At Vision for Israel and Joseph Storehouse, we are always looking for ways to improve and enhance our events and programs. To help us do that, if you attended our Feast of Tabernacles event in London, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to answer some questions for us.  Take the survey here.

As a token of our appreciation for your time and feedback, we would like to offer you a 10% discount at our VFI Shop. Upon completing the survey, you will receive a coupon code that you can use towards your purchase.

Thank you for supporting our mission of providing humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and community support for those in need. We are committed to reducing poverty rates in Israel and spreading love, truth, and healing to those who need it most. Your support is greatly appreciated.

The Feast of Tabernacles is one of the more joyful holidays in Israel. Yeshua gives new meaning to this holiday when He invites us to drink 'living water'.

Sukkot - Living Water in Abundance | Blog | Vision for Israel

Share Your Opinion with Us and Get 10% off at VFI Shop

For You have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; for the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. 

Over the last six years, Israel has worked hard to lower their poverty levels. However, there has been recent news that poverty has begun to slowly rise. Today, almost 2 million Israeli’s live in poverty.

The people group that is falling into poverty at higher rates is the senior citizens. Throughout 2021, the poverty rate for senior citizens rose from 16.4 % to 17.6 %. There has also been an increase in poverty in families from 20.6% to 21%, and in children from 27.2% to 28%. 

Many people are also living on the edge of poverty, meaning they are barely able to maintain enough finances to supply their and their families' needs. Some had to go without medicine or medical care because they could not afford it. Others have not even been able to provide a hot meal for themselves or their family.

VFI is making great efforts to reach out to at least 100 families each week. We assist them with food and financial help, in addition to helping them with crucial medical needs. 

Now more than ever, we need to join forces in doing all we can to help the poor in Israel. As we partner together, we can impact the lives of so many people in desperate need of food, medicine, care, and much more.

I was eyes to the blind, and I was feet to the lame.  I was a father to the poor, and I searched out the case that I did not know. — Job 29:15-16

So, maybe you are thinking, “How can I help?” Well, just by giving $100 you will supply one family with healthy and nutritional food, as well as other household items. Your faithful giving can change lives by helping keep food on the table for the increasing amount of families, children, and senior citizens in poverty.

As we faithfully take care of the one God puts in front of us, He will not only impact that one individual but will also impact the nation as a whole. Together, we can make a difference in Israel by providing for the needs of the poor.

We invite you to take action today and give a special gift to help the poor! Donate here.

Are you willing to bless Israel, make a difference in the lives of people, and partner with God's plan for restoration of the land of Israel?

Poverty is rising in Israel and we want to do something about it. Join forces with VFI to help provide love and care for the poor here in Israel.

Poverty Rising in Israel | Blog | Vision for Israel

We are privileged when we have the rare opportunity to sit with Holocaust survivors, listen to their heroic stories, and learn from their bravery.

We recently met Frieda*, born in 1935 in Lithuania, whose wisdom and hope were integral to her inspiring testimony.

Frieda grew up in Lithuania in a well-off family - her father was a prosperous businessman in textile and had contacts worldwide.

The political and social climate was tense and came to a boiling point. Even before the Germans invaded Lithuania in 1941, the Lithuanians began murdering Jews, 'cleaning out' the Jews from 150 villages, calling them 'Judenfrei' villages, meaning free of Jews.

They would murder the Jews in incredibly cruel and public manners, decapitating a Rabbi and displaying his head in a window, herding Jews into a synagogue and setting it on fire, or waterboarding them to death on the streets as onlookers smiled cruelly.

When Frieda was about five years old, the Jews in  were forced to pin the yellow star badge with the word 'Jew' to identify as Jewish citizens and a symbol of mockery.

It was against the law for Jews to leave their house without them. One day as Frieda’s grandmother stood in line to get bread, she forgot to wear her yellow star. Her neighbor denounced her, and her grandmother was taken and never seen again. 

As the Germans invaded, Jews were taken to ghettos and forced labor camps. As Frieda told her impossible yet unfortunately true story, we held our breath and took in every word as she described the early days of the war as 'horrific': 

"We only took a few possessions; I remember my mother trying to take a huge ficus plant; she didn't know what was happening. My grandfather, who was well off and prosperous, was taken first so that his apartment could be plundered; I was told later that he was humiliated and tortured before being killed".

Once Frieda and her family arrived at the ghetto, they realized no one would ever make it out alive. The German guards would round up the people to see who was useful and who wasn't - the elderly and children were dispensable. Somehow, miraculously, Rosian Frieda and her parents were spared. 

Time was not on their side, as they knew they would not survive unless they were to find a way to escape, as Frieda recalls:

"My parents timed the guards with their dogs and their searchlights and attempted to dig a hole under the barbwire to see if they could help me escape; each time they did - they risked their lives. It was a tedious procedure because it was only a matter of minutes between the changing of the guards.

They dug a hole big enough for me as a 5-1/2 to 6-year-old to pass through. They pushed me through, and on the other side was my father's secretary, that was waiting for me in the shadows. She took me across the river bridge to her apartment.

I was crying so much because I didn't understand what was happening, and she couldn't keep me because I was endangering her life".

Fortunately, the selfless and life-risking act of her father's secretary saved her life as she found a new place for her to live in a place where a group of journalists would meet. Natasha, a journalist and Frieda's mother's best friend transferred her to her sister, who had a farm in the countryside. 

At the farm, Frieda was always on the run and constantly at risk of being discovered when people's suspicion arose, attempting always to blend in and make herself invisible.

Like many brave gentiles today, called 'righteous among the nations', the woman covered up Frieda's identity by lying, saying that it was her sister's illegitimate child whom she had taken under her roof.

Amongst the unimaginable pain of being separated from her family, these women were like mothers to Frieda, so much so that she even called them 'mother'.

Miraculously, Frieda’s mother was with her at the end of the war when Soviet troops liberated them in 1944.

Although the war was over and her mother and father survived, the trauma of those horror-stricken years haunted her:

"The fear was always there; there were Germans coming by and searching, and I couldn't understand why they were trying to kill me since I always tried to be a good girl. I was a target for murder; this trauma stays with me to this day, the fear and trust issues."

For many survivors, the pain is too difficult to speak of ever again; for Frieda, her story is an opportunity to speak out against racism and challenge Holocaust deniers: 

"People seem to have their own agenda for denial and distortion because it is too difficult for them to comprehend there were miles and miles of corpses. It's like thinking about eternity or infinity - it's too great for some people. For some people, antisemitism, being anti-Israel, is the way to express themselves and fits their personal agenda and their political views".

If it (the Holocaust) hadn't happened and it wouldn't have sat on the world's conscience for several years after it happened, and if the records weren't there that the Germans kept themselves, it would have been much easier for them to bury them (evidence of the Holocaust).

It's like Niccolò Machiavelli said: 

"You repeat a lie often enough that it can become a reality," and that's the danger because when you live alone and don't see the truth, you yourself become contaminated. And we have to fight (Holocaust denial) that with all our might.

If the new generations can see that there is a way out, that we can create a better world, and put our heart, soul, and spirit in that path, then they see will see the light and share it with their families and friends. This can go on for generations and generations, just as we Jews have.

I am here to tell this story. This is the continuity of Jews, and it will never stop, and Hitler lost'. She added with a victorious smile. 

Frieda and her family are living proof of the hope that continues to live on throughout the generations. Her mother lived to the age of 101, her father to 96, and she herself has two sons and eight grandchildren.

God has strengthened His people to survive history's darkest times and put the spirit of truth and justice in their hearts to stand against antisemitism.

When you support Vision for Israel, you are not just giving a basket of food or a warm heaters and blanket to the elderly in the cold winters, but you are helping people such as Frieda preserve her legacy as one of the remaining Holocaust survivors.

You are taking a stand against antisemitism by acknowledging the real stories and heroic stories of Jews and the gentiles who risked their lives to save them. 

In today's world, where antisemitism is rearing its ugly head again and Jews are moving back to Israel to escape racist violence - we are grateful to have the support of our partners in the nations as Israel continues to rebuild itself as a nation rising from the ashes.

Thank you for supporting us - so that we can support heroes like Frieda.

*Name has been changed.

Holocaust survivor Rosian not only lived to tell her story but stands in the face of rising antisemitism and Holocaust deniers. Read her inspiring story!

From a Victim to Victory - A Holocaust Survivor Story | Blog | Vision for Israel

From a Victim to Victory - A Holocaust Survivor Story

“Many things You have done, Adonai my God —Your plans for us are wonderful— there is none to be compared to You! If I were to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to count!” 

Dear Partners,

Everyday we receive a blessing from God, even if we are not aware of it. When you take a moment to remember, you will see the many good things that God poured out on your life just today. 

As we recount the deeds and blessings of God, we give him the honor, respect and glory that He so rightfully deserves. Therefore, let us take time to remember what God has done and mark them as milestones in our lives. It is good to learn from the past, to live in the present, and to plan for the future. 

We, at Vision for Israel, want to take time to give glory to God for His actions in our lives and in the lives of our organization. Over the years we have been blessed with many volunteers and loyal employees. Many have been faithful to the vision and call to serve God, and in return they were surprisingly blessed.

One of our secretaries named Sophia was born in Russia and immigrated to Israel as a little girl. She was married with one child, but had prayed for 11 years to be able to have another child. After working with us for several months, she became pregnant and gave birth to a lovely baby girl. Another secretary named Zoya had a similar past as Sophia. Zoya was also married, unable to have children for many years, and became pregnant within only a few months of working for VFI.

There have been countless blessings poured out on the volunteers at Vision for Israel. More than ten couples met each other as they served together with us here in Israel. 

It is encouraging to see those who come to serve the Lord in Israel are so blessed. VFI is not only pouring out blessings to the people of Israel, but God is also abundantly blessing the faithful staff and volunteers at VFI. We have been grateful to witness the growth and blessings in the personal lives of our team and volunteers. 

We believe that we will continue to see wonderful growth from all directions in this coming year of 2023. Thank you dear friends for working together with Jews and Christians to build a better place here in the land of Israel. We honor you for partnering with us to pour out God’s blessing on the Jewish people.

We invite you to build the future with us by partnering with Vision for Israel in prayer and financially supporting specific projects for this new year of 2023. 

Pray for God to continue to expand our outreach to the weak sector of society who are desperate for help.

Pray for the increase in our budget to expand our service to the needy population. 

Pray that our volunteers and employees are blessed and will prosper.

Although the income from donations decreased slightly in 2022, God miraculously helped us increase our aid by 20%! Our vision for this year is to increase our support more than ever. Poverty is rapidly growing and every 4th adult lives in poverty. We also hope to open our special rehab program for people who suffered from violence. We are believing the Lord to do many more miracles this year in and through Vision for Israel. 

We look forward to partnering with you to impact many more lives here in the land of Israel. For more information on how to partner with Vision for Israel and ways you can give, please visit here.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 

VFI recounts the blessings of God as the new year of 2023 begins. Our vision for the future is to partner together to impact many more lives here in Israel!

Your Plans are Wonderful | Blog | Vision for Israel

“Praise Him for His acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness.” 

Dear Partners,

As we begin the new year of 2023, we want to take a moment to give praise to the Lord for all He has done in and through Vision for Israel in 2022. 

Thank you Lord for the love You poured out on each person that was in need, for the finances You provided, for every prayer answered. We are grateful for each person we were able to serve, for our team, and the strength You gave us to continue to be the hands and feet on the ground here in Israel.

Vision for Israel was founded twenty-nine years ago to bless and assist needy families and new immigrants. Many of the new Olim (new immigrants) arrived to Israel with no family, no savings, no work and didn’t even speak the language. They were struggling to integrate and build a life here. Barry, himself, was a new immigrant and a lone soldier, so he could relate to the challenges they were all facing.  This was in the beginning.

And what happened in all the years of our existence? The race to help and support the needy never stopped. Every year we increased the number of people supported, the aid that came out of the organization’s warehouses only increased. Shipments that arrived from abroad and financial donations helped to invest in building lives and seeing the fruit we see today. There is no doubt that the population is growing from all directions, a high birth rate and the continued arrival of immigrants to the land of Israel. Terror attacks and Holocaust survivors who suffer from severe loneliness. are some of our most precious recipients of aid. Vision for Israel’s support is only growing and expanding.

Today, we stand in awe of how God has touched the lives of over a million people through VFI. It started from a small old barn-like warehouse to now working out of the Millennium Centre, which is an incredible miracle, serving thousands of people each year. Over 50,000 emergency calls have been responded to through the help of the five ambulances, five medicycles, one blood mobile, and two fire and rescue ATV’s donated by all of you. Hundreds of thousands of at risk children have been blessed with educational assistance through our “Pack to School” project. Nearly 100 safety bomb shelters have been installed on the borders of Israel. Thousands of Holocaust victims have been embraced through many VFI social events. Medical and emergency supplies have been provided to many hospital and rehabilitation facilities. Countless lives have been saved and greatly impacted throughout 2022.

Millions of shekels have been invested for the poor and needy families here in Israel. Your prayers and support continue to empower us to move forward and accomplish so much with a very small team. Our staff is committed to serve and do all they can to bring comfort and support needed to the people of Israel.

For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’  - Matthew 25:35-36

God has done some remarkable works through your donations, prayers, and ongoing support. Let’s take a look at some of the faces of these precious people that were greatly impacted by your love and support throughout 2022 in this photo album below: 

With blessings comes great responsibility and ours is to share with you the joy of giving!

“For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’”  - Deuteronomy 15:11

Bless the Lord for He has done great things,


Investing in the Lives of Holocaust Survivors

We invested in the lives of Holocaust Survivors by creating fun events and workshops for them to enjoy throughout the year. Some of the events included musical mornings with dancing and tasty food, and various cultural activities all year round.

Purim party to give joy and comfort to victims of terror attacks. We had nearly 300 participants and their families at the Millennium Centre.

Adopting Families and Helping Them with Ongoing Assistance

We have adopted families into our organization to help them with ongoing assistance. About 300 families/individuals each month were supported and cared for through vouchers, food basket deliveries, basic household and special request items. In total, nearly 5,000 families received direct aid from VFI throughout the year.

A Shelter and Strong Tower from the Enemy - More Shelters Posted

Miraculously, we placed over 90 mobile shelters in several cities, towns, and villages with the support of our dear friends from the nations this year! Thousands of rockets land in Israel. From the moment the alarm sounds until the rocket hits the ground, the citizens only have 15-45 seconds to reach a shelter!

20 of the 50 were provided to keep the shelters open only in times of emergency. We have another 30 locking systems to place.

VFI purchased emergency equipment and medicine for a field hospital located on the border of Ukraine. Doctors and medics from Israel staffed this hospital in Ukraine.

Women's Day – We hosted a day for women who have experienced trauma or violence. They received a day full of training lectures, workshops, and treats.

We hosted a special cultural event to gather some of the people that have received aid from VFI. About 500 recipients attended and enjoyed a musical show about Israel together.

Hundreds of First Grade Children Receiving School Packs

This year hundreds of children entering into the first grade received school supplies and backpacks to start their school year. It brings the total to 285,000 kids from the beginning of this project. Just one smile on a child’s face speaks a thousand words!

We supported 120 students with grants toward their studies in university. We also helped victims of terror in furthering their studies and/or changing their career.

Saving Lives Providing Emergency and Disaster Relief Equipment 

Emergency and medical equipment were also provided for rescue units in the southern settlements of Israel.  In the last years over 50,000 emergency calls have been responded to through the help of the five ambulances, five medicycles, one blood mobile, and two fire and rescue ATV’s donated by all of you.

During the high holidays (Passover and Rosh HaShanah), we provided vouchers and food baskets to about 2,000 people including lone soldiers, terror victims, new immigrants, holocaust survivors, and families in need.

Celebration Bar/Bat Mitzvah Children with Special Gifts

We hosted a Bar/Bat Mitzvah event for terror victims some of whom were orphans; 67 teenage boys and girls enjoyed a day full of surprises, celebrations, learning about the history of Jerusalem, singing, music, lectures, and meals together.

At Vision for Israel, we are working on rehabilitation through music and the arts.

We welcome the help of the loving visiting volunteer groups anytime. You are a blessing!

The Millennium Centre is Open to Visitors

After a two-year hiatus during a difficult world crisis, Vision for Israel is finally hosting tour groups again at the Millennium Centre!

Letter from The President of the State of Israel

This is a letter from President Yitzhak Herzog after the Bar Mitzvah event in 2021 that took place at the official residence for 60 children who were victims of hostilities:

Dear Barry and Batya,

I was excited to receive your letter and I want to thank you for your
condolences and care following my mother’s passing away.

I was happy to see you and get to know VFI’s activity at the recent
Bar and Bat Mitzvah event—and even more so, the story that you brought to my attention in the letter touched my heart. Your ability to look with open eyes at the reality; to recruit partners, resources, time, and means to help the underprivileged in general and terror survivors, in particular, is inspiring and enables all of us to have an optimistic outlook on the future of the state of Israel. 
I wish you both a long life with health and goodness, and may you continue the meaningful work for the entire Israeli society.
Your success is the success of us all.

Warm wishes,
Yitzhak Herzog
President

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done. Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts.” 

Our hope is that your heart is filled with praise to the Lord for the wonderful and remarkable acts He has done in 2022.  Let us bring in this new year of 2023 with praises to the Lord. We pray that wherever you are, you will share in the wonderful acts God has done here in the land of Israel. 

Your prayers are valuable, therefore, we invite you to pray with us about these requests this year:

Increase our support by at least 20% to more families and individuals in distress.

Reach out to more victims of terror attacks.

Set up 100 more mobile shelters throughout the northern and southern borders

We are so grateful for you, dear friend, and we are expectant to hear what God will do in and through your life in this coming year, as well!

Blessings,

Let’s give praise to the Lord and our partners for all He has done in and through Vision for Israel in 2022. It was truly a remarkable year of many lives impacted here in Israel.

A Remarkable Year – 2022 | Blog | Vision for Israel

“You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” 

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a precious and heart warming national holiday.

For eight days on the 25th day of Kislev (according to the Hebrew calendar), families and friends light up the candles of the Hanukkiah - a nine-branched candelabrum which is traditionally placed on the windowsill so passers by can see it, or outside of one's gate.

A popular, family-oriented activity many enjoy is walking around the old neighbourhood of Jerusalem and observing the lighting of the Hanukkah candles. What a sight to see the different and creative Hanukkiahs displayed on windows and outside the doors on the street in special wind-resistant glass boxes.

Although Hanukkah is not a biblical holiday, it is still observed by religious and secular Jews and is a great cultural opportunity for parties and celebrations as it brings much joy and warmth to the country during the cold and rainy winter season.

Families and friends light the candles together, sing traditional songs, eat sufganiyot (a round, deep-fried, jelly-filled doughnut) and other oil-based foods, spin dreidels, and play games.

Hanukkah is a joyous holiday whose origin story is one of a gruesome war, a valiant and impossible victory, and the miracle of the cruse of oil.

Hanukkah commemorates the recovery of Jerusalem and the subsequent rededication of the Second Temple at the beginning of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE.

With the reign of Antiochus IV, Jews were prohibited from practicing Judaism and were commanded to worship Greek gods.

When Antiochus IV invaded Jerusalem (168 BCE), killing thousands of Jews and erecting an altar for Zeus in the Holy Temple, a small group of Jews, known as Hasmoneans or Maccabees, revolted zealously to regain control of the Temple and Jerusalem.

After two years of warfare, they pushed out the Greek army - whose forces were much more powerful and well-equipped than theirs, as God almighty was on their side.

After gaining control of the holy city of Jerusalem, the Jews found the desecrated Temple ransacked and destroyed.

Bit by bit and with great care, they rededicated the Temple to the Lord, with one of the Temple's daily rituals being the Menorah which was commanded to burn continuously before the Lord always:

"Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come." - Exodus 27:20-21

As the story goes, there remained only one cruse of oil which had not been defiled, containing enough oil to last only one night.

Yet, miraculously the one cruse of oil continued to provide oil lasting for eight nights, a sign of God's providence in the midst of darkness.

To this day, the Macabee's revolt is remembered by millions of Jews all over the world as an example of courage in the face of grave opposition.

The enemies of Israel were intimidating, using fear tactics to coerce them to serve other gods and forget their Jewish identity together with their calling to serve the one true God of Israel.

The Maccabees could have retreated back into the long shadows of intimidation cast by their oppressors, and yet they chose to advance upon darkness, armed with the truth, and reclaimed their rightful place in the presence of God in the Temple.

Unfortunately, the world we live in today offers us plenty of reasons to be anxious and intimidated. Wars and politics, inflation and sickness, ungodly morals plaguing the innocent, and a pandemic of the fear of men - are all looming in the background of our minds, stealing away our joy.

All this would leave us hopeless unless we put our hope and trust in God Almighty to fight our battles and give us strength to resist the enemy.

Yeshua commanded us to be a light to the world, understanding our place as sons and daughters of God, and giving us the confidence to face our daily fears head-on.

He not only commanded us to be bold for our own sake, shining forth His light but also for those who are locked in the chains of doubt:

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

With Him, victory is guaranteed because Yeshua sits at the right hand of the Father - King over those who oppose Him and those who surrender with a humble heart.

The Temple is a symbol of our body, mind, and soul, which often becomes contaminated by the world and its ungodly ways, and the zealousness of the Maccabees is an example of how we should fight fear and rededicate our lives to God in holiness and purity of heart.

The Hanukkah story is a great reminder of how even though fear is great, the light of God in us is much greater and can defeat the darkness.

A traditional song sung during Hanukkah is called 'Banu Hoshech Legaresh', which means: we have come to banish the darkness.

It is sung around the luminous candles of the Hanukkiah, declaring we have come to banish the darkness with light and fire and that even though each of our lights illuminates little, together, we make a great light.

The last lyrics of the song are sung even more aloud as we command the darkness to flee from us (the light), singing it twice as it grows stronger in our hearts.

So how can we combat fear and darkness in our own lives? Especially when it seems like the darkness is so much greater than us.

By carrying the light of Yeshua in our hearts, a light so great it has the authority to banish the darkness and gives us strength to encounter any enemy standing in our way:

"When Yeshua spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." - John 8:12

Not only is Yeshua the light of the world, but he gave us the privilege of being a shining beacon of hope to all those in need of courage.

As we enter into the Hanukkah season, let us remember that with each day of Hanukkah, as we add a candle to the Hanukkiah, the light grows and becomes stronger, just as we do when we rely on the Creator, who, with His words declared light into the world.

From Barry and Batya and the Vision for Israel team, we pray your hearts be illuminated with God's joy, peace, and pleasant memories with your loved ones this Hanukkah season.

Hanukkah is more than just a fun Holiday to enjoy; it is an eight-day reminder of courage against fear. Step into the true meaning of the Festival of Lights!

Hanukkah - Let Your Light Shine!  | Blog | Vision for Israel

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on a lamp stand so it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” 

Many of you have heard these famous words spoken by Yeshua, but let’s take a look at the implication of these words during this unique holiday season. 

A new month has begun both on the Jewish calendar and the Gregorian calendar. The month of Kislev and the last month of the year December. This special season has great significance both for the Jewish people and Christians around the world. 

During this time Jewish people across the globe celebrate Hanukkah. This celebration is held on the 25th day of Kislev. The name of the month derives from Akkadian kislimu. The Hebrew root K.S.L as in the words "kesel, kisla" (hope) or "ksil" (Orion, a constellation that shines) because of the expectation and hope. 

We believe this season of the month of Kislev is a time to renew our hearts before the Lord. It is a time to rededicate ourselves to God, rejoice in his miracle working power, and draw nearer to His heart. 

Hanukkah is a feast of lights and commemorates the miracle of the oil in the Menorah that lasted for eight days. As you walk the streets of Israel, you can see the Chanukiyot (nine branches menorahs) lit in the windows for all to see as they pass by. The month of December is also a time where many Christians are celebrating Christmas, decorating their homes with lights and there is so much festivity in the air. Light symbolizes joy and celebration. It is fascinating to see that these two different holidays actually point us in a very similar direction: To cast darkness and be as a shining light to the people of this world! 

Both Hanukkah and Christmas are times of great joy, where we celebrate amazing miracles and great victories that God has done. Hanukkah is also a celebration of the dedication of the temple. Therefore, let us take this month of Kislev to rededicate our lives again to the Lord and to share our love and joy with the less fortunate. 

We, at Vision for Israel and The Joseph Storehouse, want to remind you that the miracle of our existence has been made possible because of your dedication. Let us continue to bless all those who need our help. We appreciate your gift - you can give here. 

This holiday season we pray that you will shine bright for all to see His great love! 

Our good deeds are a reflection of the light that gives out but never diminishes. 


With much appreciation, 


Barry and Batya Segal

“How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.” 

The new month of Kislev has begun and it’s time to celebrate God’s miracles. Stand with VFI in being a light to the world during Hanukkah and Christmas.

You are the Light of the World! | Blog | Vision for Israel

Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, Neither wasting nor destruction within your borders; But you shall call your walls Salvation, And your gates Praise. 

Dear Partners,

Terror attacks have long posed a threat to Israel and its people, but since last spring, we have seen a noticeable increase in deadly shootings, stabbings and car attacks in cities like Be’er Sheva, Jerusalem, Hadera and Bnei Brak. 

From the very first days of Vision for Israel in 1994, one of core focuses in giving aid to the people of Israel was the support we offer to victims of terror attacks. As these acts of hatred have increased in recent months, our desire to provide aid and support to people and families broken by such evil has also increased. 

“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!” Says your God. “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, that her warfare is ended... — Isaiah 40:1-2

There have been over 2,200 attacks in Israel and Judea and Samaria this year alone. The number of innocents killed has reached a gruesome high since 2008. These numbers are tragic, and we pray for those victims and their families.  These statistics are tragic, but they are so much more than statistics—they represent mothers, fathers, even innocent, young children. 

Vision for Israel prays for the victims and their families. Our goal has always been to offer comfort to the brokenhearted and embrace these widows and orphans. We encourage all our partners to join us in praying for peace in Jerusalem and Israel... but prayers for protection from violence are only the first step. 

The number of victims and families who suffer as a result of these attacks continues to grow. We are a nation of families and relatives who are weeping and mourning for the great loss of life of so many. But we must continue our mission of building lives up, even when terrorists are calling for destruction and death.

Vision For Israel is as committed as ever to our mission of supporting victims of terror in every way we can. They deserve to heal with dignity and resume daily life. 

Please consider giving to those who have been victimized by this wave of violence plaguing Israel. We can aid in giving them their lives back.

Join us in this vital mission by donating here.


Your friends,

Barry, Batya, and the VFI Team

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” 

As a rising number of terrorist attacks plague our country, we are inspired to support the innocent civilians who have been unlikely targets of such brutality.

Give Joy for Ashes  | Blog | Vision for Israel

“Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.”

A thanksgiving offering is a sacrifice offered in the temple. It is meant as personal thanks to God for the salvation He has provided.

11 ‘This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which he shall offer to the Lord: 12 If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer, with the sacrifice of thanksgiving, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, or cakes of blended flour mixed with oil. — Leviticus 7:11-12

In the Bible, there are many references to the worship of thanks on an altar. Thanks to God also appears in other ways: Moses and the children of Israel thank God after the exodus from Egypt in song, Hannah thanks God for the birth of Samuel in prayer, and Jonah offers a sacrifice with a voice of thanksgiving.

By offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God, we express our relationship with the Lord. And in exchange, He rewards us with salvation and redemption.

When the first settlers arrived from England by ship to America, they suffered from diseases, hunger, and poor living conditions. The Native Americans taught the settlers how to raise poultry, graze sheep and cattle and how to grow crops. In the years that followed, the settlers were blessed with food, overcoming famine and sickness. And so they celebrated by giving thanks to the Lord. 

Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. — Hebrews 13:15

We praise God for the gifts He has laid upon us. Amongst those gifts are you, the generous members of our community. When we enter our center at the Millennium building, we remember you. We give thanks for you when we worship, when we distribute to the needy, when we host brave survivors and victims of terror. Whether you are from the U.S. or not, we give thanks to the Lord for your partnership and your prayers.

Donate here to extend these Thanksgiving blessings to more people in need around the world.  


May you prosper and may the Lord watch over you and bless all the works of your hands.

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” – Colossians 3:17

We praise God for the gifts He has given us. Amongst those gifts are you, the members of our community. When we enter the Millennium Center, we remember you.

A Thanksgiving Sacrifice | Blog | Vision for Israel

״Gratitude is the healthiest of all human emotions. The more you express gratitude for what you have, the more likely you will have even more to express gratitude for״. 

All of our family remember Aunt Na’ama - when we were children, we called her the 'smiling aunt' who was always calm even though she was very ill. She and my uncle had a big family, living with their 12 children in a tiny apartment, my uncle worked 2 jobs and was making little income. 

At least four times a year, the families would gather to spend Shabbat day together. Aunt Na’ama was very weak and suffered from various illnesses.  Since she could not be very active, her children faithfully stepped in to help with daily needs and everything in between. 

I remember how she would always thank God for everything she had with a natural smile on her face. She was grateful to her children and sisters-in-law for all their help while caring for her 12 children. 

After my uncle died unexpectedly, my dear mother, Sarah, loved her sister-in-law and would regularly visit her to to support her - bringing her freshly baked bread and cooked meals.  She would help her around the house and encouraged her as she knew how difficult it was for her to cope with daily tasks. 

Her other sisters-in-law always worried that something might happen to her because of her physical condition. Despite that, Aunt Na’ama lived to be 98 years old and passed away last year, older than all her sisters-in-law. 

What was her secret to living to the age of 98 despite all her illnesses? 

Aunt Naama chose to be grateful to God in every moment of her life. She dedicated herself to peaceful ways, a calm attitude, having no bitterness towards life or towards others and she was exceptionally generous.  Even when she didn’t have much, she believed there was ‘always enough to give’. 

Her gratitude triumphed over her sickness - with praise on her lips for God’s provision in her life. She left behind a legacy of warmth and love, expressed to the people around her.

"In everything, give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Messiah Yeshua." – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 

Since 1994, when Vision for Israel was established,  our aim has been to encourage people to be thankful, no matter where they are. And now is the perfect time to focus on our gratitude for God.

We know you all have your own stories of people who were a blessing and an inspiration in your life. We’d love to hear them! Please share your stories below in the comment section.

May the memory of our family members be a blessing, and may we be so privileged as to live in gratitude for all God’s blessings in our lives! 

In His Service,

Batya Segal

Despite her many illnesses, Aunt Na’ama had a unique approach to life that kept her going to age 98. What was the secret to her long life? Read to find out!

Aunt Naama's Secret | Blog | Vision for Israel

“God hears every unspoken word, sees every unseen wound, mends every unbearable pain. Have faith and be strong.” 

Can you imagine the feeling of being adopted as a baby? Well, this is how *Henni’s story began. Only after being in this world for a few weeks, an ultra-Orthodox family adopted Henni.  However, when Henni turned 16, she ran away from home and her family.  She suffered from abuse and didn’t want to stay there anymore. As a result she found herself wandering the streets without any sense of identity and belonging. Finally, she found a safe and warm home in the center of Israel that was specifically for girls at risk. After staying there for two years, it was time to serve in the IDF. During her service, she met her future husband and soon after they got married. 

After the birth of their second child, the father disappeared and never came back. This left Henni feeling rejected once again and all alone. She had no time to feel sorry for herself. She had to take care of her toddler and baby with no job, no family she could turn to for help, no income, and no support. She was grateful to have her two children, but she didn’t know how she would provide for her kids or herself. 

“To rob the needy of justice, and to take what is right from the poor of My people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless.“ — Isaiah 10:2

Trying to survive against all odds, Henni started working with elderly people. She cleaned for them and cared for their needs. It was hard and the income didn't cover the basic monthly expenses like rent, utilities and all the rest. 

A request from the social authorities came to assist her.  Vision for Israel team visited Henni at her home. The apartment where they were living was lacking the most basic furniture, no chairs, no table, broken beds. The old rusty refrigerator was empty and had no food. The children were hungry and suffering from malnutrition. Henni also suffered from health issues due to lack of nourishing food, which was only a small symbol of her difficult physical and mental state.

This visit to Henni’s house was a turning point for the family and for our staff. Right away we realised Henni is someone very special. From that point on, the family received ongoing support of food packs and financial vouchers, furniture, a new refrigerator, school bags for the kids, clothes, and heaters. All of these provisions helped her realize that her prayers had been answered. As our team just loved on Henni, we saw how she never expected anything and always wanted to give something in return.  She literally had nothing, and yet the little she had she wanted to give to us so we could bless others in need.  On one occasion, she handed us a bag of brand new clothes she was given by another charity organization. She said, “I don't need these nice clothes. Please give it to a needy family”.

Henni’s life was transformed. We saw through the years how she became a happier person, started taking care of herself, and was looking healthier. Her children were also improving socially and doing so much better in school. 

With a grateful heart, Henni sends us messages of blessings and thanks. She never misses an opportunity to phone our office simply to bless our work and our team. Every holiday and every few months, she calls us to simply say, “Hope you all are well. Just calling to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers”. 

We love to just be there for others and to see the real change in those we embraced throughout the years. There are thousands of young people who are searching for an ear to hear, an eye to see, and a heart to care. 

The sincere words of thanks and blessings reflect to us how essential the help is to the recipients. God opened the doors for you and us to be a blessing, and we consider this as an amazing opportunity and a privilege.

We invite you to partner with us as God uses us to make a huge impact on the precious lives here in Israel.

“I am sure of this very thing—that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the Day of Messiah Yeshua.” — Philippians 1:6

VFI provides essential needs and support for single mothers and the poor in Israel. Discover how one visit from VFI changed a mother and her children’s lives.

A Life-Changing Visit – Providing for a Mother and Her Children | Blog | Vision for Israel

A Life-Changing Visit – Providing for a Mother and Her Children

“After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you into His eternal glory in Messiah, will Himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.”

Dear Friends,

The hostilities that have marked our country have broken many families and plagued them with loss. Shmuel is one such victim. When he was five years old, Shmuel’s family was attacked by terrorists and in one tragic moment, he lost his father.

Without their father, Shmuel’s family spiraled into sorrow and poverty. And Shmuel is not alone — hundreds of children throughout Israel carry the burden of similar trauma and the ensuing financial hardships. 

When children such as Shmuel reach the age of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah, the families often do not have the means or mental strength to host a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration. That’s where we’ve found a way to help. 

Every year, Vision for Israel organizes a Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebration for over 60 children who have been victims of terror. It is our honor to give these boys and girls a celebration to share with their families, who have suffered so much.

Shmuel and the other children will enjoy an elaborate meal, generous gifts, and a meaningful ceremony at the President of Israel’s official house. 

We are thrilled to be able to offer such a joyous day, as we take them in the Old City of Jerusalem, show them the history, archeology, bringing a true meaning of who they are (past and present) and plant a hope for their own future.  

It is a privilege and an honor that we all can be a blessing in their lives. Each Bar or Bat Mitzvah child will receive a gift package valued at $850, which will include an iPad, and other special gifts. 

Thank you for being a part of the Vision for Israel community and contributing to this event. It truly feels like a victory against the darkness and evil.

We pray that you will continue to join us in our support for vital programs for young men like Shmuel, and we welcome your contributions.

May the Lord bless and keep you.

Shalom from your friends,

Barry, Batya, and the VFI Team

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” 

We organized our annual bar and bat mitzvah celebrations for dozens of young victims of terror to celebrate together with their families, thanks to you. 

Our Annual Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebration | Blog | Vision for Israel

“Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.” 

Dear Partners,

From the very beginning of Vision for Israel in 1994 we have always worked hard to assist those impoverished in order to provide all forms of assistance to the individual and to the community, from food baskets, financial assistance, social rehabilitation events, to ambulances and construction of mobile bomb shelters. 

In order to continue expanding our reach to those in need, our vision is to develop and create a special nature garden space on the rooftop of the Millennium Center.

Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth. — Jeremiah 33:6

Our vision is to develop the rooftop to a garden space in order to give us the ability to host visiting groups and most importantly—to provide a space for those rehabilitating and those who seek healing. 

Many people in Israel have been affected by wars and terrorism and many are longing for support with our social welfare projects. A comforting place to congregate among nature is a gift to anyone and we would love to offer that in the ongoing support we provide to those we serve in the community.

The cost for development of the rooftop is £65 per square foot. To complete the roof and garden, we are looking to build out 4,000 square feet. If 4,000 of our generous friends considered donating £65 each, we could reach our goal in no time.

Think about how we can all transform the lives of people by providing them with care in an environment that can change their future for good.


 Please consider joining us in this selfless mission by donating here. 

He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 

Your friends,

Barry, Batya, and the VFI Team

We are excited to complete construction on our rooftop and the garden that will serve as a gathering space for worship and prayer.

A Garden of Healing | Blog | Vision for Israel

Our hearts are full of gratitude to all of you, our dear partners. Thanks to your generous donations and partnership, we can give more and increase the number of recipients. As Israelis living within our people, we will continue to restore, support the weak population, embrace all those around us and say “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 107:1).

Every summer before the school year begins, our Vision for Israel team distributes school bags to children from distressed families.

No community is unaffected by financial difficulty in Israel, from religious to secular, Arab and Ethiopian, new immigrants, victims of terrorism, at-risk children, asylum seekers, migrant workers, and more.

Our heart is to reach every child in need and ensure they begin the new school year confident, equal to their peers, and ready to focus on academics.

The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to cause a significant immigration crisis. Refugees and new immigrants arriving in Israel suffer from post-trauma and severe economic hardship.

Vision for Israel is in contact with organizations that provide aid to refugees – supplying them with clothing, textiles, and essential equipment. In partnership with these organizations, we distributed equipment for children, babies, women, and men as a donation with the intent of helping them rebuild their lives.

Our hearts are with the lost, and we hope that through these donations, they will feel the warmth of a home they left behind.

Scholarship Initiative - Honor Where Honor is Due

One of the causes dear to our hearts is the brave victims of hostilities, people who are salt of the earth, overcoming extreme hardship to continue to be a rock and a pillar for their families.

For several years, we have had the privilege to support and collaborate with the organization of victims of hostilities in a scholarship initiative. Through this partnership, we have been able to touch many families in need of assistance by awarding 76 scholarships to students who most needed the blessed assistance.

We at Vision for Israel continue the operation to provide resources and protection for those living in the south, especially for the cities located near conflict areas.

In the last year, close to 90 bomb shelters were installed. It is an honor and privilege as an organization to help provide safety and security for those around the nation. Your generosity and kindness are an active part of saving lives during times of war!

The summer holiday has just come to an end in Israel.  With the rise of inflation and kids being out of school, expenses were higher than usual, and many parents had difficulty working.

Vision for Israel regularly distributes food baskets to needy families, including several cities in the center and south of the country. The smiles and words of gratitude from those receiving the aid warmed our hearts, and we were elated for the opportunity to help them during the challenging summer vacation.

With the High Holidays upon us, and as we enter a season of new beginnings, Vision for Israel has not forgotten the hungry as no one should ever be without the means to celebrate with a festive meal.

Gratefully, we were able to pass out financial vouchers to hundreds of individuals and families in need in cities and communities in central Israel, and the families expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the financial aid they received!

Their fulfillment is our success, and none of this would be possible without you, our generous donors, who bless the families of Israel!

After a two-year hiatus during a difficult world crisis, Vision for Israel is finally hosting tour groups again at the Millennium Center! 

We love hosting, spending time together, and building the Kingdom of God in Israel with you. What doesn't go unnoticed is the constant generosity of our visitors, who bless us with their friendship and bring us essential items for families in need. 

Thank you for being an essential part of the vision to reach all of Israel!

One of the families Vision for Israel loves to aid whenever we can, is a precious couple whose lives have been affected by rocket attacks and who recently requested our help purchasing multifocal glasses. 

The father of the family has been recognized as a disabled victim of hostilities since 2005 and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. The mother suffered from cataracts, underwent surgery, and needed multifocal glasses.

When we heard of their request, we jumped on the opportunity to make their difficult lives even a little easier.

In addition to aiding with purchasing the multifocal glasses, we were able to help them every holiday with financial vouchers.

Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees. 

We are so grateful to our partners, donors, and friends who make all of the above possible. There are truly no words to express the great impact you can have on these communities and families. If you have not already, you can take part in all these exciting life-changing experiences by pledging monthly donations to Vision for Israel. Our work is never-ending, and every donation helps us to spread God’s love and word across Israel.

Together we've been supporting education for all ages, giving aid to those who live under the threat of violence, and providing everyday care for those in need.

Impact Report—October 2022 | Blog | Vision for Israel

Challah is the Jewish Sabbath and holiday bread, and it can be made a number of ways, each manner rich in meaning and tradition. Twelve humps from two small or one large braided bread recall the miracle of the 12 loaves for the 12 tribes of Israel. Round loaves, where there is no beginning and no end, are baked for Rosh Hashanah to symbolize continuity. Ladder and hand shapes are served at the meal before the fast of Yom Kippur, the ladder symbolizing that we should ascend to great heights, the hand that we may be inscribed for a good year. However you make it, be sure to follow a simple classic recipe like mine, and enjoy it in good health with your loved ones.

Makes 2 challahs
1 kg. (2 1/4 lb.) whole wheat flour
 2 tbsps. dry yeast
 1 tbsp. brown sugar
 4 tbsps. date honey or molasses
 2 1/2 cups warm water
 1 egg
 1/2 cup oil
 1 tsp. salt
 Egg wash
 Sesame seeds for garnish

Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients and knead until dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour until dough is easy to handle. 
 2. Let dough rise 20 minutes. Knead the dough with a bit of oil. Let rise again for 20 minutes.
 3. Turn dough into lightly floured surface. Punch down and roll out into a rectangle. Cut into 6 equal parts. Roll each part into a rope. Make a braid out of three ropes. Place on baking sheet and let rise again for 20 minutes. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle sesame on top.
 4. Bake for 30 minutes at 180°C/350°C.

Now you can experience the authentic flavors of Israel and the surrounding region with Batya Segal's personal favorite recipes. A long-time lover of fresh, delicious, and easy-to-execute meals, Batya's recipes will bring the aromas of Israel into your kitchen for the whole family to enjoy. Yours free as a thank you for supporting our life changing work in Israel.

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Subscribe Now and Get Our Free Recipe E-Book!

Challah is the Jewish Sabbath and holiday bread, and it can be made a number of ways. This is a simple classic recipe that can be adapted to several occasions.

In Israel today, we commemorate the Day of Atonement as a Sabbath day, when the whole country ceases work, and the roads are empty of cars and closed for travel. It has such great cultural influence that even secular Jews keep the traditions of what is considered the holiest day of the Hebrew calendar.

Jews dress in white and gather to have a last meal (called 'se'uda mafseket') before fasting food and drink beginning at sunset on the eve of Yom Kippur till the setting of the sun the day after. As we prepare to receive this somber day, we pray special prayers of repentance at the synagogue and Wailing Wall, plead for forgiveness, and confess our sins.

Since the time of Moses, God made a way for the people to be reconciled to Him through sacrificing animals until blood more powerful than that of bulls or goats was offered, but that was yet to be revealed.

In the Old Testament, in the book of Leviticus, we read how God — through Moses — instructs the people to set aside a day in which they should fast and make sin offerings, purifying themselves before Him:

"Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God." – Leviticus 23:27-28

Atonement is the act of reparation for an offense or injury; in the case of the people of Israel, the High priest would first offer a sin offering for himself and his family:

"Aaron shall offer the bull as a sin offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself and for his house. He shall take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. Then Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats: one lot for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat. And Aaron shall bring the goat on which the Lord's lot fell, and offer it as a sin offering. But the goat on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make atonement upon it, and to let it go as the scapegoat into the wilderness." – Leviticus 16: 6-10

After he and his family purified themselves, the High Priest would then offer a second sin offering on behalf of the people - the blood of a goat:

"Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people, bring its blood inside the veil, do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. So he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, for all their sins; and so he shall do for the tabernacle of meeting which remains among them in the midst of their uncleanness." – Leviticus 16:15-16

Today, since there is no temple and no more animal sacrifices, Jews have found other ways of atoning for sin.

During the ten days between Yom Teru’ah (also known as Rosh Hashanah) and the Day of Atonement, thousands of Jews go to Jerusalem, pray at the Western Wall, and beg God for mercy while touching the original temple stones.

Another tradition includes swinging a chicken in circles around the sinner's head and transferring their sins to the animal — a process called 'kaparot', which means to atone. The chicken is then slaughtered and given to the poor.

Many people give charity as a money offering; men dip in the Mikveh to purify themselves, and others pray at the 'graves of the righteous', believing that the closer they are to great figures of faith, the more likely God is to hear them.

Jews living in Israel today care greatly to keep the commands of Yom Kippur and yearn for God's forgiveness with all their hearts.

Yet, the eyes of many of the Jewish people are veiled, unable to see that there is only one way in which they can truly be reconciled to God and that is through the atoning blood of Yeshua, their Messiah.

The scapegoat and the role of the high priest were a shadow, a precursor of Yeshua, as He is the scapegoat, taking on Himself the sins of the world (2 Corinthians 5:21), and the High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16) who stood in the gap on behalf of the people. 

It is only through the revelation of the saving power of Yeshua that anyone can experience forgiveness of sins.

Forgiveness is a precious gift, which sets the captives free from oppression, reconciles hearts, and heals the broken. 

Yeshua declared that He is the "way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6) and that no one comes to the Father but through Him.

Sin has ruled in the hearts of man since Adam first sinned in the garden of Eden, but when we receive Yeshua's forgiveness by accepting his ways and receiving the truth, we can truly become alive in Him and receive eternal life.

By confessing our sins, we throw sin off the throne of our hearts and crown Yeshua as King of our lives, allowing His Holy Spirit to change us from the inside out — in our words, actions and intentions:

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2

Although in the past, forgiveness was given only on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), once a year, Yeshua, who sacrificed Himself to atone for our sins forever, made a covenant with Jews and Gentiles in his blood:

"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." - Matthew 26:28

Thank God He sent Yeshua, the Yom Kippur sacrifice who made a way for all to enter into right standing with God — being our scapegoat, our High priest, our redeemer, and our King Messiah.

This Yom Kippur, as we pray for the atonement of our sins before His mercy seat, let us remember our Jewish brothers and sisters who have not yet received Yeshua's free gift of eternal forgiveness.

Abba, Elohim — thank you for giving us your Son Yeshua, whose blood atones our sins. Forgive me today of my wrongdoing; create in me a pure heart so my life will be pleasing to you. I forgive those who have sinned against me and bless them in your name.

Please grant me the grace to live according to your holiness and open the eyes of Israel to see you as their redeeming Messiah.

 Amen, and amen!

Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement) is a time of repenting and asking for forgiveness but do Jews know that the only way to forgiveness is through Yeshua?

Yom Kippur - True Repentance | Blog | Vision for Israel

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” 

Dear Friends,

Yom Kippur — the Day of Atonement — is approaching and as you know it is the holiest day in the Jewish faith. It marks the end of the 10-day period of introspection and repentance that follows Rosh Hashanah.

On this occasion, Jews are encouraged to make amends with God and to ask forgiveness for sins committed during the past year. But it is notable that this important holiday is followed by Sukkot.

Unlike the sombre reflection of Yom Kippur, Sukkot is a joyous holiday. We celebrate the gathering of the harvest and commemorate the 40 years that the people of Israel spent in the desert on their way to the Promised Land. 

We celebrate the way in which God offered security and protection to the people of Israel during that difficult time. And as we prepare for Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, we cannot forget our many Jewish brothers and sisters who still struggle today. 

As God protected our ancestors in the desert, we too must offer protection to those in need. By forgiving others and ourselves at the top of the year, we open our hearts to give.

“Giving” is the root word of “forgiving.” They are linked. For when you forgive, you set your own will aside and are able to give to a person or cause with an open hand and open heart. 

It is with that open heart that we ask you to help us in supporting those in need. Vision for Israel was founded on the principles of giving, and we could not help the many families we do without your generosity. 

As you accept God’s forgiveness and prepare to rejoice in the Feast of Tabernacles, consider giving protection and aid to the many who will sadly be without it this season. 

Consider becoming a monthly donor to Vision for Israel and you’ll play a key part in the crucial ongoing support provided to so many underprivileged families.

Please donate here. 

Your friends,
Barry, Batya, and the VFI Team

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured you.”  

By forgiving, we are also giving.With Yom Kippur behind us and Sukkot ahead, we want to ensure all Israeli citizens can celebrate the holidays with dignity. 

The Beauty of Generosity this Holiday Season | Blog | Vision for Israel

The Beauty of Generosity this Holiday Season

“Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.’” 

Rosh Hashanah, which is celebrated on the first of the month of Tishri, marks the beginning of the Hebrew calendar. This special feast is mentioned in the scriptures as a holy convocation and a memorial of the blowing of trumpets.

“Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work on it; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord.’” - Leviticus 23:23–25

On the first of the month of Elul, preparations begin for a period of special prayers in the synagogues. In the early morning hours, people gather in the synagogues to ask for forgiveness, for all the wrongdoings they have committed intentionally and unintentionally. 

Many Jews take their families on a special walk in the streets of Jerusalem, listening to the nostalgic melodies and pleasant traditional prayers emanating from the windows of the synagogues. 

Year after year, the people are taken back to their roots and reminded of the Jewish traditions they grew up with and the long history of Sephardic and Ashkenazi Jews who have prayed in Jerusalem for many generations.

“In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” – Isaiah 30:15

Rosh Hashanah is considered a 'Sabbath-rest'; for that reason, families gather around for a festive meal with relatives and friends as they light the candles and enjoy a meal comprised of foods that symbolize the new year:

Apples dipped in honey – for a 'sweet and happy new year'.

Round honey-covered Challah bread – the circular shape symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, as well as the crown of God.

Pomegranate – Its many seeds symbolize good deeds. When we eat the pomegranate, we say a blessing that our rights will be as many as the seeds of the pomegranate.

Fish – Blessing those in attendance to be 'the head and not the tail', and in the hope that the year will be as bountiful as the fish in the sea.


Another Rosh Hashanah tradition is that people bless each other with 'Shana tova umetuka' (a good and sweet year) or ‘Shana tova ume’vorechet’ (a good and blessed year). 

“‘And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no customary work. For you it is a day of blowing the trumpets.” – Numbers 29:1

In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah (the 'head of the year') is also called Yom Teruah. The word teruah means "to make a sound”. For this reason, this special holiday is marked by blowing the shofar (a ram's horn) in synagogues in Israel and worldwide. 

In the Bible, the sound of a trumpet blast was used as a special call as a warning, a time of mourning or war, or on joyous occasions – to proclaim the beginning of a festive and joyful event.

“With trumpets and the sound of a horn; Shout joyfully before the Lord, the King.” - Psalm 98:6

In Israel, the shofar is blown in the synagogue on Rosh Hashanah in a series of three types of blasts:

Shevarim — a series of three short wails

“Blow the trumpet at the time of the New Moon,

At the full moon, on our solemn feast day.” – Psalm 81:3

In this instance, the sound of the shofar is a joyous one, declaring a time of new beginnings and joy, but Rosh Hashanah is not only about welcoming the new year – the shofar also serves as a call to repentance and forgiveness.

While most of the world celebrates their new year with fireworks, New Year’s resolutions, and counting down till midnight with a drink in hand, the biblical feast of the Hebraic new year is celebrated differently.

Rosh Hashanah also begins a ten-day period leading up to the holiest day of the Jewish calendar Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). On Yom Kippur, the priests would enter the Holy of Holies and repent on behalf of the people of Israel and ask that God would cleanse them of their sins. 

The ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are dedicated to deep introspection, self-examination, and soul searching that results in repentance. 

As believers in Yeshua, we have confidence that our sins are atoned for and that we are made a new creation through His sacrifice.

“Therefore if anyone is in Messiah, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through the Messiah and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. That is, in Messiah God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them; and He has entrusted the message of reconciliation to us. We are therefore ambassadors for Messiah, as though God were making His appeal through us. We beg you on behalf of the Messiah, be reconciled to God.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (TLV)

“Then I will give them one heart. I will put a new Spirit within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh…” — Ezekiel 11:19

Only through true salvation in Yeshua and a covenant between God and man can we stand before the King of Kings and be found righteous in the Messiah.

“Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah — not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them, says the Lord. But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” — Jeremiah 31:31-33

The true hope of Rosh Hashanah is the hope of reconciliation, gratitude for forgiveness, a covenant relationship with Yeshua, and the miracle of becoming a new creation.

As thousands of Jews gather to listen to the blowing of the shofar in the synagogues worldwide and in Israel, let it be a call to repentance, ushering in the days of great salvation and redemption.

And shout among the chief of the nations;

The remnant of Israel!’” — Jeremiah 31:7

As we say in Israel: May you be the head and not the tail and have a 'Shana tova u'metuka'! We have hope, peace, and love and wish you all a happy and blessed new year!

Rosh Hashanah is more than a festive holiday reminding us of new beginnings, it's an opportunity to reconcile with God and pray for salvation.

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