkot. God tells us to celebrate with choice fruits and beautiful branches from specified trees. Rabbis have interpreted this command to mean the sukkah is to be adorned with natural plantings reflective of the beauty of Creation. Also by tradition, an etrog and lulav are waved before God in a type of prophetic intercessory act. (An etrog is a fruit resembling a large lemon that grows year-round, while a lulav is a sampling of branches and leaves tied together.) Through this ritual we reconsecrate to the Creator all that He&#8217;s graciously stewarded to us: land, people, fruitfulness and more. Yeshua’s birth likely took place on or near Sukkot. Based on a compilation of Old and New Covenant Scriptures, we (and others) have already shared much about this in the past. Every Feast of Tabernacles, we praise and thank God for the One who “became flesh and tabernacled among us.” (John 1:14) Prophetic fulfillment (Zechariah 14:16-19) of Sukkot will occur at Yeshua’s return when He ushers in the Messianic age, fully converging the kingdom of heaven with earth. At that time all things will be marvelously restored. Our Bridegroom-King will rule and reign in holy love. We celebrate Sukkot as a foreshadow and deposit of that glorious day when He literally tabernacles among us. This Sukkot, &#8220;the Spirit and the bride say, &#8216;Come&#8217;!&#8221; (Revelation 22:17) Rejoicing before [&#8230;]]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>Starvation in Gaza: Fact versus Fiction</title>
		<link>https://lightofzion.org/general/starvation-in-gaza-fact-versus-fiction/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kerry Teplinsky]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 Aug 2025 13:37:04 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[General]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Israeli Society]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Palestinian Conflict]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lightofzion.org/?p=5364</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[Teach me Your way, O Lord, lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.&#8221; (Psalm 27:11-12) The world is abuzz with allegations about Israel creating a famine in Gaza. Photos of innocent children who look like they&#8217;re starving to death have gone viral on media venues from the New York Times, to TV stations around the globe, social media platforms, and even some legacy, evangelical Christian outlets. What is really happening in Gaza? To answer the question, and to provide you with content you can use to counter anti-Israel propaganda in your spheres of influence, I spent many hours searching for credible, first-hand reports by journalists, military experts, physicians and public officials. Finding objective, verifiable information was a challenge. Search engine algorithms are heavily biased, beyond all reason, in favor of Hamas. Online sources are saturated with undocumented, or falsely documented, fake news aimed at castigating Israel. But truth always emerges, eventually. I have written here, for your use, a brief FAQ summary of my findings. To keep this article to a readable length, the FAQ section is necessarily oversimplified and lacking in nuance. It is followed by a reprint of a well written, reader-friendly news article on the subject. Lastly, I have listed some additional key points, quotes and information sources verifying or documenting the content of this article. As you read, please keep in mind that I do not suggest Israel is free of any wrongdoing in the matter. I do most strongly suggest there is another, rarely heard but honest and objective, perspective on the so-called famine besides that which is commonly reported. FAQ SUMMARY: FIVE FAST FACTS (source documents follow) Is there crisis-level hunger or famine in Gaza? On August 10, PM Netanyahu announced in a press conference that there is no hunger in Gaza. Unequivocally, this was a misstatement. There is hunger in Israel; there is hunger in America; there is hunger around the world. And there is hunger in Gaza. For a relatively small part of the population, that hunger is at a crisis level. Unfortunately, there is inevitable hunger in any war zone. But there is no famine or widespread starvation in Gaza. Why is there some crisis-level hunger in Gaza? Hamas has intentionally engineered and weaponized hunger to create a situation in which it could gain global sympathy for a Palestinian state and blame Israel for the disaster. Food and other humanitarian aid sent to Gaza has been sufficient to feed the entire civilian population. However, Hamas hijacks nearly all the aid, brutally murdering Gazans and any others who resist them. Hamas feeds its own operatives and co-operatives well, then sells the rest of the aid in black markets. Those markets resell the aid at exorbitant prices few civilians can afford. The UN is officially in charge of distributing most of the food and other aid. Hamas, however, regularly attacks UN aid workers unless they cooperate with Hamas. Civilian gangs and mobs can also turn deathly violent in the [&#8230;]]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>Tisha b’Av 2025: Crossroads for Israel and the Church &#8211; by Sandra Teplinsky</title>
		<link>https://lightofzion.org/palestinian-conflict/tisha-bav-2025-crossroads-for-israel-and-the-church-by-sandra-teplinsky/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kerry Teplinsky]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:43:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Biblical Feasts & Holidays]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Israeli Society]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Palestinian Conflict]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lightofzion.org/?p=5354</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[The somber occasion of Tisha b&#8217;Av (&#8220;9th day of the month of Av&#8221;) takes place this Saturday-Sunday, August 2-3. Tisha b&#8217;Av brings to a close the annual three week period of Bein HaMetzarim (“Between the Straits”). It commemorates historical calamities that recurrently befell the Jewish people on the 9th day of the month of Av, with the destruction of Israel&#8217;s First and Second Temples being the most notorious. 1/ Background With so many tragedies taking place in Jewish history on day 9 of the fifth month of the year (see list below), can we realistically view those events as mere happenstance? Or is some supernatural pattern of time at work? According to the Talmud, it was on the 9th of Av that ten of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the Promised Land returned and claimed the land was unconquerable. Lacking faith in God&#8217;s word, our ancestors rebelled against Moses and YHVH Himself. As a result, God determined that Av 9 would remain a day of Jewish mourning through history (Talmud, Ta’anit 4:6, 29a). In 2025, Tisha b&#8217;Av is still commemorated with sorrow, fasting, reading the book of Lamentations&#8212;and revisiting hopes for rebuilding the Temple. The Talmud, along with other rabbinic writings, teaches the Second Temple was destroyed due to the pervasive existence of sinat chinam (“baseless hatred”). Besides cruel, interpersonal animosity among the Jewish people, there was heinous factionalism and viperous social discord within Israel. (More on the Talmud, and some cautions concerning it, a bit later in this article.) In recent years, more than a few Israeli commentators, leaders and rabbis have cautioned about the dangers of sinat chinam among us once again. Beginning with angry demonstrations in 2020 to protest covid-19 policies, anti-government protests by Israelis have metastasized into a vitriolic and furiously hate-filled, anti-Netanyahu movement peppered with street fights and assassination threats. Evidence has shown the movement is funded and fueled in large part by globalist, marxist and woke-like interests outside of Israel. Sadly, these same interests have influenced much of Israel&#8217;s mainstream and legacy media, including those in English. Formerly honest and trustworthy, conservative English platforms based in Israel have shifted to the left. So, much of what the world now reads from Israel is not necessarily accurate or truthful. There’s still more about Tisha b&#8217;Av and sinat chinam that neither the rabbis nor Israeli media express. The Talmud is correct in concluding that baseless hatred of Jews by Jews brought about the Second Temple&#8217;s destruction on Tisha b&#8217;Av. However, the Talmud is NOT correct in NOT stating that the specific baseless hatred was that of Jewish leaders against Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). Yeshua explains:  “As He [Yeshua] approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it and said, ‘If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one [&#8230;]]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>After the War: How to Pray Specifically for Israel and Iran by Sandra Teplinsky</title>
		<link>https://lightofzion.org/prayer-for-israel/after-the-war-how-to-pray-specifically-for-israel-and-iran-by-sandra-teplinsky/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kerry Teplinsky]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jun 2025 11:05:33 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Intercession]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[War with Iran]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lightofzion.org/?p=5343</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer…He shot His arrows and scattered the enemies…He rescued me from my powerful enemy…You armed me with strength for battle, You made my adversaries bow at my feet…Praise be to my Rock; exalted be God my Savior. He is the God who avenges me, who subdues nations under me…Therefore, I will praise You among the nations, O Lord!” (Psalm 18:2-49, NIV) Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and top officials have announced that all goals of the Israel-Iran War have been met. Testimonies abound of miracles in strategic and tactical planning, as well as in the execution of those plans. Otherwise unimaginable, brilliant military achievements were divinely inspired. Heaven even moved President Trump to deploy bunker busting bombs owned and operated only by the US. And while we deeply regret and mourn for the suffering of thousands of civilians, Israeli casualties have been far less than expected. Many Israeli leaders and lay people alike openly give Him the glory&#8212;and so do we! But the job isn’t quite done. Bombs and missiles did what they could. Complete victory, however, can only come with the fall of the Islamic Republic, its tyrannical regime and devilishly iron-fisted, Islamist rule. The key to full victory may lie in the hands of followers of Yeshua, the worldwide Church. As militaries cease fire, it’s time for Messiah’s warrior-bride to seize fire&#8212;Holy Spirit fire to fast and pray for Iran’s surrender to the goodness of God. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Here are 5 compelling issues into which we can now pray, along with specific prayer points and Scriptures. 1.The Ceasefire Background: Despite the results of the war, polls indicate there is significant disappointment among grassroots Israelis with the ceasefire. Some reliable sources say the nuclear threat has been pushed back by just 2-3 years. Possibly still equipped with stockpiles of enriched uranium (see below) Iran has formally withdrawn from IAEA supervision. So, in 2-3 years, barring an overthrow of the Islamist regime, we may have to face another war. 🙏 Praise and thank God for His astounding victory (Psalm 18)! If the ceasefire is pleasing to Him, may He bless and keep it securely in place. But if not, and if God views it as a type of “covenant of death” described in Isaiah 28:15-19, may the ceasefire, cease. If perhaps Israel and the US did not finish the job God wanted them to do, pray that circumstances unfold to justify completing the mission (2 Kings 13:14-19, Psalm 33:10-12, Matthew 6:10). Pray for a genuine covenant of life and peace to be established between Israel and Iran (Psalm 46:9, Jeremiah 49:38, Genesis 12:3). May God provide divine wisdom and strategy for Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump in dealing with Iran, especially with respect to the jihadi doctrine of hudna (false peacemaking). (Matthew 6:10, Proverbs 21:1, Psalms 5:9-12; 52:1-5; 120:1-7; 109:1-7, 26-27) 2. Enriched Uranium Background: Based on inconclusive [&#8230;]]]></description>
		
		
		
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		<title>Rebuilding Israel&#8217;s Temple: What Many Christians Do Not Know by Sandra Teplinsky</title>
		<link>https://lightofzion.org/israel-restoration/rebuilding-israels-temple-what-questions-should-you-ask-by-sandra-teplinsky/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Kerry Teplinsky]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 17 May 2025 15:10:36 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Israel's Restoration]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://lightofzion.org/?p=5234</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[As we begin the biblical new year (Exodus 12:2) this week, observant Jews around the world are reading Exodus 38:21 &#8211; 40:38. The passage constitutes this week&#8217;s traditionally set portion (parasha) of the annual Torah reading cycle. It describes final preparations that were to be made for Israel’s ancient tabernacle, before God&#8217;s glory came to fill it. The parasha also includes a specified reading from 1 Kings 7 and 8, highlighting the dedication of Israel&#8217;s First Temple. Given this week&#8217;s Scriptural focus on the temple, along with recent news on the topic, now is an appropriate time to look afresh at the prophetic rebuilding of Israel&#8217;s Holy Temple. We will consider some rarely discussed, but very key implications, from a biblical and Messianic perspective. Many Christians are deeply interested, even fascinated, with the rebuilding of Israel&#8217;s temple in Jerusalem. They see its future construction as a sign of Messiah’s soon return. They are excited about recent progress in the breeding of red heifers (cows), which are required under the Mosaic law for temple-related, ritual purification. It may surprise you to learn that most Israeli Messianic Jews do not share this excitement. We acknowledge that Scripture indicates a third temple will be built and become operational. While we cannot know at this time for certain how all related details will unfold, we do have some Bible-based concerns. Allow me to explain. Is the Third Temple the Future Fourth? Consider that whenever Scripture refers to a third temple, it is in connection with the anti-Christ. Nowhere in the Bible is there any clear indication that God will actually take pleasure in this particular temple. (Daniel 9:25-27; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4; Revelation 13:5-7) Sometimes, believers confuse the third temple with the glory temple described in Ezekiel chapters 40 – 47. But a careful reading shows they are different. First, Ezekiel&#8217;s temple has no association with the anti-Christ or with anti-Christian influence. Second, according to Bible scholars, the physical dimensions of the temple outlined in Ezekiel total approximately 1 square mile. Currently, the size of the entire Old (biblical) City of Jerusalem measures only about 1/3 of 1 square mile. This means the temple described in Ezekiel cannot possibly fit within the confines of Jerusalem, let alone the Temple Mount, where Scripture indicates it is to be built. A third consideration is that God’s glory returns in fullness to Israel in Ezekiel 43 &#8212; but not in passages referencing the temple built before Messiah returns. Given these particulars, the most likely interpretation of Ezekiel 40 &#8211; 47 is that the prophet describes a temple which exists in an era other than this present age. Many scholars believe it points to the glorious structure designed, erected and functioning during the Messianic Age. They see it as a fourth temple, distinct from the third. Christians usually call this future age the Millennium, the era during which Yeshua rules and reigns on earth, in Person, from Jerusalem, for &#8220;a thousand years.&#8221; (Revelation 20:4) One reason some believers confuse Israel&#8217;s third and fourth temples is that Ezekiel’s temple includes animal sacrifices. Bear in mind, however, these sacrifices [&#8230;]]]></description>
		
		
		
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