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What would it take to reopen a 2,000-year-old water system that's sat behind a line since Oslo? That's the question behind the final episode of our Border series. Fifteen minutes south of Jerusalem, in the town of Efrat, a group gathers that doesn't come together often: a Member of Knesset, IDF officers, a rabbi, the mayor, a filmmaker - pulled together in under 48 hours to walk into Solomon's Pools. Together, we trace the pools back to the Book of Ruth, stand where an Iranian missile struck just over a mile away, and hear how a mapping decision during Oslo quietly put a biblical landmark out of reach.  The conversation moves from Bethlehem's disappearing Christian community to a restoration vision that could open this site back up - and to a Member of Knesset's case for why it matters now. Beyond the border in Syria. Along the border in Gaza. Within the border, here in Efrat. This is the one that goes inside. Key TakeawaysWhy Solomon's Pools have sat inaccessible since the Oslo Accords.How the pools connect to the Book of Ruth and Solomon's own vision for the Temple.What happened a mile from this site during the April 2024 Iranian missile attack.The mapping decision that put a biblical landmark on the wrong side of a line.Why Bethlehem's Christian community is disappearing under PA rule.What a real restoration of the site would take - and what it would cost.A sitting Member of Knesset's case for sovereignty in Judea and Samaria.Chapter Markers 00:00 – The group gathers in Efrat 04:26 – Walking in: the Book of Ruth and Solomon's vision 10:56 – Inside Ohad Tal's home, the Iranian missile strike 14:58 – The Oslo mapping mistake 17:43 – Bethlehem's vanishing Christians 22:54 – Meet Lt. Col. Maurice Hirst 25:06 – Why the site is neglected - and dangerous 32:00 – The restoration vision and the budget 38:40 – MK Ohad Tal's case for sovereignty 42:32 – Closing reflection: "God Shall Be One" Visit thejewishroad.com to watch the rest of the Borderlines series and more episodes filmed throughout Israel that uncover the Jewish context of Scripture and the land. If you've ever wanted to walk this ground yourself, learn more about upcoming Jewish Road tours to Israel and experience these places firsthand with teaching that connects the geography, history, and message of God's Word.

Why would Jesus curse a fig tree for not bearing fruit out of season? It's one of the most puzzling moments in the Gospels - until you understand the Jewish context.  Filmed from the Mount of Olives overlooking Jerusalem, we explore the prophetic significance of the fig tree, the meaning of Bethphage, and why Mark intentionally places the cleansing of the Temple between two scenes involving the tree. Together, these events reveal a powerful message about authentic faith. The leafy fig tree becomes a symbol of religious appearance without spiritual substance, while Jesus' actions in the Temple expose a system full of activity but lacking the fruit God desired. This episode will change the way you read one of Jesus' most misunderstood miracles and challenge every believer to ask: Are we bearing fruit, or simply growing leaves? Key TakeawaysWhy Jesus cursed the fig tree even though it wasn't fig season.The prophetic symbolism of fig trees throughout Scripture.Why Bethphage means "House of the Early Fig."How Mark sandwiches the Temple cleansing between the fig tree stories.The connection between Genesis, Hosea, Jeremiah, and Jesus' actions.Why God looks for fruit instead of religious appearances.How this passage challenges believers today.Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome from the Mount of Olives 02:15 – Looking across Jerusalem and the Temple Mount 05:30 – Jesus leaves Bethany hungry 08:30 – Why the fig tree had leaves but no fruit 13:00 – The meaning of early figs (pag) 17:30 – Jesus cleanses the Temple 22:45 – The literary "fig tree sandwich" in Mark 11 28:30 – Bethphage: The House of the Early Fig 33:45 – What spiritual fruit looks like today 38:00 – Walking Israel changes how we read Scripture Visit thejewishroad.com to watch more episodes exploring the Jewish context of Scripture and discover how the land of Israel brings the Bible to life.  If you've ever wanted to walk where Jesus walked, learn more about upcoming Jewish Road tours to Israel and experience these biblical places firsthand with teaching that connects the geography, history, and message of God's Word.

Most people know October 7th from news reports. But on the ground - at the Nova Music Festival, in kibbutzim, in bomb shelters 15 seconds from danger - the reality is far more personal and complicated.  We walked these sites with Mati, a kibbutz agricultural worker who has lived here since 1978 and witnessed October 7th from inside his home. Mati shares what it was like to be in the toilet when the alarm sounded, to receive a call that terrorists were shooting at Palestinian workers in his fields, to slowly understand - through Facebook posts and calls to friends - that something unprecedented was happening.  But beneath the immediate violence lies a deeper wound: an intelligence notebook found at Kibbutz Mefarsim revealing that Hamas had meticulously mapped every detail - where the doctor lived, the security chief's phone number, which gates had which locks, where the generators were.  That intelligence came from a trusted Palestinian worker who had lived on the kibbutz for 30 years. A man Mati knew well. A man Mati can no longer speak to.  The episode explores the layers of this betrayal and asks the question that haunts many: how do you rebuild trust after this? Key Takeaways: October 7th wasn't just a military attack; it was an intelligence operation built on detailed knowledge of kibbutz layouts, security, and daily patternsThat knowledge came from people trusted for decades - Palestinian workers embedded in communities, given humanitarian aid, treated as friendsThe Nova Music Festival massacre killed 260+ people in one location; survivors describe running in circles, not knowing where to escapeLife on the border is lived in 15-second intervals - the time between a rocket siren and needing to reach a bomb shelterNormalcy persists even amid constant danger; people exercise, children play, life goes on until the sirens soundMatan Abrigal, a Golani Brigade soldier, threw himself on a grenade to save his friends, sacrificing himselfThe wound of October 7th isn't just death; it's the violation of trust by people who were treated as part of the communityEvil and good exist simultaneously; people struggle to comprehend how the same individuals they helped could betray them so completely Chapter Markers: 00:00—Intro & context; 02:23—Golani Brigade's fight at kibbutz; 06:00—Matan Abrigal and the grenade; 09:00—Normalcy amid danger (sirens, life continuing); 14:00—The Nova Music Festival site; 26:00—The bomb shelter and Hirsch Goldberg Polen; 32:00—Mati's story begins; 40:00—October 7th from inside: the phone call; 52:00—Understanding the scope; 60:00—The intelligence notebook and betrayal; 70:00—Confronting the question of trust You cannot understand October 7th from a distance. Headlines report deaths; ground-level witnesses reveal the betrayals, the logistics, the impossible choices, the shattering of assumptions about human nature and coexistence. Visit thejewishroad.com to learn more, and schedule a tour through the Holy Land with us at thejewishroad.com/israel.

Headlines tell you there's a war on Israel's borders. But they don't explain why it matters, who's fighting, or how 50 years of history shapes today.  Ilan Schulman - kibbutznik, IDF paratrooper, intelligence officer, and PhD scholar of Syrian cities - walks us through the real complexity.  Syria isn't one nation but ~200 tribes loyal to different interests.  Understanding jihadists requires reading the Quran, not just analyzing weapons.  The Ottomans' 500-year control of this region echoes in today's geopolitics.  Iran builds power through schools and hospitals, not just missiles.  And the 1973 Yom Kippur War - which nearly destroyed Israel - reshaped military philosophy that still drives strategy today. Key Takeaways: Syria = 200 tribes, not one unified nationUnderstand enemies by reading their holy texts (Quran, Hadith, Sirah)Ottoman history (500 years) still shapes regional power dynamicsYom Kippur War (1973): Israel learned strategic depth doesn't exist on populated landIsrael shifted from "Does enemy want to attack?" to "What can enemy do?"Iran's expansion relies on infrastructure control (schools, hospitals, fuel, banking) more than weaponsTribal loyalty > national identity; sectarian divisions > bordersContext, history, and ground-level truth matter more than headlines Chapter Markers: 00:00—Intro; 02:23—Ottoman history; 05:25—Islamic theology & jihadist motivation; 10:26—Eli Cohen legacy; 11:06—Intelligence failures; 16:19—Analyzing enemies by capability, not intention; 17:46—Yom Kippur War (1973); 24:36—Weapon confiscation mission; 35:00—Syrian tribal reality; 40:28—Why understanding requires ground truth Why This Matters: You cannot understand Middle Eastern conflicts from headlines. Real understanding requires knowing the history, religion, tribal structures, and the perspectives of people actually living these conflicts. That's what this episode provides. Subscribe to the Jewish Road Podcast. Visit thejewishroad.com for transcripts, resources, and tours (October 2026 departure available). Share with someone who wants the real story behind the headlines.

What did Jesus mean when He said, "Let's go to the other side"? In this episode, filmed at the ancient Decapolis city of Susita overlooking the Sea of Galilee, we uncover the deeper significance behind one of Jesus' most familiar journeys.  What appears to be a simple boat ride becomes a powerful picture of God's mission reaching beyond Israel into the Gentile world. Walking through Mark chapters 4 through 8, we revisit the healing of the Gerasene demoniac, the calming of the storm, and the feeding of both the 5,000 and the 4,000.  Together, these events reveal a remarkable pattern: Jesus wasn't only revealing His identity as Israel's Messiah - He was preparing the nations to receive Him. This episode offers fresh insight into familiar passages and demonstrates how geography, Jewish culture, and biblical symbolism deepen our understanding of the Gospel. Key Takeaways "The other side" represented crossing into Gentile territory. The Gerasene demoniac became the first missionary to the Decapolis. The feeding of the 5,000 and 4,000 highlight God's provision for both Jews and Gentiles. The numbers twelve and seven carry powerful biblical symbolism. Jesus' authority extends over nature, demons, sickness, and death. Opposition often accompanies God's mission. The Gospel has always been intended for all nations. Chapter Markers  00:00 – Welcome to Susita overlooking the Sea of Galilee 02:00 – Why "the other side" mattered in Jesus' day 05:00 – The Gerasene demoniac and the Decapolis 11:00 – Why Jesus told one man to stay and tell everyone 16:00 – Feeding the 5,000 and the symbolism of twelve baskets 22:00 – Feeding the 4,000 and the meaning of seven baskets 28:00 – The storm on the Sea of Galilee and spiritual opposition 34:00 – Why Jesus intentionally crossed cultural boundaries 38:00 – Our challenge: Will we go to the other side? Visit https://thejewishroad.com to discover more biblical teaching filmed on location throughout Israel, helping you explore the Jewish context of Scripture and deepen your understanding of Jesus' life and ministry.

What do you do when your homeland is under attack and you're thousands of miles away? In this powerful episode, Dr. Adi Vaxman recounts the unforgettable hours of October 7 and the overwhelming helplessness she experienced as family members entered combat, friends fought for their lives, and Israel faced one of the darkest days in its history. Rather than remaining paralyzed, Adi turned heartbreak into action by founding Operation Israel.  What began with purchasing protective gear for soldiers has grown into an organization that has raised more than $11 million to fund medical equipment, drone defense technology, trauma recovery programs, and innovative battlefield solutions that are now influencing the IDF itself. This conversation is a compelling reminder that while we can't all be on the front lines, every one of us has the opportunity - and responsibility - to do something. Key Takeaways October 7 transformed helplessness into purposeful action. Operation Israel has raised more than $11 million for life-saving initiatives. Innovation from the battlefield is helping reshape IDF operations. Trauma care is as essential as military equipment. Jewish identity carries both responsibility and resilience. Standing with Israel requires action, not just sympathy. Every person has the ability to make a meaningful difference. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome back to The Jewish Road Podcast 02:00 – Experiencing October 7 from New Jersey 08:00 – The first hours and the feeling of helplessness 13:00 – Buying protective equipment for Israeli soldiers 18:00 – The birth of Operation Israel 22:00 – Innovation, technology, and saving lives 28:00 – Jewish identity and generational purpose 35:00 – Antisemitism in America and refusing to be silent 41:00 – Israel, Iran, and the future ahead 45:00 – How listeners can get involved with Operation Israel Visit https://thejewishroad.com for more conversations exploring Israel, biblical faith, and the stories shaping our world today. To learn more about Operation Israel, support innovative defense initiatives, trauma recovery programs, and life-saving equipment for Israeli soldiers and first responders, visit: https://operationisrael.org You can also invite Dr. Adi Vaxman to speak, explore current projects, and partner with Operation Israel as they continue equipping those on the front lines with practical hope and tangible support.

What if one of Israel’s most significant biblical sites remains largely unknown to modern visitors? In this episode, Ryan Levin introduces listeners to Efrat and Solomon’s Pools, a remarkable Second Temple-era water system that supplied Jerusalem with fresh water for centuries.  Located in the biblical heartland of Judea, these pools tell a story that connects archaeology, Scripture, and modern Israel. Ryan explains the historical significance of the site, the challenges of preserving it, and why restoring access to Solomon’s Pools could create an entirely new pilgrimage experience for visitors seeking to walk in the footsteps of the Bible. This conversation is a fascinating exploration of heritage, identity, and the importance of preserving biblical history for future generations. Key Takeaways Efrat sits in the biblical heartland of Judea near Bethlehem and Jerusalem Solomon’s Pools are the largest man-made ancient water reservoirs in Israel The pools supplied fresh water to Jerusalem and the Temple for centuries Water played both practical and spiritual roles in Jewish life and worship Archaeological preservation is essential for protecting biblical heritage The modern restoration effort seeks to make the site accessible to visitors Biblical places continue to tell an important story today Chapter Markers 00:00 – Introduction and meeting at NRB 02:00 – What is Efrat and why does it matter? 05:00 – The biblical significance of Judea and Bethlehem 08:00 – Discovering Solomon’s Pools 12:00 – Why access to the pools has been difficult 16:00 – Water, Jerusalem, and the Temple connection 20:00 – Biblical history and modern preservation efforts 24:00 – The challenge of protecting heritage sites 28:00 – Vision for restoration and future tourism 32:00 – Why Christians should care about biblical Judea 35:00 – Final invitation to visit and support the project Visit https://thejewishroad.com for more conversations exploring Israel, biblical history, and the places where Scripture comes alive. To learn more about Efrat and the restoration of Solomon’s Pools, visit: https://kerenefrat.org/ You can explore current preservation projects, learn about the history of biblical Judea, and support efforts to restore one of Israel’s most important ancient heritage sites for future generations.

What does it mean to stand with Israel when the world seems to be turning against her? In this episode, Aaron Evans shares how October 7th became a turning point that moved him from passive support to active involvement with Friends of the IDF.  As antisemitism surged around the world, Aaron felt compelled to use his voice and resources to support Israel and its defenders. The conversation explores biblical foundations for supporting Israel, the challenges facing younger generations, and the growing influence of misinformation on social media. Most importantly, it shines a light on the men and women of the IDF - the people carrying the weight of defending Israel while balancing family, work, and the emotional toll of war. Key Takeaways October 7th awakened many Christians to the reality of antisemitism Biblical literacy is essential for understanding Israel's significance Young people are increasingly shaped by social media rather than Scripture The IDF is made up of ordinary people protecting their families and nation PTSD and emotional trauma are major challenges facing soldiers today Friends of the IDF provides practical and emotional support where it's needed most Supporting Israel requires more than agreement - it requires action Chapter Markers  00:00 – Introduction and Aaron's background 03:00 – Growing up with a biblical understanding of Israel 06:00 – October 7th and the decision to get involved 10:00 – Antisemitism and the influence of social media 13:00 – Why truth matters in a culture of misinformation 16:00 – Discovering Friends of the IDF 20:00 – Visiting Israel and meeting soldiers firsthand 23:00 – Why Christians should stand with Israel 26:00 – PTSD, trauma, and the hidden cost of war 29:00 – How Friends of the IDF supports soldiers and families 31:00 – Final challenge and invitation to get involved Visit https://thejewishroad.com for more conversations exploring Israel, faith, and the Jewish roots of Christianity. To learn more about Friends of the IDF and support Israel's soldiers and their families, visit: https://fidf.org You can donate, find a chapter near you, participate in educational events, or join an upcoming mission to Israel. Your support helps provide counseling, family assistance, educational opportunities, and critical resources for the men and women serving in the Israel Defense Forces.

What does biblical stewardship actually look like in today’s financial world? In this episode, Evan Liberman shares his journey from California to Israel, why he believes investing is a biblical responsibility, and how Wise Money Israel helps believers think differently about wealth, stewardship, and the future. The conversation explores everything from the Parable of the Talents to diversification, inflation, Israel’s economy, and the unique role Israel plays in both biblical prophecy and global innovation. Whether you’re an experienced investor or simply trying to steward resources wisely, this episode offers a compelling perspective on faith and finance. Key Takeaways Biblical stewardship includes intentional financial management The Parable of the Talents speaks to responsibility and multiplication Diversification is both a practical and biblical principle Israel’s economy has shown remarkable resilience and growth Innovation and technology continue to drive Israeli markets Faith should influence financial decisions, not remain separate from them Stewardship is ultimately about legacy and long-term vision Chapter Markers 00:00 – Introduction and reconnecting after 20 years 03:00 – Why Evan moved his family back to Israel 07:00 – The biblical foundation for investing and stewardship 12:00 – Understanding diversification and global markets 17:00 – Why Israel’s economy stands out 22:00 – Investing through a biblical values framework 27:00 – Israel’s stock market and economic resilience 32:00 – Fear, greed, and long-term investing 37:00 – Innovation, technology, and Israel’s future 42:00 – How Wise Money Israel helps investors 43:30 – Final thoughts and next steps Visit https://thejewishroad.com for more conversations exploring Israel, Scripture, and the Jewish roots of faith. To learn more about Evan Liberman and Wise Money Israel, visit: https://wisemoneyisrael.com You can explore biblical investing resources, schedule a free consultation, and learn how Wise Money Israel helps believers align stewardship, diversification, and long-term financial planning with their values.

Can Christians and Jewish people rebuild trust after centuries of division? In this thoughtful and deeply personal conversation, Jeff Futers and Laura Delagarde from First Century Foundations share how prayer, relationship, and authentic friendship are opening new doors between Christians and Jewish communities. From supporting believers in Israel to helping Christians rediscover the Jewish roots of their faith, their ministry focuses on connection rather than performance. This episode explores Israel, reconciliation, prayer, and the growing sense that something significant is happening between Christians and the Jewish people in this moment. Key Takeaways Authentic relationship matters more than performative support Prayer for Israel should be intentional and informed Many Jewish people are increasingly open to Christian friendship Christians must overcome centuries of harmful history with humility The Jewish roots of faith deepen Christian understanding of Scripture Hospitality and shared experiences build trust October 7th accelerated relational openness between communities Chapter Markers  00:00 – Introduction and First Century Foundations 04:00 – Prayer, Israel, and ministry origins 08:00 – Laura’s journey into Jewish studies and Israel 12:00 – Why Christians often misunderstand Jewish believers in Yeshua 16:00 – Building trust with Jewish communities 21:00 – The changing relationship after October 7th 26:00 – Overcoming suspicion and historical wounds 31:00 – Shabbat dinners and authentic friendship 36:00 – Miraculous Victories of Israel documentary series 41:00 – A message to the Church 45:00 – Final reflections and prayer for Jerusalem Visit https://thejewishroad.com for more conversations exploring Israel, prayer, reconciliation, and the Jewish roots of faith. To learn more about First Century Foundations, support their ministry work in Israel, and explore their teaching and documentary projects, visit: https://firstcenturyfoundations.com YouTube: First Century Foundations You can also explore their documentary series Miraculous Victories of Israel, highlighting God’s faithfulness throughout Israel’s modern history.

What happens after tragedy strikes? In this powerful episode, Marnix van Ede shares the story behind ZAKA, Israel’s volunteer emergency response organization known for handling some of the most difficult scenes imaginable.  From terror attacks to natural disasters, ZAKA volunteers step into chaos to save lives and honor the dead. Marnix also reflects on his own journey - from growing up in the Netherlands to encountering God in Israel and eventually serving alongside Jewish volunteers after October 7th. This conversation offers a deeply human look at Israel, trauma, resilience, and the sacred responsibility of caring for people even in their final moments. Key Takeaways ZAKA exists to save lives and honor the dignity of the dead October 7th created unprecedented trauma for volunteers Jewish tradition places immense value on every human life Israel consistently sends aid teams worldwide during disasters Trauma recovery and resilience are now essential parts of ZAKA’s mission The media narrative about Israel often ignores its humanitarian work Christians can play a meaningful role by coming, witnessing, and standing alongside Israel Chapter Markers  00:00 – Introduction and what ZAKA means 03:00 – Marnix’s journey from the Netherlands to Israel 07:00 – Discovering faith in the land of Israel 11:00 – The mission and philosophy behind ZAKA 15:00 – Caring for victims after October 7th 20:00 – Trauma, PTSD, and the resilience unit 24:00 – Responding to disasters around the world 28:00 – Israel’s humanitarian heart 32:00 – Media narratives versus reality 36:00 – A message to the Church 40:00 – Final reflections and encouragement Visit https://thejewishroad.com for more conversations exploring Israel, faith, and the deeper stories behind today’s headlines. To learn more about ZAKA and support their emergency response and humanitarian work worldwide, visit: https://zakaworld.org https://zaka.org.il You can also follow their ongoing efforts helping victims of terror attacks, disasters, and humanitarian crises around the world.

Why does the Temple Mount still matter? In this powerful conversation, Rabbi Yehuda Glick shares his lifelong mission to restore the Temple Mount as a place of prayer, worship, and unity for all nations.  Drawing from Scripture, history, and personal experience, he explains why Zion is more than a location - it’s a calling. Rabbi Glick also opens up about surviving an assassination attempt because of his advocacy for Jewish prayer rights on the mountain, and why he believes courage and clarity are needed now more than ever. This episode explores Jerusalem, kingdom theology, biblical values, and the deeper spiritual significance of Zion in today’s world. Key Takeaways Zion and Jerusalem carry distinct biblical meanings The Temple Mount is meant to be a house of prayer for all nations Jewish prayer rights on the mountain remain highly contested The restoration of Israel is connected to kingdom purpose Biblical values like family, Shabbat, and care for widows matter deeply Harmony does not erase uniqueness—it brings it into alignment The nations have a role to play in God’s vision for Jerusalem Chapter Markers 00:00 – Introduction and Rabbi Glick’s background 03:00 – Zion versus Jerusalem explained 06:00 – Turning the Temple Mount into a house of prayer 10:00 – Opposition, courage, and surviving assassination 15:00 – The legacy of 1967 and Moshe Dayan’s decision 20:00 – Ezekiel, kingdom, and future vision 25:00 – Harmony, nations, and God’s kingdom 30:00 – Biblical values and caring for widows and orphans 34:00 – The Church, Israel, and eternal covenant 39:00 – Final challenge and invitation to the mountain Visit https://thejewishroad.com for more conversations exploring Israel, Zion, Scripture, and the Jewish roots of faith. To learn more about Rabbi Yehuda Glick and opportunities to visit and pray on the Temple Mount, visit: https://shalomjerusalem.org To support Amitsim and their work serving widows and orphans in Israel, visit: https://amitsim.com Listening is a beginning. Prayer, presence, and action are the next steps.

What happens when someone decides a legacy is too important to let fade? In this episode, David Peters shares the story behind Ten Boom Coffee and how Corrie ten Boom’s life deeply shaped his family.  What began as a vision for a coffee shop in Jerusalem became something much bigger: a mission centered on remembrance, reconciliation, and standing with the Jewish people. Through stories of the Holocaust, faith under pressure, and the healing power of hospitality, this conversation explores how ordinary things - like coffee and conversation - can carry extraordinary meaning. It’s a powerful reminder that courage is never just historical. Every generation has to decide what it will do with the stories it inherits. Key Takeaways Corrie ten Boom’s legacy continues to impact Jews and Christians today Hospitality and conversation can become acts of reconciliation The Holocaust still shapes Jewish-Christian relationships Standing against antisemitism requires visible action Faith becomes real when it costs something Coffee culture can create meaningful spiritual connection Small acts of remembrance can carry generational impact Chapter Markers  00:00 – Introduction and the missing coffee joke 02:00 – The vision behind Ten Boom Coffee 05:00 – Corrie ten Boom’s connection to David’s family 08:00 – Coffee, hospitality, and intentional conversations 12:00 – Supporting Israeli agricultural innovation 16:00 – Corrie’s stories from the concentration camps 20:00 – Jewish relationships and healing historical wounds 25:00 – The meaning behind the logo and Star of David 29:00 – Navigating antisemitism in today’s culture 33:00 – The future of Ten Boom Coffee and café vision Visit https://thejewishroad.com for more conversations exploring Israel, faith, and Jewish-Christian relationships. To learn more about David Peters and support Ten Boom Coffee, visit: https://tenboom.coffee You can also revisit Corrie ten Boom’s story through The Hiding Place and continue carrying forward a legacy of courage, reconciliation, and love for the Jewish people.

What if the way we’ve been taught to read the Bible is missing something essential? In this episode, Sebastiaan Van Wessem shares his journey from traditional church growth thinking into a deeper rediscovery of Scripture’s Jewish foundation. What began as personal tension turned into a theological shift that reframed everything. At the center of that shift is a concept called restorationism - the idea that God’s plan has always been to restore Israel, the nations, and ultimately all of creation. This conversation invites listeners to step into a bigger story - one that connects Genesis to Revelation and challenges how we understand the Gospel itself. Key Takeaways The Gospel is more than personal salvation - it’s about restoration of all things The book of Acts reveals a pattern of restoration, not just mission strategy Israel’s role in Scripture is central, not optional Replacement theology continues to shape modern thinking The early believers understood the Gospel within a Jewish framework The “one new man” requires humility and theological recalibration Restoration begins now, not just in the future Chapter Markers  00:00 – Introduction and background 02:00 – The catalyst for questioning long-held beliefs 06:00 – Rediscovering the Jewish roots of Scripture 10:00 – The influence of Michael Heiser and shifting theology 14:00 – Auschwitz, history, and theological weight 18:00 – What is restorationism? 22:00 – The book of Acts as a restoration blueprint 28:00 – Israel, the nations, and the Gospel 34:00 – One new man and the challenge of unity 42:00 – Overcoming replacement theology 50:00 – Practical steps toward reconciliation 57:00 – Final reflections and future hope If this conversation stirred something in you, don’t leave it there. Visit https://thejewishroad.com for more conversations that reconnect Scripture, Israel, and the bigger story of the Gospel. To learn more about Sebastiaan Van Wessem’s work, you can explore his book All Things Restored - available on Amazon - and connect with his ministry through https://kngdmalliance.org, where you’ll also find details about upcoming gatherings in Europe. Take a step beyond listening. Read. Engage. Show up if you can. Because this story isn’t just meant to be understood - it’s meant to be lived.

Why do so many people disengage from the Old Testament - especially books like Leviticus? In this episode, Brianna Tittel shares her journey from a struggling faith to a deeper understanding of Scripture as a unified story. What began as frustration turned into discovery when she realized Jesus was reading the Bible very differently than she was. Through that lens, even Leviticus begins to open up - not as an outdated law code, but as a central part of the Gospel story. This conversation invites listeners to rethink assumptions, reconnect the story, and rediscover the Jewish foundation of faith. Key Takeaways The Bible is one unified story, not two disconnected parts Jesus read the Hebrew Scriptures differently than most modern readers Leviticus is central, not optional, to understanding the Gospel The Torah is God’s instruction, not an outdated system Replacing or erasing leads to theological confusion The Church has often lost connection to its Jewish roots Rediscovery begins with humility and curiosity Chapter Markers 00:00 – Introduction and connection 02:00 – Brianna’s faith journey and crisis 05:00 – The question that changed everything 08:00 – Discovering the Jewish roots of Scripture 11:00 – Why Leviticus matters 15:00 – Jesus and fulfillment of the Torah 19:00 – Living out the Torah today 23:00 – Jews, Gentiles, and the one new man 27:00 – Why the Church needs this conversation 32:00 – Writing the book and future vision Visit thejewishroad.com to explore more conversations that reconnect Scripture, Israel, and the Jewish roots of the faith.  To learn more about Brianna Tittel and her book The Forgotten Gospel, and to engage with her writing and teaching, connect with her through her website and available resources. Listening, learning, and sharing are simple ways to step deeper into the story.