Bagels and Blessings

Renate Kaufmann 1999 Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:14:00 -0700

Renate grew up in Cologne, Germany. Hidden as a child, Renate survived the Holocaust. Renate shares her surprise when she learned that she was Jewish, the tragedy of her father's death and the faith that he taught her. This faith carried her through many tough times. Through Yeshua, Renate learned to forgive those that harmed her father. A poet, artist and former seamstress, Renate wrote about her experience during the Holocaust in her book, "Justify Us Through Your Life." She also published a book of her poems called "I Survived the Holocaust." She currently resides in Israel, although originally she was denied citizenship by the Israeli government because of her belief in Yeshua as Messiah. Her court case was handled by the Jerusalem Institute for Justice. Renate was granted permanent residency in Israel and has been there for several years. Pray for her and others who are frequently running to bomb shelters in the midst of the current war.

Nathan Wilbur Interview!

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:55:00 -0700

Nathan is the first-born son of Paul and Luanne Wilbur and is currently operating as the Director of Wilbur Ministries. After finishing two years of undergraduate work, a semester of Jewish studies at Christ for the Nations in Dallas, Texas, and graduating from the Jacksonville Police Academy, Nathan was hired to manage the ministry office and oversee the ministry travel schedule.

When ten years of service and travel as a part of the team had been completed, Nathan was ordained as a minister of the gospel with several leading pastor’s affirmation and participation. Today Nathan continues as the Director of the ministry which also includes oversight of the monthly streamed service called First Friday. Nathan also continues to travel and minister as a part of the Wilbur team, sharing preaching, ministry and administrative duties.

Nathan, along with his wife Malki and their eight-year-old son, Caleb currently live near Jacksonville, Florida.

Zamariah Jackson

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 4 Apr 2026 15:56:22 -0700

Zamariah Jackson, affectionately known as "Z," is a Jewish follower of Messiah Yeshua. She currently serves as Chair of the Living Free Women’s Conference. For quite some time, it has been Z’s heartfelt vision to host a powerful gathering for women across the Messianic and Christian spectrum—both Jew and Gentile alike. Her desire is to see women set free from every chain that holds them back, so they can walk boldly in the fullness of all that God has called them to be.

In addition, Zamariah serves as the Head Worship Leader at Congregation Ahavat Yeshua in Washington, DC, where she has faithfully ministered for 27 years.
A gifted recording artist, producer, and studio engineer, Z has joined forces with two other anointed Messianic worship leaders—Sue Samuel and Kerah Oliveira—to create a powerful new project. Together, as the the Sword & Song Collective, they have written and recorded a collection of anointed songs for their upcoming spiritual warfare album entitled Victory, set for release in 2026.

Josh and Sarah Rebelak

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 12:11:00 -0700

Josh and Sarah are husband and wife. In their words, "God created; thus, we as His creation create things in return. One of our favorite ways to worship is singing- an act of creation that requires body, mind, and soul to unite together in a beautiful display of devotion. Our heart is that the music will bring you closer to God's own heart, and that you leave more in tune with His Spirit, through the mighty power of our Savior, Yeshua." They are both part of the group The Nesbitts and are expecting their first child in September.

Laura and John Popp

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 12:06:00 -0700

Laura and John had similar backgrounds in that they both grew up in a Catholic family and were both attracted to Judaism after experiencing a Passover Seder. The couple met at a Greek and Hebrew Training Center and learned more about the feasts of Israel. They were both involved in the worship team there and the relationship grew. After marrying, they were drawn to Messianic Judaism.

John was a pastor for 20 years and although the couple started in California, they traveled to Idaho, where John hosted a radio show called “Proclaiming to Zion.” Recently, the Lord moved them to West Virginia while they wait for a documentary to be produced about their ministry and their thirty-six year marriage.

Rabbi Ron Goldberg Again!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0700

Rabbi Ron Goldberg was raised in a Jewish family in New York City. He began sneaking out to church during his senior year of High School. A friend then gave him the "forbidden" New Testament to read and he soon discovered that Yeshua (Jesus) really is the Jewish Messiah. "After coming to faith in Messiah Yeshua my parents thought about having a funeral for me," Ron stated. "Instead, they sent me to a rabbi for deprogramming and intensive counseling!"

His relationship with his parents was very difficult for several years but giving them grandchildren helped restore it. Rabbi Goldberg's wife, Vinu and he, are an inter-faith couple with 5 children.
Since 1989 he has served at Messianic Congregations and spoken at churches and Bible studies. "God has called me to raise my voice like a shofar (Isa. 58). I teach about Israel, the Messiah of Israel and the Feasts of Israel (God's Appointments with His children).

Faith Yesner Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 7 Mar 2026 12:07:00 -0800

Faith Yesner lives in the Philadelphia area and is on the worship team at her synagogue, Congregation Beth Yeshua. Faith recorded two albums and was a member of the musical group Kol Simcha for many years. Besides being a vocalist and an actress, Faith is a passionate equestrian, training in Dressage. She’s traded stage shows for horse shows!! The Lord truly does give us the desires of our hearts! Hold tight to your dreams and let Him know what YOUR heart’s desires may be!!

Lisa Hellermann Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 12:01:00 -0800

Lisa Hellermann grew up in a Jewish family. After completing college, she worked in Manhattan on her way to a successful future. At this time she started to have questions about God and the meaning of life. Her search for truth offered absolutely nothing.

One day commuting back from work on the Long Island Railroad, Lisa prayed to God and said, “God if you are real I want to see you,” Then she fell asleep on the train and had a very vivid dream of Jesus. She felt awake in this dream as if she were truly seeing Him and she was scared, yet curious. He drew her to Himself by His power as she saw Him from a distance. He then put His hands on top of hers and said, “don’t be afraid, it is Me and I’ll be with you always.” Lisa woke up changed, but not knowing what happened as she thought why would she see Jesus since she is Jewish and never thought of Him before. Since that visitation in response to her prayer, God placed people in her path to invite her to church, give her the Bible and get her into fellowship. Over time Lisa understood the gospel message of salvation and went on to tell the good news to her family who mostly came to know Yeshua as their Messiah. She is now an ordained minister and published prophetic words at lisahellermann.com

Susan Gibboney Returns!

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 18:06:00 -0800

Originally from Montreal Quebec Canada, Susan moved to California, when she was 18 years old. She was raised Catholic, and found Yeshua in 1974 at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa with Chuck Smith and Romaine and Greg Laurie. She became Messianic about 24 years ago through her church Shiloh Messianic Congregation in Crestline. In this interview, Susan shares how the Lord has helped her through the loss of her husband several months ago. The Lord has been her strength and joy and she shares the love of Yeshua everywhere she goes.

Lynn Jordan

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:59:00 -0800

Apostle LYNN JORDAN is the Founder/CEO of I AM FOUNDation.

She studied at the Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS) in New York as a NISHMA Fellow, attended Columbia University, N.Y.U., studied at a Bible Institute in NYC, teaches Scripture on various platforms, worked as a reporter on several publications and loves to worship.

Lynn is the author of The Year in Torah (Bible) Portions for Christians, Jews & Everyone Else!

Repeat- Jonathan Bernis Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 7 Feb 2026 12:27:00 -0800

NOTE: this is a repeat of the 2016 interview. I did with Rabbi Jonathan Bernis.

Rabbi Jonathan is the founding Rabbi of my home congregation, Congregation Shema Yisrael in Rochester, New York.

Jonathan has been a leader in the Messianic Jewish community for more than 30 years. He has authored numerous books and has planted communities all over the world. Rabbi Jonathan currently serves as the President and CEO of Jewish Voice Ministries International (JVMI).

Jonathan resides in the Los Angeles area with his wife, Elisangela, and their two daughters. He has a heart for Los Angeles and is excited to see Jewish and interfaith families thrive in the Heritage Community!

Dee Linden Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 31 Jan 2026 12:35:00 -0800

Dee grew up in a non- Jewish home and fell in love with the Jewish root of her faith and the Jewish people many years ago. She encountered the Lord many times, from being rescued from a harmful marriage, to being healed of cancer several times, and even when she had an out of body experience. She loves to share her joy of the Lord with anyone who will listen. I know you will enjoy this interview with a very sweet woman who loves the Lord!

Rabbi Jim Appel Returns Again!

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 13:41:00 -0800

Rabbi Jim has been a Jewish believer in Yeshua (Jesus) since 1977. He has served Congregation Shema Yisrael as Elder, Home Group Leader, Prayer Leader, Outreach Coordinator, Youth Group Leader, Special Events Coordinator and Head Usher. Rabbi Jim has been the full time Messianic Rabbi of Shema Yisrael since 1996.

Prior to entering full time ministry Rabbi Jim worked for Xerox Corporation in Webster, NY for 24 years as an Optical Engineer and Engineering Manager. He holds more than 45 patents in the areas of copier imaging systems and laser printing. Rabbi Jim received a Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering from the University of Rochester in 1967 and a Master's degree in Physics from the University of Southern California in 1970. He is ordained by the IAMCS (International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues). Jim and his wife Diane live in Brighton and they have two grown children.

Rabbi Jim's parents were atheists who taught him that God did not exist, and that organized religion deceived and oppressed people. He began his search for spiritual reality when he left his parents' home to go to college in 1963. His search took him into the world of mind-altering drugs and Yoga meditation. It ended with a dramatic encounter with the Messiah who revealed Himself to Jim in the privacy of his bedroom without the assistance of any other person.

Rabbi Jim has published four books on deep spiritual meaning of the Moadim, or Jewish Holidays, which can be purchased online at www.figtreegiftbooks.com. They are Yom Teruah (The Day of Sounding the Shofar), Yom Kippor (The Day of Atonement), Pesakh (Passover) and Firstfruits/Resurrection Day

Rabbi Jim has also been involved in several community efforts. He has served on the Leadership Team for the March for Jesus, the New York State Prayer Summit, the Day of Revolution, the Field of Miracles and as President of GRAE (Greater Rochester Association of Evangelicals).

Pastor Henry Wright

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 12:04:00 -0800

Henry W. Wright was the president and founder of Be in Health Global. He was exposed to the power of spiritual healing at an early age when his mother was miraculously cured of terminal cancer and a fatal tumor that was wrapped around her jugular vein. Wright was committed to the belief that human problems are fundamentally spiritual, with associated physical and psychological manifestations. With his pre-med background and insights into the medical as well as the spiritual aspects of disease, he brought a fresh perspective to the process of ministering to the sick.

He authored two books, A More Excellent Way and Exposing the Spiritual Roots of Disease. He also has presented seminars worldwide and across broad denominational lines for a number of years and was a frequent guest on many well-known television and radio programs. Wright was also the pastor of Hope of the Generations Church in Thomaston, Georgia.

Rabbi Eric Carlson Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 12:05:00 -0800

Rabbi Eric Carlson is founder and shepherd of Congregation Zion’s Sake, a Messianic Congregation, located in Newport News, Virginia. Eric is a native of Fairview, Pennsylvania and holds a bachelor of Theology degree. He attained the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy, retiring in August 2003 after 22 years of decorated service in the Submarine Force. Responding to God’s call, he founded Congregation Zion’s Sake in May 2000 and entered full time ministry upon retiring from Naval Service. Eric is married to the former Barbara Patterson of Altoona, Pennsylvania. Barb teaches Israeli and Messianic Worship Dance and leads the Congregation Zion’s Sake Dance Team.

Heather Walker is Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sun, 4 Jan 2026 14:20:00 -0800

Heather Walker lives in Northern California with her husband who pastors Harei Yeshua and First Baptist Church (FBC) of Paradise. Heather is mother to 6, (grandma) to 5.

Heather currently serves at FBC Paradise as Women’s Ministry leader, and office administrator. She loves to talk about textual criticism and apologetics and of course knitting.

The Walker family lost their home and all their possessions in the 2018 fires in Paradise California, but never lost their faith.

Beckah Shae is Back!!

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 12:28:00 -0800

Beckah credits her mother, who was raised in a Jewish family, as being a key influence in her spiritual development. In her early 20's she was at an all time low and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada and joined a cover band. While there she began to feel an empitness creeping in, she was searching for a home. She searched online for a church then attended the worship service there. Beckah says, "During the worship service, I was crying out to the Lord, 'Make a way out for me. I'm so sorry."

In 2010 she accumulated two consecutive Top 10 hits at CHR radio for "Here in This Moment" and "Life" and was featured as iTunes "Discovery Download" of the week. She also was nominated for a Dove Award in 2011 under the category of Urban Recorded Song of the Year for "Life." Together with her husband, producer, Jack Shocklee, they have produced over a dozen full length albums. They reside in Nashville with their three daughters Joy, Grace and Hope.

Return of Paul Liberman

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 12:02:00 -0800

Paul Liberman became a believer in the Messiah in 1971. He was instrumental in founding two Messianic Congregations: Beth Messiah Messianic Congregation in Washington, D.C.
and Tree of Life in San Diego, CA.

He also served as a congregational leader at Beit Asaph in Netanya, Israel, when he resided in the Land for nine years. There, he was the Executive Director of The Joseph Project, Ltd.
(humanitarian aid importer), and was elected Chairman of the Messianic Political Action Committee.

For five years, he served as the Executive Director of the International Messianic Alliance, was the publisher of “The Messianic Times” newspaper for six years, a founding board member of MAOZ, Inc. (Israel), former Executive Director of the Alliance for Israel Advocacy, and past President of the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA).

In September of 2023, He received a Lifetime Achievement award from the MJAA, and was recently elected President of the International Messianic Jewish Alliance, at their annual
meeting in October. His greatest achievements are still unchanged, the husband to one, the father of two and the leader of many, at Ohav Shalom Messianic Congregation, in Cathedral City, California.

Debbie Gertler Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:42:23 -0800

Yeshua was after Debbie for a very long time, but she just didn’t know it. Her brother’s changed behavior and suggestions put her on a path of researching about Yeshua and trying to understand her brother’s decision to become a believer. It took her a year and 1/2 to read and research the truth in the word. It was so loud and clear to her and she knew that she was on the right path based totally on the word of Adonai.

Becca Chefran Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 6 Dec 2025 13:52:00 -0800

Formerly with the musical group Kol Simcha, Becca traveled the world, ministering in Russia and Ukraine alongside Jewish Voice Ministries and later in Israel. Amidst her travels, she also completed her degree in Communications at Temple University.

Becca lived in Israel for 15 years where she was a vital part of the worship team at Tiferet Yeshua in Tel Aviv.

Now living in Tampa, Florida, with her husband Yosi and their two children, Noa and Eden, Becca has returned to her roots in a new way. She currently serves as the Worship Leader at Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue, a congregation led by her father.

Becca is the granddaughter of Austrian Holocaust survivors. She grew up in Philadelphia, where she attended Congregation Beth Yeshua. It was there, at the end of ninth grade, that she made a defining commitment in her heart to the Lord.

Formerly with the musical group Kol Simcha, Becca traveled the world, ministering in Russia and Ukraine alongside Jewish Voice Ministries and later in Israel. Amidst her travels, she also completed her degree in Communications at Temple University.

Becca lived in Israel for 15 years where she was a vital part of the worship team at Tiferet Yeshua in Tel Aviv.

Now living in Tampa, Florida, with her husband Yosi and their two children, Noa and Eden, Becca has returned to her roots in a new way. She currently serves as the Worship Leader at Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue, a congregation led by her father. She is currently working on a documentary called Stones of Witness which is a collection of stories about Messianic believers. Stay tuned for much more from this talented young lady!

Dave Wisotski Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 12:24:00 -0800

Here’s the story of a young man who found his Jewish Messiah.

Dave Wisotsky is a Jewish believer in Jesus who grew up in a Reform Jewish household in New Jersey. After encountering the Lord in 2023, he left a career in finance in NYC to become an evangelist.

Also enjoy music from Jonathan Settel, Ted Pearce, Beckah Shae, Paul Wilbur, Marty and Misha Goetz and John Waller.

Eric Tokajer Coffee Talk

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 12:18:00 -0800

Today's program was like sitting down with a good friend over a cup of coffee and talking about world events and God’s promises. It was wonderful to have Rabbi Eric on Bagels and Blessings again.

Rabbi Eric was raised in a traditional Jewish home.

While serving in the US Navy, Rabbi Eric was challenged by a believer in Yeshua to study the Scriptures until he found answers within them. While searching the Hebrew Scriptures, Rabbi Eric found belief in Yeshua as the promised Messiah of Israel which brought answers to all of the questions he had. It is now over 33 years ago.

Since then Rabbi Eric studied to become an ordained Rabbi in the IAMCS (International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues). He has served as a Rabbi in Mobile, Alabama. He also helped to establish five synagogues across the Gulf Coast in Slidell, Louisiana; Bayou La Batre, Alabama; Spanish Fort, Alabama; Navarre, Florida, and Brit Ahm Messianic Synagogue in Pensacola, Florida, where he serves as Rabbi today. Rabbi Eric has been married for 44 years to his wife Pammy.

Rabbi Eric is also the author of many books, including:

Simple Shabbat Siddur: Guide to a Restful, Peace-filled, Traditional Shabbat, But... The Power of One Word, God Has No Plan B: With Over 45 Other Lessons and15 Ways Ministry is killing Ministry.

Ava Batts and Elizabeth Appel

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 13:20:00 -0800

Ava Batts was raised in a gentile home and in later years discovered the Jewish roots of her faith. That's when she fell in love with the Jewish Messiah Yeshua! Ava runs the Fig Tree Book Store at our congregation and is very involved in outreach to the homeless, to women's shelters and is often on the streets of Rochester sharing the good news of Yeshua!

Elizabeth Appel has been part of the Messianic movement since she was 11 years old. She has worked for Congregation Shema Yisrael since 2011, starting in the Fig Tree Bookstore and moving into her current position a few years later. Elizabeth believes that God still heals, and that all of God’s promises are still relevant for today. Elizabeth is divorced, and is looking forward to what God has in store for her for the rest of her life.

relevant for today. Elizabeth is divorced, and is looking forward to what God has in store for her for the rest of her life.

Shiloh Ben Hod

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 8 Nov 2025 12:14:00 -0800

I’ve waited a few years to interview this talented young man and finally got to do a phone interview with him last month. He is an anointed worship leader from Israel and his band Solu produces fabulous Messianic worship.

Shilo Ben Hod is a native Jewish Israeli born in Jerusalem, and raised in a Messianic family.

Shilo grew up in the Israeli culture, and later on at age 18 he was enlisted into the army, where he served for 3 years. During his service, at age 19 Shilo got married to his then 18 year old wife, Sarah. After finishing his service, Shilo and Sarah started traveling the world ministering in worship and prayer and teaching about Israel.

Shilo is part of the Fellowship Of Artists – an Israeli worship label with a vision to support and produce worship music for Israelis and the whole world!

Shilo and his band Solu lead worship regulary in national and international events, and teach about worship and prayer, in different places across Israel and the nations.

Chris Katulka Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Ethel Chadwick) — Sat, 1 Nov 2025 13:03:00 -0700

Chris leads Friends of Israel (FOI)’s ministry in the United States and Canada. After graduating from the Institute of Jewish Studies, he received his B.S. in Bible from Cairn University (formerly Philadelphia Biblical University) and a Master’s of Theology in Old Testament studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. Chris serves as host and teacher of The Friends of Israel Today radio program, contributes an editorial to their bi-monthly publication, Israel My Glory, and teaches at conferences and churches throughout the United States.