The Right Thing to Do

“For I have chosen him [Abraham], so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.”—Genesis 18:19
You’ve probably heard the expression, “Charity begins at home,” meaning we should first take care of our family and those closest to us before we worry about others.
Well, in the Jewish tradition, charity begins in the kitchen — but has more far-reaching implications than just taking care of those at home. In a time-honored tradition, most observant Jewish homes have a charity box — or tzedakah box — in the kitchen, as a physical reminder of our obligation to give to others. Throughout the week, parents and children alike drop their coins in the box to help the less fortunate.
This custom of placing the charity box in such a prominent place in the home reinforces the Jewish concept of charity — that it should be practiced constantly and that it is more than just a good deed or act of generosity. It is the right thing to do.
You see, the Hebrew word for charity, tzedakah, has a different connotation from the typical meaning of charity. The word charity suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the wealthy and powerful for the benefit of the needy and poor. But the Hebrew word for charity carries with it the idea of righteousness, justice, or fairness.
This very idea of charity can be traced back to Abraham’s time, when God tells Abraham that He has chosen him so that “he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just.” Other translations render that “doing righteousness and justice” — or tzedakah.
Giving to the poor in Judaism is an obligation, a duty that can’t be forsaken even by those in need themselves. According to Jewish law, we are required to give one-tenth of our income to the poor — a practice that many Christians also exercise by giving one-tenth of their income to the mission of the church.
Some Jewish sages have suggested that tzedakah is the highest of all commandments — one that is equal to all others. Indeed, this sentiment is similar to the teachings of the apostle Paul, who in writing to the church at Corinth, said, “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity”
(1 Corinthians 13:13, KJV).
Consider ways that you and your family can begin charity in your home — whether it’s in the kitchen, the family room, or wherever.
After all, it’s the right thing to do!
Source: http://www.holylandmoments.org/

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Thank You, America!

July 28, 2011

Shalom,

Traveling around America for the past two weeks visiting Fellowship donors has inspired me beyond belief. The unapologetic support for Israel these patriotic Americans show has powerfully reminded me, once again, that Israel is not alone.

On my travels I have seen firsthand that our Fellowship supporters are a diverse group of people held together by the thread of faith. All of them — rich and poor, black and white, democrat and republican — have built their lives on a foundation of the Bible and God. And it is on this that they base their unwavering support for the Jewish state and the Jewish people.

When I arrived in Georgia, the first place I went to was a homeless shelter run by an organization that gives generously to The Fellowship. Pulling up to the shelter, I saw men and women of all different ages and races working together to build a wooden deck. Some wore crosses around their necks, while others sported colorful tattoos. I sat in my car watching them, praising God for the unity I was witnessing amongst His children. After a few minutes, I decided to join them.

As a Jew, I am always aware that anti-Semitism is a growing problem throughout the world. So I admit I was slightly hesitant to see how they would respond to an Israeli visitor. But as I slowly stepped up the stairs, the crew of workers greeted me with warm smiles and asked if they could help me. "Yes," I said, "I am here from Israel and have a meeting with the manager to thank her for her organization's financial support of The Fellowship." Immediately my fears dissolved as they collectively gave me big hugs, and told me how much they love Israel.

As the manager of the shelter stepped outside, she explained to me that people in her care are taught to love the Jewish people. "The homeless people that turn to me for help need blessings," she told me, "and God tells us clearly where the source of blessings is. Whoever blesses the Jewish people will be blessed, and I have seen that with my own eyes."

The manager herself has been fighting cancer for the past three years, but has suffered no physical side effects from the chemotherapy she undergoes regularly. "I have seen miracles in my life, and I attribute it to God's promise for those that support Israel," she said, with tears in her eyes. "I have been blessed." After I took a tour of their amazing homeless shelter, it was clear to me that indeed they have been blessed. And I was blessed to have witnessed the strong foundation of faith and Judeo-Christian values that is still alive and well throughout American society.

Traveling around America, I am inspired and my heart is warmed to see that so many individuals display a burning love for God and Israel. The promises of the Bible live on, and the prophecies that are being fulfilled through The Fellowship are recognized and appreciated. Thank you for always standing with Israel and the Jewish people, and welcoming me so warmly in the great U.S.A.!

With blessings,

Yael Eckstein

Source: http://www.ifcj.org/site/PageNavigator/eng/USENG_homenew
You and your church can help and support Israel: http://www.ifcj.org/site/PageNavigator/eng/involved/engage_your_church?s_src=rr&s_subsrc=EGW0900RXEXXX

Thanks God for everything! Shalom!

Amb Prosor Addresses UN Security Council on the Situation in the Middle East and The Palestinian Question

Unilateral actions will not bring peace to our region. Like a false idol, the Palestinian initiatives at the United Nations may be superficially attractive to some. Yet, they distract from the true path to peace.       Ambassador Prosor addressing UN Security Council (Photo: Shahar Azran)

Statement by Ambassador Ron Prosor to the United Nations Security Council on “The situation in the Middle East and the Palestinian question” Thank you, Mr. President. Let me also thank you for your able stewardship of the Security Council this month. I would like to begin by offering my Government’s condolences to the people and government of Norway following last week’s appalling attacks in Oslo and Utoya. The victims of this tragedy remain in our thoughts and prayers.  I speak before this Council today as a proud representative of the Jewish state and the Jewish people - a people whose bond to the Land of Israel extends back 3,000 years. It is where we began and where we have been reborn, realizing the dreams of our forefathers to be a free people in our own land. Our nation seeks a lasting peace in which the Palestinians will have their own state, alongside - but not instead of - the Jewish State of Israel. This morning I would like to share several observations about the Middle East peace process - which stands, yet again, at a critical juncture. First, let me state clearly: unilateral actions will not bring peace to our region. Like a false idol, the Palestinian initiatives at the United Nations may be superficially attractive to some. Yet, they distract from the true path to peace. Winston Churchill said that all the secrets of statecraft lie in history. On this question, history’s lessons are unmistakable:  peace can only be achieved through bilateral negotiations that address the concerns of both sides. This was the way of President Sadat and Prime Minister Begin, the way of Prime Minister Rabin and King Hussein. It has been the framework for negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians for the past two decades. Only this month, we were again reminded that negotiations are the route to statehood when South Sudan proclaimed its independence and was accepted as the 193rd member state of the United Nations. It marked a new chapter in a long and difficult journey. Both South and North Sudan harbored serious frustrations. Major problems arose. Yet, the parties did not seek quick fixes or instant solutions. They sat together and negotiated, reaching a mutual agreement. This is why South Sudan was accepted by such a broad consensus in the international community. It is no coincidence that we do not hear the same resounding enthusiasm for the Palestinian’s march toward unilateralism at the United Nations. On the contrary, many in the international community are looking for ways to avoid this action.  Many have recognized that Palestinian attempts to create a state by bypassing negotiations are akin to picking out a chimney pot for one’s house before laying its foundation. They see the potential consequences of mistrust and unmet expectations that could lead to violence. It is evident that some Palestinian leaders understand this as well. Prime Minister Fayyad has spoken out against such a declaration. Just last week Nabil Amr, a member of the Palestinian Liberation Organization Central Council and a former PA minister, called on the PA to delay its statehood bid. Palestinians like Mr. Fayyad and Mr. Amr see the practical reality before us. Like many others, they recognize that after September will be October and November and December. They know that this declaration will be in violation of the bilateral agreements that are the basis for Israeli-Palestinian cooperation— and will create expectations that can not be met. Now is the time for the international community to tell the Palestinian leadership what it refuses to tell its own people: there are no shortcuts to statehood. You cannot bypass the only path to peace. The Palestinians will have to make compromises and make hard choices. They will have to get off the bandwagon of unilateralism – and back to the hard work of direct peacemaking. Mr. President, There are attempts to find a framework for re-launching the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. These efforts must be consistent, taking into consideration the vital interests of both sides. Some of those who speak most loudly and clearly about the interests of Palestinians suddenly seem to lose their voice, hesitate, and mumble when it comes to discussing Israel’s vital interests – its recognition as a Jewish state and it right to live within safe and secure borders. Both of these issues – security and recognition of Israel as a Jewish state – are absolutely essential for ensuring the future of the State of Israel. With regards to our security challenges, let me remind this Council that Hamas and Hezbollah have fired 12,000 rockets into Israel since we withdrew from Gaza and Southern Lebanon.  You do not have to be a rocket scientist to realize that if rockets fall on your cities, schools and citizens, your Government has a right to defend itself. Our civilians face this reality every single day. No target is free from attack. Just this year, rockets have been launched at homes, synagogues, kindergartens – and even a bright yellow school bus, killing a 16-year old boy. Without clear security arrangements, there is no guarantee that terrorists, arms and munitions would not flow into the West Bank in a future Palestinian state, as they are being smuggled into Gaza today. One does not have to look too far to recognize Israel’s existential security challenges. Let me point out that Israel’s only international airport — named after David Ben-Gurion – lies within a few miles of the West Bank. It is shorter than the distance from where we are sitting right now and JFK or Newark Airports. It could be a target of constant rocket fire. One can only imagine the reaction if John F. Kennedy or Charles De Gaulle or Heathrow Airports were placed under a similar threat. Lasting peace must be based on a demilitarized Palestinian state and an emphasis on education that promotes peace instead of hate, tolerance instead of violence, and mutual understanding instead of martyrdom. Mr. President, On the issue of the Jewish State, we must have clarity as well. For lasting peace to take hold, Israel’s recognition of a future Palestinian state must be met with an equal acknowledgement that Israel is the Jewish State. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated openly and repeatedly that we will accept a Palestinian state, alongside a Jewish state. Yet, the Palestinian leadership has not done the same. They will not tell their own people that they accept a Jewish State. Without such an acknowledgement, it will remain unclear whether the Palestinians’ quest for statehood is part of an effort to end the conflict with Israel or a pretext to continue it. Mr. President, Palestinian leaders claim that they will be prepared for statehood by September 2011, parading this as a magic date before the international community. We recognize the progress that the Palestinian Authority has made over the past two years with the assistance and cooperation of Israel and the international community. The West Bank economy is a bright spot in the midst of a global recession, growing by 10 percent in 2010. Yet, it is clear that much still needs to be done to create a functioning state that lives in peace with its neighbors. Even the most basic condition for statehood does not exist. The Palestinian Authority does not maintain effective control of all its territory nor does it hold a monopoly on the use of force. The Hamas terrorist organization still maintains de facto control in Gaza. Let me turn to my Palestinian colleague and ask a simple question. Permanent Observer Mansour: On behalf of whom will you present a resolution in September? Mr. Abbas or Hamas? Will it be on behalf of both the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas terrorist organization, which advances a charter calling for the destruction of Israel and the murder of Jews? Will it be on behalf of Akram Haniyeh – the PA’s Chief Spokesman— or Ismail Haniyeh – the Hamas Prime Minister in Gaza who said recently (quote): “When I say ‘the land of Palestine,’ I am not referring [only] to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem…I refer to Palestine from the [Mediterranean] Sea to the [Jordan] River, and from Rosh Hanikra to Rafah.” Mr. Mansour: on these issues Israel and the international community must have clarity. Whether the Palestinians bring forward a resolution in the General Assembly or by invoking the “Uniting for Peace” resolution it is clear that the Palestinians are not united and are far from united for peace. There is much uncertainty about the future Palestinian government: its acceptance of the Quartet conditions, the peace process, control of its security forces, and many other questions. It will take at least until after the Palestinian elections next year before it is clear what Palestinian unity really means. For Israel, this so-called unity has only brought continued impunity for the terrorists that fire rockets into our cities. Mr. President, Today’s debate is titled the “Situation in the Middle East”. The turmoil that is sweeping our region – from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea – has shown that there are many challenges facing the Middle East — most of which do not revolve around the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. In particular, the international community cannot allow the issue of Iran to fall under the radar screen. Iran remains the center of terrorism in our region, transferring arms to Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist groups in serial violation of numerous Security Council resolutions. Iran continues to advance instability in the Middle East – from Syria to Bahrain to Morocco. Last month’s panel of experts report made clear that Iran continues to pursue nuclear weapons capabilities, in complete disregard of the will of the international community. New information shows Iran’s intention to install uranium centrifuges at its facility in Qom – a facility that was concealed for years from the IAEA. Such behavior does not just endanger the Middle East, or a specific group of countries. It endangers us all. Mr. President, We cannot underestimate the danger of long-range missiles and short-range minds. The international community cannot stand by as this Ayatollah regime seeks to assemble a dangerous mix of extremist ideology, missile technology, and nuclear radiology. Mr. President, Israel is happy to have many friends around the world. As we are often reminded, true friends never shy from letting you know what they think. Today I issue a call to the true friends of the Palestinians – to those who want to see them fulfil their national aspirations. As they march down the path of unilateralism, the Palestinian’s true friends will speak the simple truths. Direct negotiations cannot be bypassed. Peace cannot be imposed. To the Palestinians I also issue a call. Take Israel’s outstretched hand. Seize the opportunities before us to advance down the real road toward peace – a road of solutions not resolutions; dialogue not monologue; and direct negotiations not unilateral declarations. Thank you, Mr. President. Source: http://www.mfa.gov.il/

Help Israel's Homeless Youth

Fellowship Friend, Shaul was 14 when he decided to leave. You see, Shaul endured unending abuse from the hands of his mother. He was battered and scarred…both physically and emotionally. He would miss school for weeks at a time because his mother wanted to hide the ruthless beatings he received. He was locked in his house for days without supervision or food. Sadly, Shaul’s story is not unique. There are innocent boys and girls all over Israel who are in need of assistance right now. Will you please come to their aid by supporting the Helping Hands Campaign today? IFCJ proudly supports a network of homes throughout Israel that are providing basic necessities like food and shelter to over 24,000 homeless young people. When they enter one of these Fellowship Houses they find a loving and stable home. “At age 15, for the first time in my life I actually felt safe,” he recalls. Unfortunately, because Israel needs to use her resources to fight terrorism and defend her borders, there is often very little left to help homeless youth like Shaul. You can help fill that gap when you make a gift to the IFCJ Helping Hands Campaign. Shaul is the perfect example of how our IFCJ sponsored homes change lives. After arriving, he signed up for high school and received extensive therapy. He then served in the Israeli army and went on to university. Today, Shaul is giving back as a youth counselor helping the next generation of homeless youth! Please, give another young person the chance for a new life. Reach out to offer a “Helping Hand” today. "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength" (Isaiah 40:29-31). With prayers for shalom, peace, Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein President PS Shaul received help, but so many more young people in Israel still need a safe place to live. Please help us reach our campaign goal of $250,000 so that we can help create more success stories like Shaul’s. Make a donation to IFCJ’s Helping Hands Campaign today.

Source: http://www.ifcj.org/site/PageNavigator/eng/USENG_homenew

Just Say "NO!"

Hey People,

Israel is under threat – and we need to defend it.

Palestinian leaders are attempting to create a Palestinian state by circumventing the peace process. Their plan: ask the United Nations to officially recognize a Palestinian state by making them a member nation.

This cannot stand. That's why I'm taking action to urge the United Nations to vote “NO”!

Sign my petition now to urge the UN to vote “NO” on the Palestine Resolution!

In order to prevent this attack on the peace process, I need you to make your voice heard.
We need to tell the UN and Palestinian leaders that the peace process has to be fair and negotiated between the parties involved, not a sham decided on at the UN. I need your help to do just that. I need you to join this fight.

Make your voice heard – sign our petition today!

Later next month, I will be drafting a letter to the United Nations voicing my concern and I will make sure to remind them of the thousands of you taking a stand for Israel and a legitimate peace process.

Thank you,

Congressman Steve Israel




Source: http://www.israelforcongress.com/

Israel Palestinian Conflict: The Truth About the West Bank

Israel's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Danny Ayalon explains the historical facts relating to the Israeli Palestinian conflict. The video explains where the terms "West Bank", "occupied territories" and "67 Borders" originated and how they are incorrectly used and applied. Also follow on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DannyAyalon and http://facebook.com/DannyAyalon
Source: http://www.youtube.com/user/DannyAyalon

Watch and donation, please: http://www.ifcj.org/site/PageServer?pagename=%2Feng%2Ftv%2FTV&s_src=HM_GB&s_subsrc=EA31106XXEGXX#num=ep1&id=6

Shalom!

A Lifeline for Older

JOSEPH HAD BEEN A FARMER IN HIS NATIVE ETHIOPIA for many years before making aliyah (immigration) to Israel with his family.

Joseph was thrilled—but he was no longer young, and years of back-breaking work had taken a toll on him. The few jobs he was qualified for were quickly taken by younger and stronger men.

Thankfully, Joseph learned about Yad LaKashish ("Lifeline for the Old"), a project in Jerusalem which is supported by The Fellowship's Guardians of Israel program. Yad LaKashish offers older people a chance to work and earn wages by making and selling handmade products.
This program also provides these workers the opportunity for a hand up, not a handout, by giving them a sense of purpose and a place where they can again be productive.

Joseph has worked here as a sculptor for the past six years, creating intricate clay art objects. "I feel whole again," Joseph said in a quiet voice. "Before, I had only worked the soil. Now I work the clay of the soil and make things that show how beautiful our land is, how much it gives to us, and how thankful we are to have God's blessings."

Joseph is one of many older Jewish immigrants who has been given new purpose and productivity through our program. These newfound abilities give them confidence, while money from the sales offers much-needed financial assistance. Best of all, the project provides them with the priceless gift of a loving community of friends.

This is just one of hundreds of life-changing projects in Israel made possible by the gifts of friends like you to our Guardians of Israel ministry. The needs of the elderly, poor families, at-risk children, and others in Israel are great, and The Fellowship needs your help to continue providing a lifeline to those who struggle.

Please help us continue this assistance to the needy all across Israel through your gift to The Fellowship today. Thank you!

Source: http://www.ifcj.org/
More donation: https://secure2.convio.net/ifcj/site/Donation2?df_id=5860&5860.donation=form1&s_src=LRB&s_subsrc=EA51107XXEGXX