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Myles & Katharine Weiss

Dear Friend,

As we blaze into the next phase of the Hebrew year 5774 (which began in September), I am struck by the separation between the biblical and secular realms. Our world is in the grip of one or the other. Just as the Hebrew and Gregorian calendars differ dramatically, so the Hebrew worldview differs from the humanistic, secular, hubris-infused, egocentric view of this brief life!

In fact, the gap widens daily. The most basic division results from the degree to which one believes that the Bible is a unique love letter from Heaven, categorically different from ALL other books, sacred or secular. I have had firsthand experiences with this split.

Those of us who know that the Bible’s Author is the all-knowing Yahweh come in many styles of faith and practice. The differences between us have been significant for centuries. In recent years, however, Messianics, Orthodox Jews, Conservative Jews, Christians, and even non-religious people have found themselves allied in the face of radical Islam and “progressive humanism.” We know that upon His return, Yeshua will completely settle the issue of Messiah’s identity.

For now, we simply work together for Israel’s sake.

I recently spoke on the phone with David Rubin, the former mayor of Shiloh. He and his family live in a gorgeous, Modern Orthodox community in the mountains of Samaria. We discussed his upcoming visit to California. We try to host him often to expose the Church and anyone who will listen to the facts of life in the so-called “disputed territories.”

Western media call the heartland of Biblical Israel the “West Bank.” David shares the story of when he and his then-3-year-old son, Reuven, were shot by terrorists on the road to Shiloh. By God’s mercy, they survived, and David founded the Shiloh Israel Children’s Fund—a therapy center for children touched by terror. Sadly, such trauma impacts most of the youngsters in the mountain communities. They know of someone, are related to someone, or have personally experienced the effects of terror.

David and I talked about life in Israel and politics in general. I offered to arrange for him to stay, as usual, in a shomer Shabbat (kosher, observant) home during his visit. His response astonished me: “Myles, I would just as soon stay in the home of a Messianic as with an average California Jewish person.”

“David, do you realize what you just told me?”

He laughed. “Yes, I know...” After a long pause, he laughed again.

“Myles, I actually have more in common with Messianics than I do with many Reformed or even Conservative Jews.”

What David explained is that the world is dividing along the lines of “Book or no Book.” Those who believe the Bible are bonded to each other and are not in the same “camp” as those who do not believe the Book!

Fast forward to last week. I was sitting in a coffee shop in Napa (California), speaking to an Orthodox Jewish man who writes and speaks about his parents’ Holocaust experience. He will teach our Beit Abba (Father’s House) congregation this coming spring. We were in sync, even finished each other’s sentences, and agreed wholeheartedly about the threat of Iran, America’s murky attitude toward Israel, and the need to reverse worldwide anti-Semitism. We were so simpatico, so in tune, that we felt like long-lost brothers. Toward the end of our time together, he said, “I used to care deeply about these things,” meaning my Messianic faith. “Now I just care about attitudes toward Israel.”

We parted with a warm handclasp in anticipation of a future meeting.


Myles Weiss interviewing Avi Lipkin (a.k.a. Victor Mordecai)

One last note on this unusual but welcome Messianic/Orthodox “communion.” Years ago, Katharine and I hosted Avi Lipkin (alias Victor Mordecai)— author, lecturer, but not a believer in Yeshua—in the San Francisco area. He has been here many times, but on that occasion, we were his chauffeurs and caretakers. We ferried Avi to radio interviews, kosher restaurants, hotels, and airports. When we last parted at the San Francisco airport, Avi hugged me and kissed my cheek! “Myles,” he said quietly, “in my mind, you’ll always be a Jew.”

That is why we love Zola Levitt Ministries. ZLM is on the front lines of “normalizing” the Jewish belief in Jesus. Zola’s legacy of love for Israel and things Jewish continues. We combat anti-Semitism— through our TV programs, our Levitt Letter, and on our tours. We speak clearly of the prophetic time clock and teach the scriptures from the Scriptures.

Your participation with us makes this profound endeavor happen. As you support us in prayer and with your donations, we continue to function as an arrow of God’s deliverance in this unique hour.

This month on Zola Levitt Presents, Katharine and I preview our upcoming 2014 programs. We blend new projects with classic Zola series in order to efficiently use our donors’ dollars. We waste nothing and closely watch all expenditures. Below are some of our upcoming programs.

Looking Ahead into 2014

From the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, Katharine and I preview many of the TV programs to be presented in the coming year. Our new, ten-part series Journey of Restoration gives a pilgrim’s perspective of traveling through the Land of Israel. Through drama, Abraham: Father of Faith tells the story of the Patriarch, and features interviews that illustrate the Jews’ seamless connection with the Land of Promise. A classic, The Stones Cry Out, shows archaeological discoveries that corroborate the Scriptures. Our newest series, The Gates of Jerusalem, explains the historical and spiritual significance of the entrances to the Old City.

Journey of Restoration — In these new programs, we’ll take you with us on a tour of Israel. Our Messianic Sabra (native-born) guide opens the Bible with the Hebrew language at his command. You will be enriched as Myles and Katharine tag-team with our local guides. You will meet “living stones” of the Body of Messiah in the Land, some of whom we support through ZLM.

The Journey Begins
In Caesarea, our tour guide, Yuval Shemesh (rt), talks about Apostle Paul’s time in prison in this port city built by Herod. Myles speaks of the Lord’s People coming together in the Land. We visit Megiddo’s ancient Tel. At a congregation in Carmel, we hear the life-changing testimony of a Jewish Believer.
Yeshua’s Galilee Ministry
After a visit to the Jesus Boat Museum, we board a boat on the Sea of Galilee, where Myles teaches about the Lord’s authority over all. On the Mount of Beatitudes, Yuval and Myles read the Beatitudes in Hebrew and English.

At Capernaum, Myles teaches about the Lord’s miracles, especially the miracle of salvation. Many pilgrims rededicate their lives in baptism at the Jordan River Reforestation and Revelation Series available for purchase mid-March Myles explains that planting trees is part of prophetic fulfillment. At Tel Dan, Yuval explains the “House of David” stone and then shares his own journey of faith in Yeshua. At Caesarea Philippi, Matthew 16 reveals the Lord’s authority over all the forces of darkness.
Up to Jerusalem
From Beit She’an, the pagan gateway city, we go to Qumran, site of the Essenes and the Dead Sea Scrolls. We learn of God’s perfect timing in the Scrolls’ discovery. On Mount Scopus in Jerusalem, Myles welcomes our pilgrims to the Holy City with a Hebrew blessing.

We are excited to bring you these television series, produced with excellence by Ken Berg, who has been Zola’s TV producer for 35 years. For those who would love to come on a tour but have not been able to do so, Journey of Restoration will be a close second. I guarantee that it will inspire many who have been pondering a Holy Land tour to come aboard. I pray that viewers will sign up quickly to join us this spring.

OUR 2014 SPRING TOUR OFFERS TWO OPTIONS:
IsraelMarch 16–25
With Petra extensionMarch 16–28


OUR 2014 FALL TOUR OFFERS MORE OPTIONS:
Greece and IsraelOctober 13–28
IsraelOctober 19–28
Israel and PetraOctober 19–31
Greece, Israel, PetraOctober 13–31

Please click on “Tours” at www.levitt.com for complete guidance in arranging the trip of a lifetime. Or call us at 1-800-WONDERS (800-966-3377) or 214-696-9760 to request a brochure, and/or leave a message for Sandra who can walk you through all steps needed to join us.


Pilgrims at the Garden Tomb

Zola taught that “A trip to Israel is worth more than ten years of Sunday School.” Each tour has its own particular beauty. The spring journey is highlighted by the resurrection life in the air and in the rebirth of the plentiful flowers and plants. The fall excursion offers the “footsteps of Paul” when we teach in Corinth, Ephesus, on Mars Hill, and even John’s island of Patmos. The fall atmosphere in Israel captures the excitement of pilgrims keeping the Feasts of the Lord. Before, during, and after the fall holidays, the ancient Land reverberates with the reality that this is God’s Land!


Jerusalem’s Southern Wall

Again, thank you for standing with us to spread God’s message and bless Israel. Please consider starting 2014 with an extra contribution. You are welcome to indicate your favorite aspect of the ministry to fund or let our general fund direct your dollars to the most pressing needs, TV production, broadcasts, newsletters, etc.

Until we see you, please remember Sha’alu shalom Yerushalayim—“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!” (Ps. 122:6)

Your messenger,
Myles
Myles

P.S. As this ministry bridges the gap between traditional Jewish people and Christians, you are helping us prepare the way of the Lord!

Zola Levitt Ministries is ECFA approved

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