2 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
4 eggs
1 cup oil
1 cup sugar
1 cup honey
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground ginger
A pinch of ground cloves
1 cup boiling coffee or tea

Sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl.

In a separate bowl, beat eggs, oil, sugar, honey, and spices.

Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture. Mix just until a smooth batter forms. Add boiling coffee or tea in 2-3 additions and beat quickly to create a thin, smooth batter.

Pour immediately into baking pans lined with parchment paper, filling it 2/3 of the way.

Bake 35-40 min. until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

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 supoorting our life changing work in Israel.

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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?

Around Rosh Hashana, many recipes pop up in Israel featuring honey because—according to old Jewish customs—honey signifies the hope that the new year will be sweet.

Spiced Honey Cake | Blog | Vision for Israel

“And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:” 

Dear friends,

Each and every one of us wants to be successful and prosperous in life. We all have different definitions of success and different starting points, but no matter what the status of each one of us is, we all strive to reach a life of blessing.

We all remember the piggy bank we had at home where we would put coins in every time we received a gift from our parents or relatives. Every so often we would open the piggy bank and count the coins. Then we would think about what we could buy with all the coins we saved. Now we are not counting coins we have saved, but blessings. Think of every coin you have received in your life as a blessing you have given to someone in your life. Now is the time to make use of these blessings. 

It doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, you can still be full of blessings. Blessings do not come only in the form of economic wealth. Rather, blessings come in the form of joy, health, contentment, love, financial stability, well-being, satisfaction, appreciation, generosity, and gratitude for what we have.

The best thing we can do is make our very existence a blessing to others. If you always strive to be kind to those you meet, generous with your resources and help when you can, you create blessings in other peoples’ lives. When you bless others, the blessings will come back to you.

This is what VFI is all about. When you partner with us, you become part of the blessing, and in return, God pours His blessings on you.

Since the beginning, our goal has been to create a support and blessing system for people who have reached a state of difficulty or crisis. We offer support, funding, resources, and other small blessings for those who need it most: we feed the hungry, we provide for the poor, and we celebrate the lonely and forgotten in our world. In return, we have seen some of the most beautiful and honest acts of love from those around us. We are repeatedly reminded that the Lord's love is so great and His blessings are beyond our expectations or imagination. When we show up and give blessings to others, God shows up to bless us in return. 

Giving blessings to others does not detract or deprive us of anything. Blessings are not limited, they are limitless and there are enough of them to go around.

Each one of you is a blessing. Your prayers and financial support are greatly appreciated, and we want you to know how special you are. We feel your presence with us in every achievement and blessing we give and receive.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
For they shall be filled.“ -- Matthew 5:6

We hope that God’s blessings never stop pouring into your life and that you always have the presence and peace to recognize them. Please continue to help us bless others by donating here. 

May the Lord Bless and Keep You,

Barry and Batya with the VFI team

“Blessed be Your glorious name, Which is exalted above all blessing and praise!״ 

When you bless others, God blesses you. The more goodness you put into the world, the more goodness you see. We aim to be a blessing for those who need it most. 

Blessings Shall Come Upon You | Blog | Vision for Israel

"When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said." 

For this week's Torah portion, we will be reading Parashat Matot-Masei from Numbers 30:2-36:13, which means 'Tribes-Journeys'.

In this Parasha, we will explore the 40-year journey the tribes went through in the desert, the importance of our vows, following God's instructions, and making sure our words match our actions.

At this point, the people of Israel are nearing the end of their 40 years of wandering in the desert and have gone through many tests and trials.

God used their time of waiting to enter the promised land as the perfect opportunity to prepare them to face their enemies - but not before they learned to walk in another level of obedience and integrity.

Here are three examples in which God teaches the people of Israel how their words, obedience, and actions go hand in hand with consequences, for better or worse.

The parashah starts with Moses' instructions to the heads of the tribes, explaining to them the importance of treating their vows to the Lord in reverence, taking extra caution to be fully committed:

"When a man makes a vow to the Lord or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said." - Numbers 30:2

Often, words can be used casually and without much forethought of the potential consequences they might bring.

Moses was a mediator between God and the people, and God chose him as a mouthpiece to convey his will to the people — which is a great and powerful position to be in.

As a leader, he learned firsthand how important and influential his words were as he was not allowed to enter the promised land after rebuking the people at Meribah.

So it is no surprise that he teaches them one of the most important lessons: your words matter, whether that is an oath, correction, or guidance. If they are used carelessly, you risk making the holy and important things profane or even leading people astray.

Moses even gives examples of cases in which a person should be released from oaths and obligations. Thank God there is a solution even when we over-commit and bite off more than we can chew! 

God then commands the Israelites to go to war against the Midianites, who followed Balaam's advice and enticed the Israelites to be unfaithful to the Lord:

"So Moses said to the people, ‘Arm some of your men to go to war against the Midianites so that they may carry out the Lord's vengeance on them. Send into battle a thousand men from each of the tribes of Israel.’"  - Numbers 31:3-4

Although they won the battle, they disobeyed God's instructions by taking women unto themselves:

"The Israelites captured the Midianite women and children and took all the Midianite herds, flocks, and goods as plunder. They burned all the towns where the Midianites had settled, as well as all their camps."  - Numbers 31:9-11

Moses was angry since he gave them instructions, and they did not obey. He then instructed them to cleanse themselves after their disobedience. 

After some time, while dividing the plunder between the tribes, they understood their ways were not pleasing to the Lord and showed genuine remorse by collecting an offering to God:

"So we have brought as an offering to the Lord the gold articles each of us acquired—armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings and necklaces—to make atonement for ourselves before the Lord."  - Numbers 31:50

God wanted to give the promised land in its entirety to the people of Israel. This battle acted as preparation grounds to see whether or not they would heed his instructions when fighting against the gentile nations who possessed the land or if they would fall prey to disobedience.

The Reubenites and Gadites decided they did not want to cross the Jordan into the promised land with their people and livestock. This angered Moses, who thought they did not want to go to battle and didn't mind leaving the difficult job of conquering the land to the rest of the tribes.

As they assured him they would fight with their fellow Israelites until all the other tribes had received their inheritance, Moses reiterates just how critical it is that they follow through on their obligation before the Lord:

"Then Moses said to them, ‘If you will do this—if you will arm yourselves before the Lord for battle and if all of you who are armed cross over the Jordan before the Lord until he has driven his enemies out before him— then when the land is subdued before the Lord, you may return and be free from your obligation to the Lord and to Israel. And this land will be your possession before the Lord...but if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out. Build cities for your women and children, and pens for your flocks, but do what you have promised.’"  - Numbers 32:20-27

Moses considered it a sin against the Lord if the Reubenites and Gadites did not fulfill their promises before God and urged them to take it seriously, reminding them that their own actions would hunt them down if they did not follow through.

Moses recorded all the places the people of Israel stopped along the way to the promised land and reminded them to continue serving him with reverence and obedience as he has taught them in the desert for 40 years:

"On the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho the Lord said to Moses, ‘Speak to the Israelites and say to them: When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and their cast idols, and demolish all their high places. Take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess.’"  - Numbers 30:50-53

The common thread weaved through this parashah is just how important our words and actions are to the Lord and how when we choose to submit our ways to the Lord, He will bless our steps, but when we step out of His will, we are not able to reach the promised land, the inheritance God ordained for us.

The people of Israel are an example to us today of how to walk with integrity and not compromise, how to repent when we have gone astray and how to consider our steps carefully before we take them. We all act hastily sometimes and pay the consequences, but God is gracious to forgive us our sins as we repent and turn from our ways.

As we reflect on Parashat Matot-Masei, we thank God for teaching us how to walk with integrity in our words, actions, and commitments.

Let's pray together:
"God, please teach me how to use my words wisely and be intentional about my commitments and actions. Guide me in your ways so that I will walk in your will so I can serve you faithfully."

In Parashat Matot-Masei, the people of Israel are tested and tried in preparation to enter the promised land - but it is not without a price.

Parashat Matot-Masei | Blog | Vision for Israel

For several years, Vision for Israel has had the immense privilege of supporting and collaborating with the organization of victims of hostilities in a special scholarship project for students who are victims of hostilities.

Each year we gather to partner together to the point that this well-intended project, which started as a small endeavor, has become a tradition we refuse to miss.

Victims of hostilities suffer significant long-term trauma and can often feel isolated from the memories and loss they have suffered as a result.

As children and teenagers, they carry the heavy burden of trying to build a future for themselves through education, all while trying to solve complicated mental and emotional difficulties, either endured by their parents or themselves.

We believe that providing education for students who are victims of hostilities, will help ease their way back into a normative life cycle, realize their academic abilities, and complete their education according to their skills.

Education is of great importance in creating employment opportunities and contributes to improving their self-esteem and confidence. When they see that a whole system of adults believes in their well-being, taking care of their future, and cheering them on -- it shrinks the goliath-size difficulty they stand against.

Projects like this are critical and are contributing factors in rehabilitating terror survivors who attend higher education institutions.

This year, we were honored to host the scholarship distribution ceremony at the Millennium Center in a festive setting.

The students were accompanied by relatives and friends and were greeted with a colorful reception filled with light and rich refreshments, including quality sandwiches, savory pastries, cookies, and cold and hot drinks. In the background, bringing much joy to the event was musician and singalong emcee Shalom Har-Even, which elevated the celebration with his upbeat music.

Each student then received a check and a certificate of appreciation in person, accompanied by a melody, and had the opportunity to share about themselves, and their course of study.

This year we were able to award 76 scholarships to students who were most in need of the blessed assistance.

It was an exciting and very empowering evening. Seeing the smiles on the faces of the children, knowing that we had a small hand in guaranteeing their success as successful members of society, was the highlight of the evening. 

We are grateful for the fruitful cooperation with the representative organization through which we have been able to touch more and more families in need of assistance and improve their quality of life.

We look forward to continue supporting survivors of hostilities and their children as they walk bravely into their destinies by dedicating our resources to better their life and education.

By providing grants for victims of hostilities we help ease their way back into life, realize their academic abilities, and complete their education.

Scholarship Ceremony for Victims of Hostilities Students

“… 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;”

Dear friends,

During our 28 years as an organization, Vision for Israel has always worked directly with families and children in poverty who are in need of support. Providing food for the hungry is one of our main objectives. In the last few years, we have seen an increase in the poverty rate and the number of children suffering from hunger.

When our team visited Riki for the first time we learned she was a single mother with 3 kids. She was a heavy-set woman who lost most of her hair. Her nails were broken and she was explaining that she and her kids are eating bread, pasta, and rice and that she couldn't afford to buy any nutritious food. She was explaining that she suffers from pain in parts of her body. When she opened the fridge, we saw a few slices of bread and margarine. That's when we realized that there are hundreds of thousands of people like Riki. 

Nutritional insecurity is one of the hallmarks of poverty. Many people who experience poverty cannot get the proper nutrients that they need because they do not have access to healthy food sources. Hunger causes damage to both physical and mental health and can ostracize families from their communities.

Children are particularly vulnerable to the lack of nutritional food because they are still developing, and they need proper nutrients to grow. The lack of it can cause them to fall behind in their education or become excluded from their peers. The percentage of children suffering from food insecurity is particularly high among families who are falling under the poverty line. For those who receive a monthly allowance from the Israeli National Security, there is a high percentage ofArab, ultra-Orthodox families, and families receiving disability stipends.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation and caused a rise in food insecurity for these communities. As a result, there has been an increase in applications for welfare aid. Charitable organizations are dealing with increased demand, and Vision for Israel is no exception.

Those families who have been supported by Vision for Israel feelthey are part of the family. We visit hundreds of families every month to keep the provision going. Each family receivesabasket with high-quality nutritional food.

As there has been an increase in poverty, we have had to increase our output. Your support of $100 to Vision for Israel, will provide an entire family with a gift card to buy food. By giving $50, we can provide a family with a food basket filled with nutritious food products.

We hope to continue to grow so that we may help as many people as possible. We trust you, our friends and supporters, to help us make a difference for the poor and hungry in Israel.

It is always a joy to know we are making a difference and we all have the opportunity to partake in it. Please donate here.


May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Your friends,
Barry, Batya, and the VFI Team

He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. 

There has been an increase in food insecurity, and more people need assistance than ever before. We need your help to support and feed our community. 

Food Insecurity Increases Among Young Children, Elderly

Taking Practical Action to Save Lives in Israel 

"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day" 

It was a typical day as Ronit left the supermarket to unload her groceries in her car when a siren wailed loudly throughout the city: Tzeva Adom (Code Red).

Panic floods her senses as only 15 seconds stand between her reaching shelter and the rocket hitting the ground. She quickly scans the area with only one thing on her mind: "Shelter. I need to find shelter".

The moment her feet enter the mobile shelter, she sighs in relief as she is greeted by other pedestrians, all grateful to find one near enough -- and in time.

Although Ronit safely returned home that day, there is no way of knowing when more missiles will be launched and if next time she will be so fortunate.

Hamas terrorists continue to receive funding to destroy the citizens of Israel in the south and in the north, on the Syrian-Lebanese border, thousands of missiles are continuously aimed at Israel as well.

For that reason, in collaboration with security system officials, Vision for Israel has placed dozens of shelters to save lives across the southern border.

Recently, Barry toured conflict areas and strategically scouted moreareas to place mobile bomb shelters, especially in high-traffic areas to fill in the gaps where no bomb shelters can be found.

With your help, Vision for Israel aims to place dozens more mobile shelters in the southern region of Israel and specifically 14 more areas in the city of Sderot, where there is a dire need. Our goal is to supply additional sheltersto the north as well.

One day Israel will reach a place of peace, but till then, we will answer evil with good and place as many shelters as we can till we reach better times.

What can you do to help? Head to our website to make a donation of any amount.

Help us provide shelter where shelters are needed the most and be a part of protecting lives in Israel today.

In Israel, you have 15 seconds to reach shelter when a missile is launched. But is there one close enough to reach in time? That's where you can help.

As Evil Missiles Target the Innocent, Israel Will Rise to Protect Itself | Blog | Vision for Israel

As Evil Missiles Target the Innocent, Israel Will Rise to Protect Itself

The work of Vision for Israel is continuing at a great pace. During this period VFI had many ongoing activities including the vital need for mobile bomb shelters in the south, Pack To School deliveries, and our ongoing support to the poor and needy. We were able to provide assistance with emergency and rescue equipment including medications to a team of doctors and paramedics who were on the Ukrainian-Polish border. During the same period, we celebrated Holocaust survivors and supported terror victims. We are honored to provide assistance where it's needed. This is possible thanks to God’s love and the generosity of our partners. 

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 

Aid to Refugees and New Immigrants from Ukraine

We are helping the families arriving in Israel as much as we can with daily, basic needs and support. Many people need shelter, food, hygiene products, clothing, shoes, and other basic necessities that the Israeli government is not providing. We are here to fill that gap and make sure that these newcomers feel love and support from the Lord. Recently, we were able to give aid to Ukrainian refugees and new immigrants arriving in Israel.

A Shelter and Strong Tower From the Enemy

Thousands of rockets land in Israel, mainly on the southern border. Citizens live in daily survival and terrible anxiety. From the moment the alarm sounds until the rocket hits the ground, there are 15-45 seconds to reach a shelter. Dozens of shelters have been set up in many cities and towns in the south of the country through the generosity of VFI’s partners.

A strong tower from the enemy. – Psalm 61:3

In honor of Women's Day, we were happy to give 200 women, members of the Organization of Victims of Hostilities, a pampering and empowering day. The women enjoyed beauty classes and shiatsu and reflexology treatments, guest speakers, and a comedy show at lunch. At the end of the event, each lady received a package of skin care creams. The women expressed gratitude for the successful and impressive event, and we were delighted to give them a respite from their difficulty coping with the trauma.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. - Proverbs 31:26 

For Passover, we provided monetary support to soldiers who are facing financial challenges. One of them is Hadar*, an outstanding and brave soldier. In 2016, when she was only 13, Hadar was seriously injured in an act of terrorism. Her father was killed on the spot, and her mother and brother were seriously injured. Hadar managed to pull her parents out of the vehicle and seek help.

As the daughter of a bereaved family, she needed a signed permit from her mother to join the IDF. Though her mother suffered a serious head injury and extensive rehabilitation, she signed without any hesitation. The strong value of defending the homeland has seeped deep into Hadar, who serves with courage, heroism, and excellence.

*Name has been changed

During Passover, we were reminded of how God protected and saved His people from Egypt. We shared this joy with hundreds of families who received magnetic gift cards for shopping for the holiday. As we have staff members from Ethiopia, it was special for us to deliver aid to the lovely Ethiopian community. Thank you for spreading joy and life in Israel this Passover.

Celebration for Arad Holocaust Survivors 

We recently hosted an exciting event for 50 Holocaust survivors, Hebrew and Russian-speaking, members of the Cafe Europa social club from the city of Arad. The Holocaust survivors came to the Millennium Center for a musical morning full of fun and joy that included singing and dancing with 3 musicians. It was so exciting to see the survivors singing, dancing, and having fun. This was the first event that the survivors went to since the Covid pandemic began and they were very excited and happy to be there.

Recently Vision for Israel sponsored yet another cultural event supporting survivors of terrorism.
In cooperation with the Representative Organization of Victims of Hostilities, we held a cultural evening at the Arts Center in the neighborhood of Pisgat Ze'ev in Jerusalem.

About 307 survivors of hostilities and 35 Holocaust survivors came to watch the musical "Bustan Sephardi" (A Spanish Garden) by the Habima Theater, directed by Tzadi Tzarfati.

Celebration for Be’er Sheva Holocaust Survivors 

On a beautiful spring morning, 45 Holocaust survivors traveled from Be'er Sheva to the Millennium Center in Modi'in for a day of fun and appreciation. The tables were filled with delicious refreshments and drinks. As they enjoyed these treats, they socialized together as many of them, being elderly, are often alone and without company. With such great joy in the air, the survivors got up from their tables and broke out in a youthful dance session. They even formed a conga line and danced all around the lobby, with Barry and Batya sharing in this precious moment.

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; - Ecclesiastes 3:4 

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.

Your donations and support go a long way, and our team has already helped hundreds of people in the second quarter of this year. This is what we’ve been up to.

Impact Report—April 2022 | Blog | Vision for Israel


For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.

We are on the precipice of war. 

Southern Israel has been pummeled with over 20,000 incoming rockets of various strengths in the last 14 years. This does not include the northern border.

Recently, Iran has begun disconnecting almost all security monitoring cameras so the IAEA can no longer view Iran's nuclear facilities. Hezbollah, the proxy army of Iran, is known to have at least 150,000 rockets, stored all over Lebanon, to be used against Israel. Countless people could die or be wounded if they succeed.

We know that Iran has enriched uranium to nearly 90%, 18 times more than what was agreed upon, and is only days or weeks away from the necessary ingredients for nuclear bombs.

Because of the hostility from countries like Iran, Israel is now training and preparing for a multi-front war scenario. Every branch of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) just completed over one month of strategic training. This included Civil Defense, the emergency ambulance services, and hospitals. Training even took place on a nearby Mediterranean island and a simulated attack on Iran's nuclear facilities over the Mediterranean Sea.  This is an "all hands on deck" situation.

On June 13 and 14, we worked with the IDF to scout potential sites for placing another 40 mobile safety shelters which will complete a total of 100 safety mobile shelters. We looked for the public areas in the cities, moshavs, villages, and towns that are vulnerable to incoming rocket fire from terrorist groups such as Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

These mobile shelters are being provided and facilitated through the work and ministry of Vision for Israel.

"When crisis comes, it's too late to prepare.”

This is an urgent call to all our partners and friends to mobilize. The requests coming in are to place hundreds more bomb shelters, order more ambulances and emergency vehicles, and provide the necessary medical kits for doctors in the field. Let us all set a kingdom example as people of great faith. Thousands of people will potentially die if Iran succeeds with her plans for Israel’s destruction.

Your prayers and financial gifts are necessary to overcome our enemies. 

We need your help more than ever.  Please give freely here.


May the Lord bless you and keep you during this challenging time.

Your friends,
Barry, Batya, and the VFI Team


Do not keep silent, O God!
Do not hold Your peace,
And do not be still, O God!
For behold, Your enemies make a tumult;
And those who hate You have lifted up their head. 

The threat of Iran attacking Israel in the coming days and weeks is very probable. We need support to build and place bomb shelters for protection.

Iran Is Ready, We Must Be Too | Blog | Vision for Israel

If only you would listen to God’s voice this day, and not become hard-hearted like the people at Merivah, like that time at Massah – in the desert, when your ancestors tried Me; and tested Me, though they had seen what I wrought.

Sh’lach-Lecha (“Send away”) is the 37th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading and covers Numbers 13:1-15:41. The title is taken from the first word of the imperative that appears at the beginning of the parashah in verse 2 when God says to Moses: “Sh’lach-lecha” / Send away.”

“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel; from each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader among them.” — Numbers 13:1-2

Every so often, the content from the weekly Torah portion, as well as the liturgical contents of the synagogue service, not to mention the teachings of the New Testament intersect. Every Friday evening before sunset, synagogues conduct a special liturgical service to welcome the Sabbath called Kabbalat Shabbat, lit. the Welcoming of the Sabbath. The service is joyful and musical in nature, as the congregants progress through melodic renditions of Psalms 92-100 which begin with the introduction, “mizmor shir l’yom ha’Shabbat – A psalm, a song; for the Sabbath day” (Ps. 92:1).

The service actually begins with Psalm 95 before making its way back around to chapter 92 by the end of the service. Psalms 95:1 encapsulates the grandeur of the evening: “Come, let us sing joyously to the LORD, raise a shout for the rock of our salvation!” The prayer continues, and although it is sung with adulation, it concludes with a warning and reminder of the suffering that ensued for Israel in the wilderness:

For forty years I was troubled by that generation, and I said, “These are a people whose hearts have gone astray, they do not know My way,” so, in anger, I swore that they would not enter My rest. (Ps. 95:8-11)

The context of verses 10-11 is established in this week’s Torah portion, Parshat Sh’lach-Lecha. Numbers chapters 13-14 recount the story of the twelve spies who were sent by Moses to reconnoiter the Promised Land on behalf of the Israelites. According to the narrative, twelve of the truly great leaders of the nation, one from each tribe, went to survey the Land – and came back with a report that demoralized the people and caused them to lose faith in their ability to occupy their God-given inheritance. As a result, the entire generation was condemned to death in the Wilderness and Israel’s entry into the Land was delayed for almost forty years.

In synagogues around the world, as Jews gather to hear this story read publicly in the ceremonial reading of the Torah on Shabbat morning, they are also reminded of the harrowing consequences the incident of the Twelve Spies has played throughout Jewish history. According to Rabbinic tradition, the Israelite’s refusal to enter the Promised Land occurred on Tisha b’Av, a day on the biblical calendar that would later become the anniversary of the destruction of both the First and Second Temple, as well as later tragedies that would befall the Jewish community until the present day.

In Psalm 95, the psalmist describes the people’s failure to enter the land metaphorically as their refusal to enter God’s “rest.” This description presents many questions, among them: What was Israel’s true destination in the Wilderness? And from where did the psalmist derive his parallel association of the Holy Land and rest?

In Numbers 10:33, we read that at the start of their departure from Mount Sinai, the Ark of the LORD went before the people on a three-day journey to “seek for them a resting place.” When we read this passage in context, we find that perhaps the most incredible aspect of the wilderness journey was that God was already traveling ahead of the people seeking menucha (a resting place). The word menucha, “rest” more accurately means comfort. In fact, in Jewish tradition one of the names of the Messiah to come is Menachem, which means ‘comforter’ – ‘the provider of rest.’

Psalm 95 describes the pinnacle of the journey from God’s perspective in the first person, “menuchati – My rest.” When we consider the narrative of the Twelve Spies in light of the journey’s beginning in Numbers 10, we begin to understand the people’s folly. The Hebrew word for searching is latur (to search/tour). Ironically, both the description of God going before the nation to find rest and the spies’ reconnaissance of the Promised Land are classified by the same word (Num. 10:33 to Num. 13:17). In essence, God was already “touring” ahead of the people to find the resting place so that He could gather and comfort His people quickly. Ultimately, the grievous sin in Parshat Shelach stems from a lack of faith i.e., trust in God. The people did not trust in the work that God had already done for them, and in determining to ‘latur’ for themselves, they became overwhelmed by what they saw with their own eyes (Num. 13:33).

At the beginning of Numbers 14, we read that the people lamented all that night over the spies’ report and plotted ways to subvert Moses and return to Egypt. Sadly, the next day when the people realized that they had made a mistake, they wanted to reenter the Promised Land and fight the Amalekites and the Canaanites. But it was too late. God did not go with them. And many Israelite men fell at the sword. Hence, in the parallel account of Psalm 95, the psalmist urges his audience, “hayom, im b’kolo tishma'u – Today, if you hear God’s voice...”.

The dichotomy between these two parallel accounts is emphasized in the words ‘day’ and ‘night’. Just as the Torah says that the people cried all that night, they did so because they refused to hear the voice of God when He was present in the day. The details of this subtle contrast are not to be overlooked. In Jewish thought, day and night are prophetic illustrations of redemption and exile. Night represents the darkness Israel suffers in severance from God while day represents the light enjoyed by being in proximity to God’s countenance. When the story of the Twelve Spies is taken as the catalyst of Jewish exile – the forerunner of the many disasters that befell Israel on Tisha b’Av, the poetic contrast makes sense: The ultimate redemption that finally sees Israel and humanity reconciled to God can be described altogether as Day!

In the New Testament, the writer of Hebrews makes an object lesson of this parallel and quotes the passage in Psalm 95 to expound on the lessons found in Parashat Shelach. In his rich midrashic interpretation, the apostle manages to tie all these elements together to illustrate the idea of God’s redemptive work through the theme of Shabbat:

God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:

For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.

There remains [then] a Sabbath rest for God’s people; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:7-11)

For the sake of brevity, we have only included these verses to illustrate the topic. But please take the time to investigate the entirety of Hebrews chapters 3-4 for the full effect. For example, in Hebrews 3:12-19, the author admonishes his audience to avoid the sin of an unbelieving heart, referring to the generation that perished in the wilderness. Furthermore, he frequently quotes Psalm 95 directly as the source text for his argument and makes use of the psalm’s imagery in saying, “So long as it is called Today [hayom], encourage one another every day so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness (v. 13).” The apostle’s argument is masterful and brilliant and enunciates the fact that Shabbat is not merely a weekly occurrence, but a foretaste of something much greater.

In Hebrews chapter 3, The writer compares entering the Promised land to entering faith in Messiah. We could say that both Messiah and the entrance into the land came as the culmination of the covenant promises. Both Messiah and the entrance into the Promised Land require faith and obedience. Thus, the writer begins his discourse by pointing out that the first and most obvious lesson in Parshat Shelach is that falling short of God’s rest is the result of unbelief (Hebrews 3:19). Furthermore, the rest to which Hebrews refers to is the same rest described in Numbers 10 and Psalm 95. With that in mind, the author presents a profound observation of God’s work at creation:
Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has declared, “So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.'”And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world! (Hebrews 4:3)


Just as Numbers 10 describes the Ark of God going before the nation to find a resting place, the writer of Hebrews describes God’s work as having been finished since the creation. This can be a puzzling statement if little thought is given, but it comes to life when we consider the source text forming the crux of his argument.


When the psalmist alludes to God’s rest, there is only one ‘rest’ belonging to God mentioned in Scripture – His rest at Creation. Thus, the apostle recounts the Creation narrative and points out that according to the simple meaning of the text - the rest that the people were supposed to enter - really began on the first Sabbath after the six days of God creating the Universe; and since God did not resume creating after His rest on the eighth day, His eternal Shabbat is still waiting for all those who choose to listen to His voice, so long as it is called ‘today.’


In a similar vein, the Prophet Isaiah says: 

“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon". (Isa. 55:6-7)

This Friday evening, as our people sing the words of Psalm 95 in synagogues around the world, let us also join them in considering the lessons of this week’s Torah portion, determining to remove the barriers in our own hearts that prevent us from truly and fully entering God’s comfort.

Shabbat Shalom

Parashat Shelach is not just a story of fear and its dire consequences to the people of Israel but of how choosing to trust brings about God's promises.

Parashat Sh׳lach Lecha | Blog | Vision for Israel

Parashat Sh׳lach Lecha: Choosing the Good Report 

Woman's day is the perfect opportunity to shine the limelight on the world's brave, strong, and loving women. 

Unfortunately, many people, living normal lives find themselves stricken by a sudden and unexpected terror that forever changes their lives.

The journey to recovery is long and arduous, and many times the victims are left without defense or support.

We at Vision for Israel have not forgotten such women.

In honor of Women's Day, we were privileged to sponsor 200 women, members of the Organization of Victims of Hostilities, for an empowering day of pampering dedicated solely to them.

Upon arrival, the women enjoyed a wide variety of light refreshments, and then, without further ado, the pampering began!

The women sat back and relaxed as professional make-up artists, hair stylists, and pedicurists made them feel brand new. Then they allowed their bodies some much-needed rest as we spoiled them some more with a relaxing shiatsu session and reflexology treatments.

For many, it takes months to make the time for one hair appointment, let alone all the pampering treatments Vision for Israel was honored to provide. 

After being greeted by Barry and representatives from the Organization of Victims of Hostilities, Shira Isakov took center stage as she shared her heroic story of survival.

Shira's ex-husband violently attacked her in an attempt to murder her right in front of their young son.  Although Shira was severely injured, she miraculously survived to tell her story.

Understandably, many women affected by domestic violence never share their stories of survival, but Shira mustered up the courage and publicized her case. Since then, she has become a strong symbol and inspiring role model in the fight to prevent violence against women.

As a public figure, she uses her influence to work with women affected by violence and continues to encourage many to leave abusive situations and seek help.

The women then enjoyed a rich meal together, and to top it off, all laughed to their heart's content as they watched a live comedy show by the talented comedian Tzipi Shavit. The memories that often plague survivors of terror can leave them weary, afraid and lonely, but the comedy show provided pockets of joy and liberation from the burdens they carry.

At the end of the self-care day, each woman received a special surprise from us -- a gift basket packed with skin care creams.

Following the self-care day, the Organization of Victims of Hostilities received heartwarming responses from the women.

They wrote to us, saying: “The event was successful and impressive. The women of the organization waited through the COVID period for such an event. Especially these days, when a wave of terror strikes us again, such an event is extremely vital. We received a lot of positive and encouraging responses.“

We honor the brave women who, despite terrible crimes of violence, rise up to live another day with dignity. 

Vision for Israel stands in support of all women who are victims of hostilities and pray we can remind them how worthy they are through our words and actions.

In honor of Women's Day, VFI sponsored 200 women, of the Organization of Victims of Hostilities, for an empowering day of pampering dedicated solely to them.

A Pampering and Empowering Women’s Day Event for Victims of Hostilities | Blog | Vision for Israel

A Pampering and Empowering Women’s Day Event for Victims of Hostilities

If there is anything that we at Vision for Israel love to do, it's to use our gift of hospitality to welcome people from all walks of life to enjoy special events at the Millenium Center.

We believe that part of our calling is to open our doors to the public and ensure that all who enter through them receive the best VIP treatment one could imagine.

As we reflect on our many visitors, we can't think of many more worthy of serving than the Holocaust survivors of Israel.

Recently, we had the honor of hosting an exciting event for 50 Hebrew and Russian-speaking Holocaust survivors who are members of the Cafe Europa social club from the city of Arad.

We wanted our time with them to be as full of joy as possible - so we decided that the group would enjoy a fun and relaxing musical morning.

We opened the morning with public singing and dancing, hosted by three talented musicians who combined musical instruments and gypsy music. They even switched it up and entertained everyone as they sang in five different languages -- Greek, English, Hebrew, Spanish, and Yiddish.

As all enjoyed the musical melodies with smiles spread wide across their faces, they snacked on savory pastries, and dips, and enjoyed hot and cold drinks. 

Barry and Batya were privileged to meet the Holocaust survivors face to face and greet them; they also had the opportunity to share with the group a little bit about themselves and how Vision for Israel will continue to support the thousands of Holocaust survivors still living in Israel today.

It's always important for us to connect with the people we are serving, as oftentimes, they find themselves on the sidelines of society -- invisible and ignored. Shaking their hands and looking into their eyes as they greet us are moments that will stay with them (and us) long after they leave.

The group was then seated around tables for a delicious and filling lunch of stuffed vegetables, meat skewers, chicken and salmon, green salad, green beans, beet carpaccio, and individual desserts.

After that, one of the Holocaust survivors came up to sing, which encouraged the rest of the group to join in the singing as well. They even got up to dance as the room filled with laughter and joy!

It is no surprise that everyone enjoyed the musical morning as much as they did, as part of the group are members of the Desert Sounds ensemble, a famous and popular musical group that performs around Israel.

Later, we discovered through the coordinator of the south branch that this was the first event the survivors attended since the Covid pandemic started and that they were very excited and happy to be there.

Knowing we provided them with their first outing after a long and challenging period warmed our hearts to the core. We will always make it a priority to bless the remaining Holocaust survivors in Israel and remind them, through events such as this, just how grateful we are for their bravery and courage. 

Since the pandemic began, many Holocaust survivors haven’t socialized. We hosted 50 survivors to enjoy a musical morning full of joy, dancing and laughter.

Musical Breakfast & Lunch for Holocaust Survivors From Arad | Blog | Vision for Israel

Musical Breakfast & Lunch for Holocaust Survivors From Arad

“But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet.”  

Dear friends,

Terror and violence are happening in Israel right now. So many innocent people are being terrorized and killed for things that are not their fault. Many of us feel helpless in the face of such tragedy, but it’s important for us to try to help anyway. What are we doing if we do not defend the souls of innocent people? 

Terrorist attempts take place in Israel almost every day. Even though most of them fail, it is not published in the news and most of us live in a constant state of fear. We are at war for our very existence and survival as a people. Because of this, what happened in Elad recently was not a surprise, though we are devastated at what occurred.

In a ruthless, bloody terrorist attack in Elad, Yonatan, the father of five children, Oren, father of six children, and Boaz father of five children died. Sixteen children became orphans that night. None of them deserve to go through this life without parents, but it’s a reality that they must face now.

This war is not the children’s fight. It is happening because of extreme Islamic groups such as Hamas. Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, called for attacks with firearms or an ax, saying, "Our people in the Negev, the Triangle, the Galilee, Haifa, Jaffa, Acre, Jaffa, and Lod - everyone will make their own rifle. And whoever does not have a rifle - will make a knife or an ax. This is a religious war.” We are once again fighting for the freedom to serve God and live our lives safely and openly.

These last few months, Israel has been preparing to defend herself from enemies in the north and south. Thousands of rockets are ready to be launched by hostile countries. Their only goal is to hit as many civilians in Israel as possible.

For many of us, our instinct is to pray like never before, and we should. However, we should react practically as well. Vision for Israel is uniquely positioned to do that. We plan to prepare for emergencies for the citizens of Israel, without distinction of religion. To date, close to 100 mobile shelters have been installed throughout the southern region. These will provide protection for innocent civilians living in conflict zones and allow them to reach a protected place on short notice.

We all have the responsibility to do whatever we can to help save the lives of people in case of war, terror, and devastation. Please help us save the lives of innocent children and civilians by donating here. Time is of the essence; people are dying every day from this violence.

We will continue to do God’s work, even when evil surrounds us.


May the Lord bless and keep you during this time,

Barry, Batya, and the VFI team

“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.” 

Violence has been constant in Israel, and we are working hard to protect civilians and innocent children. We need your help to provide shelters.

Israel is Under Attack | Blog | Vision for Israel

We care a lot for Holocaust survivors. As the 'invisible' people of society, we know how important it is to go the extra mile and show them how appreciative we are of them -- not just in words, but in actions!

On a beautiful spring morning, in the midst of two national holidays (Jerusalem Day and Shavuot), 45 Holocaust survivors traveled from Be'er Sheva to the Millennium Center in Modi'in for a day of fun and appreciation.

As they came off the bus and entered the Millennium Center, we made sure to give them a grand entrance for royalty!

The tunes of happy and upbeat rhythmic Hebrew songs, led by Shalom Har-Even, played in the background, as they were met with a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.

The tables were filled with delicious refreshments: fresh bread, savory dips, healthy vegetables, crispy and sweet pastries, soft drinks, and hot drinks. As they enjoyed these treats, they socialized together as many of them, being elderly, are often alone and without company.

As the party went on, Shalom, the host, sang and played Hebrew songs on the accordion and even dedicated a special song in honor of Jerusalem Day.

With such great joy in the atmosphere, the survivors got up from their tables and broke out in a youthful dance session. They even formed a conga line and danced all around the lobby, with Barry and Batya sharing in this precious moment.

Our hearts swelled at the sight of the joy, smiles, and laughter in the eyes of the survivors, who still suffer from poverty as they do not receive the financial aid that allow them to live in dignity in their remaining years. For them, every opportunity to join a social gathering outside of their house is like a breath of life to a difficult and harsh reality.

At Vision for Israel, we make sure we do not neglect the elderly, especially those who sacrifice so much to make Israel the great country that it is today. It was Barry and Batya's privilege to greet each one individually and spend time singing and dancing with them.

After all the dancing around, they sat down and shared a wonderful lunch till their bellies (and hearts) were full and content.

Before the day was over, we gathered together for one last bit of fun -- a flower weaving workshop.

Each one made a round bouquet of flowers in a mug, led by the florist Yael Elbaum-Shane, who accompanied them and patiently explained the process step by step.

As we didn't want to let them go home empty-handed, each one got to keep their colorful bouquet and mug to remind them of their time with Vision for Israel.

We hope that every time they see their bouquet or drink from their mug, they will feel the love, acceptance, and care that we have for them and know in their hearts that they are cherished. 

Holocaust survivors are 'invisible' people of society. That's why we should show them how appreciative we are of them -- not just in words, but in actions.

A Fun Day for Holocaust Survivors From Be’er Sheva | Blog | Vision for Israel

A Fun Day for Holocaust Survivors From Be’er Sheva

“Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God."  

Dear Friends,

During the Feast of Shavu’ot, we customarily read the story of Ruth. This is an important story. This book of the Bible not only talks about faithfulness to one another in times of hardship but also the faithfulness of God in all situations. 

In the story, Naomi and Elimelech leave their homeland due to famine. Elimelech dies shortly after they arrive in Moab, and Naomi is left with her two sons in the land of the Moab. Though the sons marry two beautiful women, the men die and Naomi is alone with her daughters-in-law in a land that is foreign to her. She urges them to go back to their families and remarry, but one of them, Ruth, refuses. Out of love for her mother-in-law, she follows Naomi to Bethlehem to live with the people of Israel. 

Though Ruth does not know Naomi’s people, she stays true to her covenant with God and her late husband and stays with her mother-in-law. During a time of uncertainty and fear, Ruth remains steadfast in her faith and her love for her family and does something that likely scared her. This story is often potent for those who become Jewish by choice, not by birth.

It is no secret that it takes a village to make VFI’s work possible. Our extensive areas of service, donations, and events would not be possible without our faithful partners, volunteers, and friends. Just as Ruth walked with Naomi, we often walk by faith when others need help, knowing only that we must serve them and help however we can. It is not our place to understand the situation fully nor feel comfortable, it is our job to carry out the word of God however we can, even when the process feels foreign or intimidating. This would not be a possibility if we did not have loyal supporters.

We rely on the relationships that we have with our partners. Though we don’t always know what will come next, we trust that our partners will be there to help us. With your steady support, we can tackle new projects, while our faith in Yeshua and our vision to help others propels us to keep working. We need these relationships to create reliable, ongoing services for those who need them most. 

Just as Ruth walked with Naomi, we hope that you will walk with us. Please make a donation here.

May the Lord bless you, keep you, and walk with you wherever you go.


Your friends,
Barry, Batya, and the VFI Team

“You are to observe the Feast of Shavuot, which is the firstfruits of the wheat harvest...” 

Our work wouldn’t be possible without the help of our partners. Like Ruth walked with Naomi out of love, we walk with our partners to create a better tomorrow.

The Feast of Shavu’ot and Our VFI Mission | Blog | Vision for Israel

The Feast of Shavu’ot and Our VFI Mission

¼ cup oil
 2 hot peppers, seeded and finely chopped
 2 bell peppers, diced
 8 – 10 garlic cloves, crushed
 5 ripe medium tomatoes, diced
 Salt, to taste
 1 tsp. hot or sweet paprika
 4 eggs

Directions:
1. Heat oil in a medium frying pan over high heat. Add peppers, garlic, and tomatoes. Stir and lower the heat.
2. Cook vegetables until they are tender, stirring occasionally. Add salt and cook for another 7-10 minutes. Add paprika and cook an additional few minutes.
3. Crack the eggs and add them to the sauce, keeping the yolks whole, and covering the whites with the sauce. Cook until eggs are set.
4. Serve immediately. 

Shakshuka combines runny poached eggs in a hearty, spicy sauce of tomatoes and other vegetables for a one-pot meal that’s as much fun to eat as it is to say.

12 lasagna leaves
 2-3 tbsps. olive oil
 2 zucchinis, sliced thin
 2 cups spinach, lightly sautéed
 2 cups grated carrots
 1 cup green or red pepper, cut into squares
 2 onions, chopped and lightly sautéed
 4 garlic cloves, minced
 5 tomatoes, sliced and roasted in the oven
 1 can crushed tomatoes
 2 tbsps. agave syrup
 Oregano
 Thyme
 Black pepper
 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced
 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
 3/4 cup any hard cheese, grated

Directions:
 1. Cook crushed tomatoes with agave syrup, herbs, and black pepper.
 2. In a baking dish, layer lasagna sheets, vegetables, tomato sauce and cheese. Repeat, ending with a layer of lasagna sheets topped with tomato sauce and cheese.
 3. Cover with foil and bake 1 hour at 180°C/ 350°F. Remove foil and bake an additional hour at 150°C/300°F.

This hearty vegetable lasagna is packed full of flavor from zucchini, spinach, peppers, and carrots and it is easy to make and is the perfect comfort food. 

Vegetable Lasagna | Blog | Vision for Israel

“No more will violence be heard in your land, devastation nor destruction within your borders. But you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.” 

Dear friends,

Can you imagine losing both of your parents in one day due to hatred and terrorism? Unfortunately, this is Ronen’s story and thousands of other Israelis who have also lost loved ones and experienced horrific trauma due to hatred and terrorism.

When Ronen was 8 years old, he and his family were on their way to a family reunion for the weekend. Before they knew it, murderous terrorists who were on the hunt to kill Israeli citizens surrounded their car. They began throwing stones at the car and then began shooting at them. In a second, Ronen lost both his parents and found himself bleeding in the back seat, along with his brother. 

Ronen and his brother survived with injuries. However, the injuries to their bodies were nothing compared to the deep wounds that were left in their hearts from losing their parents in such a horrific way. Ronen underwent difficult and lengthy rehabilitation processes, and today he is 25 years old and has managed to recover. Ronen has completed his military service here in Israel and is now in need of support to advance and learn a profession in the field of social work. 

Tens of thousands of Israelis of all religions and ages have undergone difficult and lengthy rehabilitation processes to help them overcome the trauma of terrorism and hatred. This severe trauma can paralyze people, making them helpless and mentally debilitated. These people were once living a normal life, but because of the trauma they experienced, their world has completely turned upside down. Fear and trauma can deeply affect a person’s mind, body, and soul. 

So, how do we support people who have been physically and mentally harmed by severe acts of terrorism and hatred? 

Since 1996, Vision for Israel has been offering assistance to these victims. VFI has impacted many Israelis whose lives have been ruined and who have been deeply wounded by the loss of loved ones due to terrorism. We have stood in the gap by providing for their needs, meeting and embracing them, and supporting them in many practical ways. We believe that caring for these people is a powerful way to overcome destruction, hatred, and evil!

Ronen is just one of the hundreds of students who have received and will continue to receive support for higher education studies. This year VFI plans to invest in the future of 60 Israeli students in their pursuit of higher education. Our goal is the raise $30,000 to invest in the lives of these students, which will greatly impact the future of Israel. 

Now is the time to support the advancement of those Israelis who want to rehabilitate, overcome, and become valuable citizens that impact the nation of Israel!

Will you join us in making an impact on the future of Israel by investing in the higher education of these young Israelis who are choosing to overcome the trauma of terrorism and hatred? Please donate here.

“Doing justice brings joy to the righteous, and terror to those who do evil.”

This is Ronen’s story and thousands of other Israelis who have also lost loved ones and experienced horrific trauma due to hatred and terrorism.

Overcoming Hatred and Terrorism | Blog | Vision for Israel

Last week, Vision for Israel was delighted to conclude yet another cultural event supporting Victims of Hostilities.
In cooperation with the Representative Organization of Victims of Hostilities, we held a cultural evening at the Arts Center in the neighborhood of Pisgat Ze'ev in Jerusalem.

About 307 survivors of hostilities and 35 Holocaust survivors (invited by Vision for Israel) came to watch the musical "Bustan Sephardi" (Spanish Garden) by the Habima Theater, directed by Tzadi Tzarfati.

For victims of hostility, the ongoing effects of trauma, PTSD, and loneliness are just some of the burdensome wounds which they fight to heal every day. Finding relief amid such intense healing is often a hard task for many, as even keeping up with the basic tasks can be daunting.

For that reason, we took it upon ourselves to organize an evening in which, for a few precious hours, they could enjoy a life-giving evening full of laughter and entertainment.

We kicked the evening off by registering all who came and meeting them face to face. Greeting them, taking their names, and distributing their tickets for the play allowed us to say, without many words: "We see you".

After that, we were delighted to see the sparkle in their eyes and the smile on their face as we then handed out gift baskets filled to the brim with pampering products such as hand cream, body lotion, body wash, and body butter, all gifted by "Sabon shel Pa'am".

We then moved on to enjoy a casual time of connection and conversation over a selection of light refreshments - coffee, tea, soft drinks, cakes, and sweet and savory pastries.

Coming out of a long period of Covid restrictions in which we could not gather in groups, it was great fun to see the hall filled with people and hear the sounds of laughter and joy before the show.

During and after the play, many came to thank us, expressing their enjoyment of the play, the gift baskets, and our kindness.
A representative of the Holocaust survivors said that even after the lights went out and all went home, some of the survivors called later on to say thank you and express their enjoyment of the play and how respected they felt as we gave them the best and most accessible seats in the house!

VFI was privileged to donate the refreshments, means of transportation for the participants, a photographer to document their smiles, as well as cover half the cost of the play.

For victims of hostilities, the ongoing effects of trauma are burdensome; that's why we organized a cultural event so that we can ease their load even for a bit.

A Cultural Evening for Terror Survivors | Blog | Vision for Israel

Join us for this week's reading of Parashat Behar from Leviticus 25:1 - 26:2, which means 'on the mountain'. We will explore the generosity of God and the instructions he gives to the Israelites regarding their crops, and fields.

Through this Parasha, we will learn of the just character of God to take care of the poor and the foreigner amongst us and how when we trust him and allow the fields to rest (as we do on a Sabbath day), He multiplies what we gave Him as an offering.

The people of Israel have assembled on Mt. Sinai to hear God's instructions regarding the land he was to give them in Israel. He starts by setting his standards for rest just as He did in the garden of Eden, stating in Leviticus 25:1-4:

"The Lord said to Moses at Mount Sinai, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'When you enter the land I am going to give you, the land itself must observe a sabbath to the Lord.  For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards.“

Why is rest so important to God? After the fall, the ground would not easily yield its fruits (Genesis 3:17-19), and man would have to work by the sweat of his brow.

God's original intent for the Garden of Eden was for humanity to enjoy it without worrying about food or provision. He also commanded them to rest on the seventh day of the week, calling that day 'Sabbath' which in Hebrew means 'to strike, to seize'. 

In Leviticus, God does not only extend his commandment to rest on the Sabbath but also extends it to the soil of the ground and the crops that they yield.

He then introduces them to an even greater standard of rest called the Jubilee in which they were to (verse 8): “Count off seven sabbath years—seven times seven years—so that the seven sabbath years amount to a period of forty-nine years.”

He explains that the (verses 11-12): “fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you; do not sow and do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the untended vines. For it is a jubilee and is to be holy for you; eat only what is taken directly from the fields.”

Furthermore, he explains that in the year of Jubilee, each should return to their own property.

God then instructs the people how to handle their land and property and to fear the Lord while dealing fairly with the poor.

God does not only command rest to the capable amongst the people of Israel or rest to the soil, but also to the restless of society – the poor and the needy.

Imagine being in a position where you have no means to provide for yourself; every day is a struggle, and your only way to survive is to beg for kindness and mercy. For the poor and the needy, there is no rest for the body or soul; neither do they have anything to offer to their children and no inheritance to pass down.

Although they did not toil, strive or sweat for the fields to yield their crops, nor did they offer anything in order to be able to purchase its goods, God deems them worthy of receiving and entering into rest (Leviticus 25:35-36):

"If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you. Do not take interest or any profit from them, but fear your God, so that they may continue to live among you."

In Israel today, many farmers who work the ground take a "Shnat Shmita", a 'year off' in which they do not raise crops. Oftentimes they will put up a sign on the edge of their field by the side of the road which reads: "We keep the seventh year".

The world might think taking the seventh year off to be a foolish desicion. In today's economy, which knows no rest and the competition is fierce, many business owners or farmers cannot afford to take such long breaks, adding on to the pressure of their daily grind in an ever-changing and never stable economy.

It is a great risk to take, and yet for those who put their trust in God, the greater risk would be to be self-sufficient and independent of Him since striving leads to unrest.

For those who fear they will be without or find themselves lacking, God understands their concern and worry, and being kind to us in our weakness, offers a promise. In this promise, He reminds us that if we do what is right, He will command blessings to be upon us (verses 18-22):

"Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will live safely in the land. Then the land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and live there in safety. You may ask, ‘What will we eat in the seventh year if we do not plant or harvest our crops?’ I will send you such a blessing in the sixth year that the land will yield enough for three years. While you plant during the eighth year, you will eat from the old crop and will continue to eat from it until the harvest of the ninth year comes in.”

The temptation to worry is understandable, and yet God offers a greater solution to our need for food, clothes, and housing. 

In Matthew 6:26-33 Yeshua patiently reminds us to cast our worries on Him instead of carrying the burden alone:

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?...But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

We encourage you to read these verses and dwell on them. Focus on God's kingdom and the spiritual or tangible soil and field of your life and heart, and see where God is asking you to rest and to lend to those in need.

As He promised, if you rest, he will make sure that you are overflowing with blessings far beyond your investment, work, or toil.

As we reflect on this Parasha, we thank God for giving us the grace to trust Him fully and to lay our worries for provision on Him. 

Let's pray together:
“God, please help us to put our trust in you and rely on your loving-kindness and trust daily in your provision. Help us follow your instructions in faith. Guide us to share with those who need your care the most.”

In Parashat Behar, God teaches the people of Israel to rest, trust & be generous by asking them not to yield their crops every seventh year.

Parashat Behar - Trust over Worry | Blog | Vision for Israel

When life crumbles before us, we have two options: to give in to heartache or to find strength within ourselves to persevere.

Many of the soldiers who fight for our freedom come from families affected by acts of terrorism. Consider how much strength it takes to overcome your pain and protect others from terrorists like the ones who harmed your family. Though these people’s lives are full of pain, difficulty, and sorrow because of terrorists, they persevere to save others from the same fate. The strength of these individuals is immeasurable.

As an organization, we support both victims of terrorism and IDF soldiers. It inspires us to hear about victims who find the strength to enlist in the army and fight to thwart terrorist acts. These children of God suffer from post-traumatic stress and face endless rehabilitation challenges, but continue to serve and protect our country.

Hadar* is one such outstanding and brave soldier who recently received financial aid from VFI for Passover. In 2016, when she was only 13, Hadar was seriously injured in an act of terrorism. Her family was driving in Har Khevron when a vehicle passed them on the road and opened fire at them. Her father was killed on the spot, and her mother and brother were seriously injured. Hadar managed to pull her parents out of the vehicle and seek help.

As the daughter of a bereaved family, she needed a signed permit from her mother to join the IDF. Though her mother suffered a serious head injury and extensive rehabilitation, she signed without any hesitation because "the army is a part of our lives." The strong value of defending the homeland has seeped deep into Hadar, who serves with courage, heroism, and excellence.

As part of her military service, Hadar chose the position of thwarting terrorist acts in Judea and Samaria. "For me, my job is to watch over my home. I'm sure Dad smiles from ear to ear and is very proud of me," Hadar said.

This is an inspiring example of a young girl who managed to find strength in times of darkness and grow from the crisis she experienced. We are proud of her, salute her, and are very happy to support her and her family. It is people like Hadar who inspire us to continue doing what we do. Our work can impact those who have suffered the most, and because of that, we will never stop striving to fulfill our mission.


*Name has been changed.

In the face of suffering, many victims of terrorism find the strength to fight against the people who hurt them. Their strength and stories inspire us.

The Painful Wound that Led to Heroism | Blog | Vision for Israel

Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will assuredly plant them in this land, with all My heart and with all My soul. 

This month, our beloved Israel is celebrating 74 years of independence. However, long before our independence, Jewish people lived in Israel. This land was promised to our forefathers, and in the proceeding centuries, we have returned to Zion as the scriptures foretold.

Even still, our journey as a people has not been an easy one. Persecution, the Holocaust, and expressions of hatred towards the Jews are just some of the reasons that the state of Israel is so important. Our independence allows us to remain true to our culture and faith without fear of retribution or judgment.

Even though this land is ours and we are celebrating 74 years of independence, the people of Israel still face war, terror, and persecution every day. Though we have established ties with Jordan to the east and Egypt to the south, these peace treaties are fragile and could disintegrate if tensions rise in the Middle East. Because of the Abraham Accords, Israel has new peaceful relations and trade with such nations as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, Kosovo, and Sudan. 

However, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and others still seek to destroy our land, people, and culture. After 2000 years of persecution, we are still fighting for our freedom.

As we celebrate Israel’s 74th Independence Day, it’s important to remember that there are people who need our help. Proverbs 29:18 says:

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.

At Vision for Israel, we’ve always aimed to work for a safer, healthier place for our communities. We are here because we have a desire to contribute and to rehabilitate the weak and downtrodden in our society. It’s our calling to create a bridge between those who love the God of Israel and the people living in Israel. So far, we have reached over 1.5 million people. Though this is a great accomplishment, there is always more work to be done.

With your help, our friends and supporters, we can continue our vision and make sure that the people of Israel do not perish. We can help build a better community and future for this land, in accordance with God’s will. To help us on our mission, donate here.

Happy Israel Independence to all! May the Lord bless and keep you.

Barry, Batya, and the VFI Team

For thus says the Lord: “Sing with gladness for Jacob, And shout among the chief of the nations; Proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘O Lord, save Your people, The remnant of Israel!’ 

May the Lord Bless and Keep You,

Barry, Batya, and the VFI Team

The Jewish people have been persecuted for thousands of years. We gained independence 74 years ago, but there is still so much work to be done.

What’s Next for Israel? Celebrating 74 Years of Independence | Blog | Vision for Israel

What’s Next for Israel? Celebrating 74 Years of Independence

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