hanna ben haim tours

Bringing families together in Israel

Renewing faith ~ strengthening families, unforgettable and life changing experiences.

Join Jim, Patti & Abbagael for their annual Israel Tour

$3,699 — full package from newark, nj, $2,610 — just land package, (when you pay by check), full itinerary.

Day 1 Friday May 1 - The Encounter Begins - Depart Newark, New Jersey

Today, you and your family will board your flight and fly to Israel to begin a fascinating journey. As you walk through this land you will encounter the Lord in new and fresh ways. He will meet you along the way and you will never be the same again.

Day 2 Saturday May 2 - Arrive Tel Aviv

Welcome to Israel! God caused this nation to be re-birthed in 1948, thus fulfilling many His promises to the nation. This is the land that the prophets spoke about telling of how God would regather His people and bring them back to this land (Ezekiel 11:17). We  will be met at the airport and we will board our luxury, air-conditioned, wifi equipped coach. (Wifi will give you the ability to share photos and thoughts with family and friends in real time). You will  meet Hanna Ben-Haim, our amazing tour guide.

Then we will go to our hotel for the evening. We will enjoy dinner and have a brief meeting after dinner to allow our families and opportunity to meet one another.

Overnight - Netanya https://www.ramadanetanya.com/

Day 3 Wednesday May 3- Drive to the Galilee

We will travel along the beautiful Mediterranean coast north to one of the great cities of the ancient world. Herod’s port city of Caesarea. It was home to the Roman centurion Cornelius, the first Gentile with whom Peter shared the Gospel. Cornelius’ entire household was saved and immersed (baptized) in water (Acts 10). This was also Israel’s most modern city when Jesus was alive. Here, Herod Agrippa 1, the king had the Apostle James beheaded and had Peter thrown into prison. Agrippa 1 was eaten by worms (Acts 12:19-23). From here Paul sailed to Tarsus following his conversion (Acts 9:30). It was here that Paul was imprisoned for two years (Acts 25). We will walk on the beach and view the famous Roman Aqueduct.

We will travel up the coast to Mount Carmel. Beautiful scenery lies within the Carmel Range. This is where Elijah stood against the false prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:19-39), and where he later interceded for rain until the 3 ½ year drought was ended (1Kings 18:41-45). We will have a beautiful view overlooking Megiddo which is where the armies of earth will gather in Armageddon (Megiddo) (Revelation 16:16).

Then on to briefly overlook Nazareth Village. We will board our coach and move on to our quaint hotel where we will be spending the next three nights.

Overnight - Galilee – Gai Beach Hotel

   https://www.gaibeach.com

Day 4 Thursday May 4 - Galilee

We will begin our day with a beautiful hike up Mount Arbel and enjoy a stunning view of the Sea of Galilee. Next, we will travel to Capernaum located northwest of the Sea of Galilee. Capernaum was Jesus’ “own town” (Matthew 9:1) and where he had His headquarters. Many events of His ministry took place in and around this community. He traveled from here and also healed many people from this area (Matthew 8:5-13;14-17, Matthew 9, 11:23-24 John 4:46-54 are just a few examples).  Then we will take a walk and descend the Mount of Beatitudes. This walk provides us with a gorgeous view of the Sea of Galilee. This is the traditional site of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12). Take time to reflect as you walk.

We will drive a short distance to Magdala. Magdala is where a 2000 year old Synagogue was unearthed just a few short years ago. Remember Mary Magdalene? In Hebrew, she was actually “Miriam of Magdala”. This was her town. Jesus was sure to have preached in this ancient synagogue. What a fascinating place.

From here we will drive to the Jordan River. We will have the opportunity to worship together and you and your family can be baptized in the Jordan River if you so desire. This is always a very deeply touching and special time.

On to the Sea of Galilee where will take a boat ride. On these seashores, Jesus called disciples to “Come follow Me”. He walked on this  water and calmed this  Sea.

Afterwards, we will go a short distance to see the Jesus Boat. This is a 2000 year old boat found in the 1970’s on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Back to Emily’s Boutique for dinner and some family time together.

Day 5 Friday May 5- Galilee

We will begin our day in the Hula Valley where we will visit the Hula Nature Reserve. When the Jews returned to Israel in the 1800s, it was a malaria-filled swamp - now it is one of the most amazing places in Israel. For the active ones, there will be an 8K

(5 miles) leisurely bike ride through the breathtaking reserve (no hills!). For others, there will be golf carts. Nearly 400 species of birds pass through the nature reserve and you might even spot some water buffalo.

Then we will drive to the beautiful Tel Dan nature reserve for an easy hike next to the Dan River. This is the area that was conquered by the tribe of Dan (Joshua 19:47) and where they also practiced idolatry (Judges 18:27-30). This is also where King Jeroboam tried to build a “second Jerusalem” (1 Kings 12:25-33).

Then we move on to Caesarea Philippi. This site was previously sacred to the Canaanite god, Baal. The Greeks took the area and dedicated the site to their god, Pan, from which its present name of Banyas is taken. Herod the Great’s son, Philip, made Banyas his capital, renaming it Caesarea Philippi, and turned it into the biggest city in northern Israel. This is the northernmost place which we have record of Jesus visiting. It was along the road to Caesarea Philippi that Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He was. Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God (Matthew 16:13-20). Next, we will travel to the northernmost part of Israel. Bental and Golan Heights. We will walk through the bunkers there.  It is a very beautiful place and is the highest point in the country. This area is rich in biblical ancient history (Dt. 3:8-11: Joshua 13:29-30; 21; 1 Chronicles 6:7; Psalm 22:12; Isaiah 2:12-13; 33:9, Amos 4:1; Micah 7:14; Jeremiah 50:1; Ezekiel 27:6). It is rich in modern history with Israel defending this area numerous times since they became a nation in 1948. We will descend back into the Galilee and end our day enjoying Shabbat with local believers.

Day 6 Saturday May 6 – Water Day/Dead Sea

Today, we will drive south through the beautiful Jordan Valley toward the Dead Sea. We will visit Ein Harod (Gideon’s Springs). This is the place where God whittled Gideon’s army down to only 300 men. But those 300 men, armed only with pitchers, torches, and trumpets, and most importantly, the Presence of the Living God, routed a much superior army of the Midianites (Judges 7).

Then on to Sachne Springs where Solomon watered his horses.

Next, we will see Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

Next, we will go to another beautiful  treasure. The hiding place of King David. Ein Gedi. Its cliffs rise 2,000 feet and are filled with caves. In one of those caves David sought relief from the the pursuit of King Saul and he also cut off a piece of Saul’s rob instead of killing him (1 Samuel 23:29). David wrote many of the Psalms here. Be ready to enjoy a nice hike and get wet. Take in the gorgeous waterfalls, caves, wildlife. Ancient history echoes here.

From here we will go to our hotel by the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is formed from the Jordan River and  small streams. It is 50 miles long and about 10 miles wide. Its shores lie 1,300 feet below sea level and the waters reach a depth of 1,300 feet. It has no outlet and evaporates at the rate of 7 million tons of water per day. The fresh water that evaporates leaves a salinity and mineral content of 25% in the water. We will enjoy floating in this amazing wonder.

Overnight - Dead Sea - Isrotel Ganim (B/D) https://www.isrotel.com/isrotel-ganim

Day 7 Sunday May 7 - Negev Desert

Today we will get an early start and go to Masada. It is 2 ½ miles from the Dead Sea to the base of Masada. This mountain fortress is one half mile long and 220 yards wide. It was built by Herod the Great who fortified it on the northeast corner. The top of Masada was used for cultivation and a great cistern and cellar system was hewn out of the rock for storage of water and food. When Jerusalem fell in 70 AD, the Jewish patriot Eliezer Ben Yair and 967 people with him escaped to the top of Masada. The Romans worked for three years building a ramp up one side in order to get to the top. You can take the cable car to the top or join the Sullivan tribe on a strenuous hike to the top. This is another highlight of the trip. Plan to be physically prepared and we request that at least one parent from each family accompany your child/children if they are climbing. You’ll need a hat and water. See you at the top.

We will learn much history as we tour the top of Masada. We will then descend Masada on the other side and go further into the desert to a Bedouin Camp. We will be staying in the Bedouin camp for the night. Enjoy a camel ride in the desert, a Bedouin hospitality dinner and an evening under the stars with a campfire and worshipping together.

Overnight - Kfar Hanokdim (B/D)

http://www.kfarhanokdim.co.il/en/

Day 8 Monday May 8 - Up to Jerusalem

Today, we drive up to Jerusalem. You are alive and here in this land experiencing the fulfillment of many promises that God made to the ancient (and modern) nation of Israel. We will begin our journey traveling toward Jerusalem. Our fiirst stop is in Beersheba. Abraham’s Well is located here. Abraham made an agreement, paid 7 ewe lambs, and took an oath with Abimelech  to establish ownership of this well that he had dug. Much history happened in Beersheba. Beersheba means “well of the oath” or “well of seven” (Genesis 21:31). Here in Beersheba Isaac also quarreled with Abimelech and took an oath (Gen 26:26-33). Jacob stole his birthright from Esau here (Genesis 28:10). Jacob paused here to offer sacrifices before leaving the promised land of Egypt (Genesis 46:1-7). 

Next, we will continue to celebrate by arriving at Beit Guvrin - archaeological dig. We will participate in a rare opportunity to participate in the “Dig For A Day” program.

It will last for three hours.

This exciting activity includes: digging, sifting, pottery examination and touring the national park of Beit Guvrin with an exciting crawl through unexcavated cave systems.

On to see the Elah Valley. The location where David defeated Goliath after a 40 day standoff between the armies of Israel and the Philistines (1 Samuel 17:2, 19; 21:9). You will have an opportunity to pick your very own 5 smooth stones. Let’s worship the Lord as we will travel to the Holy City, Jerusalem. There is no other city in the world like this city. All of Jerusalem will be rejoicing on this historic day. We will arrive at our  beautiful hotel and settle in. We will enjoy an amazing dinner. Exciting days ahead.

Overnight - Jerusalem - Ramada

  https://jerusalemramadahotel.com/en/

Day 9 Tuesday May 9 - Jerusalem

We will begin our day on the Mount of Olives taking in the breathtaking view of the Old City and the site where Jesus will return (Zechariah 14:3-5). Again, much biblical history is recorded here from King David, Solomon, Ezekiel and more. Jesus rode down the Mount of Olives (Matthew 21:1-11). He wept over Jerusalem from here (Luke 19:41-44) and described the prophetic future of Jerusalem while seated here (Matthew 24-25). He left the upper room and went to Gethsemane here (Matthew 26:36-56). And after His resurrection He ascended to heaven from the Mount of Olives (Luke 24:50-53). The hill received its name because it was covered with olive groves during that time.

On to the Garden of Gethsemane. It is believed to be here, in this garden, that Jesus agonized in prayer (Matthew 26:36-46). It is here that Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested by the Roman soldiers (Matthew 26:47-56). We will then visit the Kidron Valley area. This valley runs 2 ¾ miles along the eastern wall of Jerusalem. During the reforms of Israel’s kings, idols and other pagan items used in worship were disposed of in the valley. Asa burnt his mother’s idols (1 Kings 15:13). Josiah destroyed the vessels made for Baal worship (2 Kings 23:4, 6). Hezekiah cast all unclean items from the Temple (2 Chronicles 29:16; 30:14). This Valley is associated with God’s judgment of the nations and is often called the Valley of Jehoshaphat. 

We will see the House of Caiaphas. This is where Jesus is tried before the Sanhedrin. Peter also denies Jesus 3 times here.

We will go to The Cardo in the Jewish Quarter for lunch. There are plenty of nearby quaint cafes to choose from. Our next stop will be the Upper Room area where we will see the first Messianic synagogue building (Mark 14:13-15).

Later, in the evening we will watch an amazing Sound and Light Show at David’s Citadel.

Overnight - Jerusalem - Ramada Hotel

Day 10 Wednesday May 10 – Jerusalem (Tunnel Day)

Early morning we will arrive at the City of David. We will walk through the ancient tunnels and see Gihon Spring. We will learn of how the city was overtaken by the Jebusites and how the original city of Jerusalem was established right here by King David. We will walk through Hezekiah’s Tunnel. An amazing experience! (Bring a small flashlight and water shoes).

We will see the Pool of Siloam where Jesus healed the paralytic.

We will walk from Siloam, through an ongoing tunnel excavation, to the Southern Wall Excavations.

Here is where Peter preached his first sermon to 3,000. Soon after they were immersed  (baptized) in the local Mikvot (immersion tanks). Then we will visit the Davidson Center that is located on this historic archaeological site to learn more about the historical importance of this area.

We will follow the traditional route of the Way of the Cross by Jaffa Gate. We will see the traditional site where Pontius Pilate condemned Jesus to death by crucifixion. Lunch in the Old City. We will see the traditional Via Dolorosa “The Way of Sorrow” traveled by Jesus on His way to the cross. We will go to the Western Wall Tunnel and the Kotel (Western Wall). You can pray at the Western Wall. After our first very full day in Jerusalem we will travel back to the Hotel for a delicious dinner and a restful evening.

Day 11 Thursday May 11 - Jerusalem

We will  travel to Golgotha where Jesus was crucified.

We will see the Garden Tomb and celebrate the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ! He is not here. He is risen! We will conclude our time here at the Garden Tomb worshipping the Lord and celebrating Communion together!

From here we are going to take an adventurous walk on the Rampart Wall of the Old City (built during the Ottoman Empire over 400 years ago). We will have our dinner and Farewell wrap up in the evening.

Day 12 Friday May 12. Head home with a grateful and full heart.

We look forward to sharing this journey together with you all in Israel in May 1-12, 2020!

**Schedule in Israel is always subject to change**

May 1 - May 12, 2020

$2,610 (payment by check)

Land Package Only

$3,699 (payment by check)

Full Package

Price if you use credit card or Paypal

$2,680 Land Package and $3799 Full Package

Rates Include:

Excellent four-star hotel accommodations May 1 through May 11.  

Delicious Mediterranean breakfast and dinner buffets daily.

Entrance fees to all scheduled sites.

Transportation throughout the Land with experienced guides.

Meeting and assistance at Ben Gurion airport on arrival and departure at Ben Gurion if you take our full package. 

Tips and Gratuities.

Rates do not include: 

Lunches Be prepared to spend between $8-$13 a day. Many skip lunch as the breakfast and dinner buffets are bountiful.

Travel Insurance  (required!)  If you need medical attention, you will need a credit card. Travel Insurance is cheap and very smart!

Anything that is not mentioned above.

FULL PACKAGE – Payment Schedule for check

(add $100 per person to last payment if paying online)

$100 non-refundable deposit per person due at registration

$1200 per person due on October 11, 2019

$1200 per person due on January 10, 2020

$1199 per person due on March 6, 2020 ($1299 for online payment)

LAND PACKAGE – Payment Schedule for check

(add $70 per person to last payment if paying online)

$800 per person due on October 11, 2019

$800 per person due on January 10, 2020

$910 per person due on March 6, 2020 ($1010 for online payment)

*If you book your own flights, we will tell you exactly where and when to meet us at the airport. 

Refund Policy

Up until January 10, 2020, you can receive a full refund less the $100 deposit

Beginning March 6, 2020, you can receive a refund but less the deposit and $500

No refunds after April 3, 2020

**All check payments (except the deposit of $100 can be made payable to “ Israel Family Encounters ” and mailed to:

Israel Family Encounters

P.O. Box 780153

Sebastian, Florida 32978

Discover… the mysteries of the  Rabbi’s/ Western wall tunnel

Walk through …the wet or dry   ancient tunnel of King Hezekiah  (bring a flashlight!)

Sit on…the Temple Mount steps   where Jesus taught as a child.

Enjoy…the biblical on site teaching       

Celebrate… His Resurrection with

Cable Car to… Masada King Herod’s fortress or Walk UP the SNAKE Path!

Walk down … the ROMAN RAMP of Masada! 

Hike through… the oasis of En Gedi where David hid  from Saul

Swim under… the waterfalls of En Gedi (maybe King David was refreshed here, too!)

Be part of…an archaeological dig! Find an ancient treasure!

Sail… on the Sea of Galilee

Family Bike ride …in  the Hula family.

  Overlook…  Mt.  Arbel & the Sea of  Galilee

Ride a camel…in the Judean  Wilderness

Enjoy… a biblical meal in a Bedouin  tent and sleep under the stars

Float… in the Dead Sea

Tour Highlights

Patti Sullivan

[email protected]

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These words, which I am commanding you today, are to be on your heart. You are to teach them diligently to your children, and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Award Winning TV Series Teaching Messianic Jewish Biblical Truths for 30 Years

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Geshem B’rakhot: Showers of Blessing

December 2013.

  Thank you Jewish Jewels Family for the $96,600 in donations and Love Baskets that went to Israel this year!

Shalom Shalom in the Prince of Peace!

As all Israel awaited the fall rains to begin, a sign of God’s blessing and gracious provision, our 2013 Jewish Jewels Mercy Mission team brought showers of another kind to God’s land—spiritual and material blessings—from YOU, our Jewish Jewels partners and Lovers of Zion.

The Lord impressed Gal. 6:10 on our hearts as we began our journey: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” It was appropriate, therefore, that Guy Cohen, Messianic rabbi of Acco, joined us for dinner shortly after our arrival in Israel. Guy shared his incredible testimony with us, blessed us with the Priestly Blessing as we began our Mercy Mission, and left with a suitcase of socks for the boys and girls in their congregation and after-school program. We also gave him Love Baskets for needy families in His congregation, plus personal gifts for his family.

Walk the Land!

There was a lot of emphasis on “feet” this year. Most of you know that we asked for donations of socks for the Children’s Home in Netanya. YOU sent in socks for most of the children in Israel! We even had a very special “sock box” arrive at Jewish Jewels with socks inside. Everywhere we went, we handed out socks. Socks and more socks. They seemed to multiply! We packed six fifty-pound duffle bags of socks. 300 lbs!—not counting the socks that our group of twenty- four brought. Literally, thousands of pairs of socks went to Israelis this year, just when they are starting to switch from wearing sandals to wearing shoes.

A prayer group in Gainesville, FL received the following word for our Mercy Mission group: “Where every toe of the group walks, the curse of the land will be broken. You will bless the land by walking on it.” On the first day of the tour, Jamie received a word from Genesis 13:17, “Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.” And we did walk—a lot. Our son Jonathan even walked with a torn ACL and meniscus. Richard, age 84, was a real trooper, walking throughout Israel with our group. April walked valiantly after twisting an ankle. Orva did the same, after injuring her ankle on the final day. We were a band of overcomers, determined to bless Israel. Our excellent guide, Hanna Ben Haim, taught us that a “walk” or “day’s journey” in Bible times, was twenty miles.

Avodat Kodesh

Avodat Kodesh , literally means “holy work.” That phrase was used more than once, referring to our Mercy Mission. The first time was in reference to our mission on Sunday, Oct. 13 to the Bet Elazraki Home for children. We arrived at 4:30 PM and were warmly greeted by Ari, assistant to Yehuda Cohn, the Director of the Home. Our group enjoyed participating in a craft activity with the children, had dinner with them, and presented them with four huge duffle bags of socks plus 250 hand- made birthday cards by inmates from the Lakeland, Florida Correctional Facility (to be given to the children individually on their special day).

After dinner, we returned to our hotel on the Mediterranean to assemble the baby gift bags for the next day. The room assigned to us to assemble our gifts was the hotel synagogue! (The right place for a holy work.) We had anticipated the usual 40+ babies as we prepared for our trip. The Lord surprised us with 26 preemies, in addition to the usual 40. There were 66 babies in all. God provided, through YOU, and our Mercy Mission team. Every mother and baby got a bag of gifts. The mothers were thrilled and  in awe. They marvelled at the hand made blankets, hats, booties and dresses – all labors of love, and received as such.

Our team had lots of interaction with the new mothers. Our son Jonathan and his wife Nancy bonded quickly with a precious Israeli couple who were first time parents. Rhonda became an honorary grandmother to the newborn of a special-ed teacher of blind children, who was used  to giving rather than receiving, and was overjoyed with her gifts. Anna and Candy connected deeply with some Orthodox mothers who hugged them and even agreed to have their pictures taken. Love overcame tradition. We even had pregnant women receiving gifts—unheard of because of superstition. A real breakthrough was made by love.

Plaques with Psalm 139 in Hebrew were given to the mothers, emphasizing that God knew their babies even before they were born. Finally, our group was escorted into the Neonatal ward where we delivered gift bags for each tiny baby. This year, we were asked by the hospital staff to pray over the babies, some fighting for their lives. It was a very moving experience. Before we left the hospital at about noon, we gave Dr. Rofe, Director General and dear friend, ten Love Baskets for needy families, and a donation for the maternity unit.

Dancing Feet!

We arrived at the Organization of Victims of Terror in Afula at about 12:30 PM on Monday. We were immediately swept into a circle of dancing and rejoicing. Music was provided by professional Russian Jewish musicians. Our dear friends and lovers of Yeshua, Michel and Yaffa, always welcome us with unbridled joy, banners, flags, singing and praising Yeshua.

There were gifts given to us and to Jonathan and Nancy (in honor of their marriage). There was lunch, and then a time of hearing the heart-wrenching story of their daughter’s murder at the hands of terrorists. Gifts were given to our group. We prayed for Yaffa. Michel asked for prayer for himself, then said he wanted prayer for Jonathan and Nancy. Before we left Afula, we gave Michel and Yaffa Love Baskets for the families of the victims of terror as well as the local IDF Kfir Brigade.

Mercy Mission Fruit

After Afula, we went to Tiberias and stopped at the Jesus Boat Gift Shop before going to our hotel. Neil met Alex, the owner of the shop, who shared a moving story with him concerning the Love Baskets that we gave Alex last year for needy families in the Galilee. Alex gave some of them to his daughter, who was working with foster children in the city of Acco. Many lives were touched by the Love Baskets, including the life of Alex’s daughter. As a result of this, Alex’s life was changed forever. He decided to dedicate the rest of his life to helping others. Your 2012 Love Baskets were the seed that blossomed into great fruit!

We saw more fruit from former Mercy Missions when we arrived at our hotel in Tiberias. Tal, who owns the gift shop at the Caesar Hotel, showed us the two key rings from former Mercy Missions that he keeps by his cash register. We gave him a third one, with this year’s verse from Deut. 20:3-4.

Tal also shared with us that the Beanie Babies that we left with him during our last Mercy Mission were offered for a donation to Nitzinim, the school he has started for Autistic children. With the donations, Tal was able to purchase a new air conditioner for the school. We left him a new crop of Beanie Babies.

Our bus driver, Hillel, has been with us on Mercy Missions long enough to know our heart, so he feels free to point out people in need. This was the case with Hannah, a woman in desperate need. Hillel told her to meet us at our bus in the morning at 9 AM on Tuesday, Oct. 15. We gave Hannah two Love Baskets, a seashell message and a key ring. She asked if our group would bless her. Hannah came on the bus with us, and Neil prayed for her as we all agreed.

Teaching on the Road

Our tour guide, Hanna Ben Haim, has been living in Israel for over thirty years. She is not only a knowledgeable guide, but an excellent teacher, and a very spiritual Jewish believer in Yeshua. We both learn a lot from her, and she is a perfect fit for our Mercy Missions. As we traveled throughout Israel, Hanna shared a wealth of background information as well as nuggets of biblical truth that we so appreciate. We are thrilled to tell you that we brought back a small quantity of Hanna’s DVD sets, making it possible for you to go on tour with her in your own home. The set includes eight well produced DVDs containing twelve hours of actual touring and teaching throughout Israel.

Just to give you an idea: We saw a flock of storks as we traveled in the bus. Hanna quoted Jer. 8:7, “Even the stork in the heavens knows her appointed times…” She went on to tell us that the storks are migrating birds that leave Europe at the end of August when it starts to get cold. They pass through Israel on their way to their winter homes. They return to Europe in the springtime. Many of the children in Europe were conceived after the harvest was in, so when the storks returned in April, 8-9 months later, babies were being born. That’s where the stork bringing babies comes from! (WHO KNEW?)

Mercy Mission by Night

One evening at our hotel in Tiberias, Jamie had an encounter with Malka, a massage therapist. She was delighted to receive a seashell message, and open to hearing the Gospel message. That same evening, our group was blessed by the ministry of Alyosha Rabinov, a professional, classical Russian Messianic Jewish pianist. Alyosha was accompanied by Ann, a professional vocalist from the States. He used a sound system for the first time that evening which YOU purchased for him. This enables Alyosha to do larger concerts when traveling. While Alyosha’s hands are greatly gifted, his feet are “beautiful,” as God uses him in amazing ways to share Yeshua one on one with Israelis. Alyosha and other local believers left the hotel with Love Baskets for themselves and needy local believers.

Walking by the Sea

Wednesday, Oct. 16, began with a fascinating visit to a recently excavated synagogue and surrounding village in Migdal, the home of Miriam of Magdala (Mary Magdalene). While in the process of beginning to build a shopping center, a first century synagogue was discovered under just eighteen inches of dirt. Yeshua would surely have taught in this synagogue, based on Matthew 9:35. Perhaps this is where Miriam of Magdala first heard Him.

A stone found on the site has very recognizable symbols on it: a seven branched menorah with two jugs of oil on either side. The surprising symbol above these, especially in a first century Jewish context, is a heart. This shows that the heart was a symbol used at the time of Yeshua. New discoveries are made DAILY in Israel. Archaeology is considered a national pastime.

We walked by the Sea of Galilee on a beautiful, sunny day, in awe that Yeshua had walked on the water here. We sailed on the Sea as well, where Neil taught and Jonathan led worship with his guitar.

We handed out Love Baskets everywhere we went. (Each Mercy Mission member had Love Baskets to give out as the Spirit led.) This barista at Kibbutz Ein Gev , our lunch stop, was surprised and pleased with the gift.

Autism Center for Children

We arrived at the Autism Center in Tiberias at about 4:00 PM on Wednesday. As always, our group received a very warm reception. We toured the facility, and were impressed once more with the state-of-the-art classrooms and treatment rooms of various types. One room, the “Snoezelen Room” is a room of lights, colors, and music. The children can adjust the colors of the lights and the accompanying music. Our Jewish Jewels family made this room possible. Our group was treated to refreshments on the rooftop, where we met special school.

Wednesday evening at about 7:30 PM, we welcomed Messianic singer Carolyn Hyde and three other local worship leaders to minister to us and to some families of victims of terror, who drove from Afula to Tiberias to join us for the evening. One mother, whose son had been murdered by a terrorist, shared her heart with our group, and welcomed prayer from us in the name of Yeshua. Our spiritual children, Michel and Yaffa, are sharing the Lord with her, her husband and many other families that have lost loved ones through terrorism. Everyone left that evening with Love Baskets to be distributed to needy Israelis, especially believers in local congregations.

Before we left Tiberias to go up to Jerusalem, we had another early morning encounter on the bus. Larry, a pastor with a big heart for young people, gave a key ring to an Israeli who had been in an elite unit in the Golan. The young man boarded our bus to give Larry a key chain from his Golani unit. That was the start of our mission to the IDF. God surprised us by bringing us to a base that we have been asked not to identify—or even speak about. Let’s just say that the Mercy Mission would have been outstanding if this were the only mission involved. Be assured that the 600+ Psalm 91 bandanas could not have gone to a more appropriate place in Israel. God knew! Love Baskets were given, as was a sizeable donation to construct a shelter for families visiting their sons and daughters in the IDF.

More Socks Find a Home

We arrived at our hotel in Jerusalem with two large space bags filled with socks for babies and toddlers. (We had more than enough for the orphanage and baby shower.) We wondered what we were going to do with the socks. God had a plan. Richard, from Sar-El Tours , met us at the hotel, and happened to mention that the congregation he attends in Jerusalem, is 50% children—with lots of toddlers. That took care of the toddler socks. Then, Richard mentioned  that he had contact with the head of Israeli Pro Life, Sandy Shoshani, and would gladly deliver the baby socks to her. (We had already sent her two bags of baby gifts—surplus from the baby shower, plus Love Baskets for the mothers who have chosen to keep their babies.)

To the Wall and Beyond

Our group had a time for individual prayer at the Western Wall ( Kotel ). We prayed for YOU, our Jewish Jewels family. Then we stopped in the Jewish Quarter to deliver some Love Baskets for the needy Orthodox pre-believers, and met a group of IDF soldiers on our way to the Upper Room. They received this year’s key rings, as well as special cards made for them by lovers of Israel in Orlando, FL.

That night (Friday) at 5:30, we gathered in our hotel to hear from Seth Ben Haim about Shabbat, from a Messianic Jewish perspective. We prayed for this gifted young husband and father, and sent him home with socks (of course!), other gifts for his family, and Love Baskets for needy Messianic families in the Jerusalem area.

We were joined for Shabbat dinner by the Ohayon family, dear friends who have coordinated many of our Mercy Missions for us. Eitan related a personal miracle which resulted from our previous time with him. More Mercy Mission fruit! We still had an entire duffle bag with socks for teenagers/men. The Ohayon boys had a great time choosing their socks. Their sisters received socks as well. As we said before, the socks kept multiplying!!

To The Dead Sea

While the group ascended Masada, Jamie stayed below to “go fishing.” She gave Love Baskets to new IDF recruits, and to a single mother in the gift shop. Jamie gave Silvia a seashell message first, telling her a few seashell stories—including one about a single woman whose husband had left her. The story had been played out in Silvia’s life as well, and she was very grateful for YOUR help.

Sorting on Saturday Night 

We realized that the trip was quickly drawing to an end, and we still had bags of gifts—especially in the luggage of our Mercy Mission group. So, on Saturday evening, a few of us began to sort the gifts—some for seniors and Holocaust survivors, some for our Orthodox friends, and four huge bags for new Ethiopian immigrants (that were not even on our schedule).

The Walk of Suffering

Following a morning on the Southern Steps, wearrived at around 1:00 PM at a simcha (celebration) for Holocaust survivors and other needy senior Israelis.Barry and Batya Segal of Vision for Israel helped arrange this Mercy Mission for us. YOU gave 35 precious elderly Israelis $100 in Love Baskets each.They also received key rings, and were invited to take gifts from a long table with gifts we had sorted the previous night—scarves, toiletries, jewelry, socks, Jetc. There was music by Barry and Batya, dancing in a circle, lots of hugs and interaction, and much gratitude. Precious. Our Mercy Mission team visited Yad Vashem (the Holocaust Museum) that afternoon, which made the sweetness of the Holocaust survivors even more special.

To the Rabbi’s Home

That evening, Sunday, at about 8:00 PM the four Lashes (Neil, Jamie, Jonathan and Nancy) went to the home of our rabbi friend Yeshayahu. We did not go empty-handed, as you can see from the photo. We fellowshipped, and gave everyone a chance to meet Nancy. (It was her first time in Israel.) We left this special family with ten Love Baskets for needy Ultra- Orthodox families, and a cash gift for them and their nine children.

Final Day: Final Mission

At 8:30 AM, before we left for the day’s touring, Jennifer Kaplan came to our hotel to collect the bags for the Ethiopian immigrants (with socks, of course!). We had a wonderful teaching at the Garden of Gethsemane by our guide, Hanna. In brief: The shoots that spring forth from olive trees, coming out of the root, and often encircling the trees, are called notzrim —the same word used by Israelis for “Christian.” This is also a word for “watchmen” in Jer. 31:5. Both the trunk and the notzrim hold up the ancient olive trees. Without the notzrim , the trunk would collapse. The notzrim wrap around the trunk of the olive tree the way watchmen would be around the walls of a city. Nazareth is from  the same root word as notzrim . It was a small city, like a shoot growing out of nowhere. Lots of connections! (It’s all on the DVD set by Hanna.)

Our final Love Baskets were given to a new tour guide, a Messianic Jew, who has five teenagers and needed a blessing. He, in turn, blessed our group. At that moment, Lynnette and Jamie smelled the sweet fragrance of the Holy Spirit.

At our farewell dinner, Monday night at 6:00 PM, our group gave gift bags to Hillel, our driver, and Hanna, our guide. Yes, they got socks!

Post Mercy Mission Missions

We stayed in Jerusalem for an extra week, after taking our group to the airport. We visited Reuven Prager of Beged Ivri, where Jamie tried on the Jerusalem of Gold bridal crown to see if it still fit!

We visited Micaela and Eliyahu (Bride and Groom of 2009) and their children. We showered them with gifts and Love Baskets. Please pray for Ayala, their 3 1/2 year old daughter with special needs.

We “stumbled upon” Edna from Ft. Lauderdale, a sister in the Lord, on her way to believers in Arad. We sent her on her way with three Love Baskets for the needy.

We checked to see if Yosef at #1 Ben Yehuda Street needed a new seashell message. He did!

We shared at length with an Israeli shopkeeper who is wrestling with  a decision since he “saw Jesus.”

An Israeli by the name of Abraham approached us to debate religion, and ended up seeking Neil out for more information on Jeremiah 31.

A Messianic Jewish woman, living among the Orthodox, saw us on the street, recognized us from TV and shared an amazing story about her mother’s final hours, that included listening to Jamie’s song, “It is the Lamb.”

We had a two hour “chat” with a beautiful Israeli friend who surprised us by confessing, “Well, yes. Yeshua is the Son of God.” She had come to pick up Love Baskets for two single mothers  whose husbands had left them. She also took the remaining Beanie Babies to deliver to children in the hospital. Our friend insisted that we give a Beanie Baby to a bride in the hotel lobby. She seemed to like it. We visited Makor HaTikvah, the only Messianic Day School in Jerusalem, and presented Cookie, the director, with cosmetic gifts for the female teachers in the school. You also made possible two outdoor play units. Finally, Love Baskets were given for needy teachers. One teacher was thrilled that she would be able to buy sneakers for her teenage son.

A final amazing God-connection. A woman recognized Jamie as we walked down a Jerusalem street. She was with a Messianic Jewish friend who explained who we were (TV, Jewish Jewels), and that we were from Ft. Lauderdale. The friend began to tell us that her mother was in an Independent Living Facility in Ft. Lauderdale. She had not seen her in the 18 years she had been living in Israel. Guess what? Her mother, Frances, is one of the seniors at our weekly Shabbat service. She had mentioned her daughter to Jamie many times. Only God! He knows where we are at all times—and orders our steps.

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Israel Go Beyond Tour November 2016

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Fehls’ trips to Israel make Scriptures real

FREMONT - Since returning from their second trip to Israel in September, John and Barb Fehl have found they do not read their Bibles quite the same. The stories they have heard over and over since childhood are now more real and even more significant. In addition, the reality of the Jewish experience is understood much better now that they have survived both a rocket attack and a sandstorm.

Unwanted reality touched the Fehls during the last moments of their first trip and the first days of the second. As they were preparing to leave Israel in 2014, Hamas rockets flew overhead, forcing the group into a bomb shelter. They emerged shaken but unharmed.

When their flight landed in Israel with a tour group of 23 this September, they were met by an unprecedented sandstorm.

“It looked like a fog from here, only it wasn’t white. It was reddish-brown,” Barb said. “Our tour guide, Hanna Ben Haim, said it was highly unusual, because the storms usually come from the north, from Syria and Iraq. This was not a typical sandstorm. There was no wind. It was just a fog that hung in the air.”

John said the storm followed the borders of Israel. It was the first of many moments during the trip that the Fehls felt the presence of God.

“At the time, we wondered if it wasn’t a shroud of protection,” John said. “It may have been just speculation on my part, but it was quite profound.”

The Fehls further felt the presence of God, and the Bible again became more real, during a visit to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem on the night of Rosh Hashanah, or the Feast of the Trumpets. Mike Chorey, the tour host from New York, read Scripture to the group, including Joel 7:2 that says, “They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war.”

“While we were there, we could hear skirmishes on the Temple Mount. We heard rifle shots and explosions. As he read that, we looked down at the Wailing Wall and saw Israeli Defense Soldiers running across the wall,” John said.

Then Chorey said a prayer with the group.

“When he finished praying, we looked up, and a dove made a beeline for our group. It flew over the Jews and circled two feet over our heads. It flew not once, but twice,” Barb said. “I’m not one to look for signs, but we felt like God was well pleased.”

Not only did the trip bring Scripture to life for the Fehls, but they also brought some of that reality home. They give presentations on Israel to local churches and groups, and they brought home a special gift for the members of the Youth for Christ class that meets at their house each week.

The Fehls visited the Valley of Elah where David, as a boy, killed the enemy giant Goliath with a small stone as told in I Samuel 17.

“It’s just a place. There is no monument there, no museum there,” Barb said. “There’s still a stream there, when it rains. That’s why there are stones there.”

The Fehls picked up stones at the Valley of Elah and brought them home for the Youth for Christ teens so they could remember the faithfulness of God.

“I was hoping to hear their stories, but it was cool to get a stone back,” said Emily Michael of Fremont, who attends the meetings. “It’s one thing to know a story most of your life, but it’s amazing to hear the story from someone who’s been there.”

The trips profoundly affected the Fehls.

“We’ve been twice to Israel, and I thought I wouldn’t want to go back,” Barb said. “But I can’t wait to go back. It felt like home.”

To schedule a presentation by the Fehls, contact them at 419-334-2393 or [email protected] .

Directory of Messianic Organizations in Israel

Kehila News Directory is a searchable list of congregations, ministries, and businesses related to the Messianic Community in Israel

Aharon Levarko

Arieh bar david, arthur du mosch, avinoam marcus, gershon nerel bible study tours, hanna ben-haim, herzl ein eli, ishai nerel, israel college of the bible tours, isra home tours & travel, jerry bulow, jerusalem eternal tours, keren ben or, keshet journeys, kira frusen.

Strategic Prayer Warrior, Messianic Leader in Jerusalem Dies at 75

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“For Zion's sake I will not keep silent, for Jerusalem's sake I will not remain quiet,” ( Isaiah 62:1 Close Isaiah 62:1 Because I love Zion,  I will not keep still.Because my heart yearns for Jerusalem,  I cannot remain silent.I will not stop praying for her  until her righteousness shines like the dawn,  and her salvation blazes like a burning torch. OPEN VERSE IN BIBLE (nlt) ).  That’s the verse that most typified the life of Eliyahu Ben Haim, his wife Hanna said of her late husband.

Eliyahu (Elijah in English) Ben Haim, chairman of Intercessors for Israel (IFI), went to be with the Lord last Saturday evening.  In 1985, he was handed the reins of IFI and had directed the Jerusalem-based organization since then urging prayer at home and abroad for the sake of Zion -- Israel; and distributing weekly prayer points to inform and guide.

Ben Haim immigrated to Israel in 1969.  He returned to settle here with his family in 1984.

“Eliyahu did what God wanted him to do.  He started traveling, speaking about Israel and the Jewish people returning to their Land. Many people opposed him,” said David Antrosio, who delivered the eulogy at Ben Haim’s funeral in Jerusalem. Antrosio was Ben Haim’s first pastor 45 years ago in Montana.

“Literally thousands of people have heard what God is doing for Israel, restoring Israel and the Jewish people,” said Antrosio. “Some of you have even been encouraged to make Aliyah (immigrate to Israel) by Eliyahu.  Thousands of people are now praying for Israel because of Eliyahu.” 

For decades, IFI hosted an annual prayer conference in Jerusalem (as well as elsewhere in the world) and tour in Israel to pray and encourage prayer on behalf of the Jewish people and State of Israel as the fulfillment of God’s prophetic Word and led "prayer teams to strategic places to defend Israel among the nations," IFI's website said.

At this year’s conference in January, Ben Haim spoke about “ Strategic Intercession ” and how the answers to our prayers don’t always come at the time or in the way we expect.  

“Our intercession does make a difference,” Ben Haim said. “Our concentration needs to be not us but Him. Our intercession is real.  God desires it and it makes a difference in the world and in the Kingdom of God.” 

He said praying for people and groups of people and the church is intercession but there’s a difference with strategic intercession.

“Strategic intercession is praying God’s will expressed in his Word into being. It’s praying for nations and for peoples and for God’s prophetic purposes to be accomplished,” he said.

“I prayed at least 15 years for the United States to move its embassy to Jerusalem and now it’s right across the street from my house. That’s something I never expected and never wanted. I’m talking about it being across the street!” he said.

One local believer who asked not to be named told CBN News how important Ben Haim’s messages were to her at the prayer conferences.

“I loved his perspective, I loved his insight, his wisdom.  He had a handle on politics.  He had a biblical perspective of politics and you always came away being more informed and because it was a prayer conference you were more informed about how to pray and he gave you direction for that as well.

“Sometimes he came off as a little bit of a tough guy. He was not a tough guy.  He was a teddy bear.  He was the most kind person you would ever meet.  Really cared for other people. Mercy and grace (were) second nature to him,” she said.

In addition to his work with IFI, he was also on the board of Ebenezer, Operation Exodus, traveling around the world to practically raise support for the fulfillment of prophecy: the return of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel.

At his funeral, his daughter Rachel, described her dad the man behind the strong leader.  She said it was his nature to help widows, orphans, the weak and overlooked.

“In 1985, when I was seven, there was a man who came and stayed with us every two weeks over the course of several months because he was taking medical treatment at the nearby hospital.

“A couple of months ago, I asked my mother about this unusual memory.  She told me that the man had had AIDS and my father was the only one who would open his house to him. When my mother questioned him about it he said he couldn’t leave a man in need on the street,” she said.

Following a very successful prayer conference in Scotland in June, Ben Haim was diagnosed with “necrotizing fasciitis” commonly known as “flesh-eating disease” -- a rare and virulent bacteria.  Ten days earlier doctors had amputated his leg in an attempt to save his life.  Though he was improving and his family and friends had hope for his recovery, a heart attack took his life while he was still in Scotland. 

Ben Haim will be sorely missed by his widow, children, grandchildren and friends, and the Body of Messiah in Israel and worldwide.  But as one congregation here said in its announcement of his passing: “Eliyahu has fought the good fight and glorified God in all his ways until the end.”

Eliyahu Ben Haim and his wife, Hanna

Photograph courtesy of Alpha & Omega Photography, Inc. @mmoserphotography.com

About The Author

Julie Stahl is a correspondent for CBN News in the Middle East. A Hebrew speaker, she has been covering news in Israel full-time for more than 20 years. Julie’s life as a journalist has been intertwined with CBN – first as a graduate student in Journalism, then as a journalist with Middle East Television (METV) when it was owned by CBN from 1989-91, and now with the Middle East Bureau of CBN News in Jerusalem since 2009. As a correspondent for CBN News, Julie has covered Israel’s wars with Gaza, rocket attacks on Israeli communities, stories on the Jewish communities in Judea, Samaria, and the More

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Israel Itineraries

There are several suggested itineraries for your stay in Israel, depending on whether you prefer to travel independently or with an Israel tour package.  As independent travelers, you could hire a car, or use public transport to get around. Maybe mix in a few day tours to get to difficult-to-reach locations or places where you’d want a knowledgeable guide. Base yourself in Tel Aviv to explore the city and to visit places on the Mediterranean coast like Caesarea, Haifa, and Acre. Travel to Jerusalem to enjoy the sites and make side trips to Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, and Masada. Then spend time in the north where you can visit Nazareth, the Golan, and places by the Sea of Galilee like Capernaum, and Tiberias. If you have more time, you could spend a couple of days in the Red Sea resort city of Eilat. Alternatively, you can join a group package tour in Israel, where the logistics, accommodation, and transportation are organized for you. From the moment you land at Ben Gurion, you are taken care of, as you explore the country. There are several advantages to tour packages, and you can usually fit in a lot more attractions. Tour packages give you a few free days where you can discover Tel Aviv or Jerusalem independently. Depending on how much time you have in Israel, you could take a tour package that includes a short visit to Petra, Jordan.

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