Shalom Friends,
Let me first say that I miss being in contact with you through the Herald and answering the MIA phone lines—but Angus and I have been keeping very busy. For one thing, I finished my new book and am really excited about getting it to the printer as soon as possible (which is why I am writing to you, but I will come back to this point later).

The book, "Who is Israel? And Why You Need to Know" (1998) answered that vital title question, and it explained why the issue was important to our understanding about the Messiah and His plan for His people (there are still a few of that hardcover edition in print, but the other versions are sold out).

Each time the book sold out we felt we should not just reprint it but should update it so we could also address other issues. I am happy to say that in this new work I managed to trim 32 pages from the earlier edition and yet added a lot more information. (Perhaps I have learned to be a little more succinct in my old age!) For some time it has concerned me that so many Believers are leaving their faith in Messiah and converting to Judaism. It seems this is a result of the anti-Church attitude that is so rampant in much of the Messianic movement. This attitude has long grieved my heart and it is causing us many problems. I wrote the following about it in my book, Mama's Torah:

Battling Brothers

Our God wants to restore the whole house of Israel, but the "sibling rivalry" of both houses gets in the way. It is deeply rooted in both people groups. Each thinks they are right and the other is wrong. Therefore, those who seek the restoration of all Israel will have to be like a mother who has two sons, both of whom have bad attitudes toward the other. The following imaginary "Johnny and Joey" story illustrates the problem before us.

Johnny and Joey were brothers, and older Johnny was the type who would pinch his little brother when Mama wasn't looking. He also would tell little Joey that he was "adopted." "I know," he would say, "they found you under a rock! I was there when they brought you home!!" This of course would bring Joey to tears. It made him question whether he really "belonged" to the family. It also made him very, very angry. And Joey had a real problem with anger. So, when Johnny taunted him, Joey would in turn hit him really hard with his plastic bat. One day, while playing in their bedroom, and after going through their usual routine, Johnny jumped on Joey for hitting him. Fists flying, the two boys fell on the bed. In the fray, Joey's arm got tangled in the cord that went to the lamp sitting on the night table. This sent the lamp crashing to the floor, which sound coincided with the breaking of the bed frame. All of which caused their mother to come running...

The challenge for our imaginary mother is that when she comes into the room, she must make a judgment call as to what happened. If she blames Joey for something that Johnny did, Johnny will think his mother is a schnook, and Joey will think she is unfair. To fully settle the dispute, Mama must judge with absolute equity. Anything less will only fuel their ever-smoldering flame.

The same principle holds true for Ephraim and Judah. As we seek to put an end to their ancient family rift, we must use equal weights and measures. For differing measures are an abomination to our God. They even shorten our days. We must be a people who speak the truth, and judge with truth, ever seeking peace in our gates. Messiah Yeshua warns us not to "judge according to appearance, but to judge with righteous judgment" (Deuteronomy 25:13-16; Proverbs 20:10; Zechariah 8:16; John 7:240). We will have to be like "dedicated parents" if we want to restore all Israel. We will also have to realize that both houses of Israel have been blinded in part, and that both have stumbled over the Sanctuary, who is Messiah Yeshua (Genesis 48:19; Isaiah 8:14; John 2:19-22; Romans 11:25). Yet, both houses are beloved and chosen children of the Father. Let us therefore be people who seek to repair their age-old breach (Jeremiah 33:23-26; Isaiah 58:12).... (Mama's Torah, Key of David Publishing, 2004, page 81.)

As a parent, I know that if you blame a child for more than they are actually guilty of, they will tend to turn away from you. Mistreating them can even jade their opinion toward any truth that you might be speaking. And in my opinion, the Messianic movement has been so unkind toward the Church and Christianity, "blaming" them beyond what is justifiable, that many Christians are doing one of two things: they are agreeing with them and likewise becoming anti-Church in their opinions (which often leads to a conversion to Judaism), or, they are turning away from the Messianic movement entirely. Many now call it the "Mean Movement." Moreover, as prophesied, Satan is now pouring out a flood of words from his mouth, these are sent forth especially to sweep away the woman Israel (Rev 12:15). Being afflicted by this end-time condition, many in the Messianic movement have been swallowed up by a love of words: they chase after the latest teaching and love head knowledge--even more than they do their First Love, Messiah Yeshua.

As Messianic Israelites we must never forget that redemption, and the gift of eternal life, are found in Messiah Yeshua. That is why His is a "new and better covenant" (Hebrews 8:6; 12:24). We must not be talked out of our relationship to Him. He is the eternal Redeemer of Israel, and we must tell the world about Him (Psalm 49:7,15; Matthew 1:21).

A closing paragraph from my new book follows:

A Collision Course

At this time in history the collective people of Israel and the eternal Kingdom of Israel are on a collision course. Long ago the Almighty made a promise to our forefather Abraham; that promise essentially included a piece of real estate and the promise to bless and multiply Abraham's seed. Then came Messiah Yeshua, and in and through Him, Israel received a new and better covenant. The gift of eternal life is promised to all who enter into this covenant and believe in Yeshua and in His sacrifice in our behalf. [Footnote: Jer 31:31-33; Heb 12:24; Luke 1:31-33; Isa 9:6-7; Eph 2:8; John 6:54; 18:36.] Yeshua also was given the throne of David and promised that His would be a kingdom without end. It is a kingdom that is not of this world, a kingdom that is now and yet to come, and one that must ever be alive in our hearts. Similarly, the chosen city, Jerusalem, the City of Gold, the City of the Great King, stands naked when separated from the glory of her Messiah. She and her people are destined to be married. [Footnote: That Yeshua has already "sat down" indicates that He now rules over His Kingdom (Luke 1:32; Heb 1:3; 10:12; 12:2; Rev 3:21). Kingdom to Come: Matt 6:10; Luke 11:2; also see Isa 27:9; 55:3; 59:21; Jer 31:31-34; 32:38-40; Heb 8:8-12; 10:16. Jerusalem: Isa 62:1-7; Rev 21:2,9-10; Psa 48:1-2; Mat 5:35.] To lose sight of the gift of eternal life that is promised to all who follow the Messiah of Israel is to be shortsighted concerning the promises made to the chosen people. To lose sight of Jerusalem's full restoration in Messiah is to have a limited view of Israel's promised kingdom, it is to see Israel in part. Israelites can be Israelites and fail to see the truth about the restoration of Messiah's kingdom; they also can participate in the earthly part of the promises to our patriarchs, live in the Land and be multiplied, yet miss the all-important gift of eternal life that is found in the Messiah. However, obedient Israel is destined to belong to both the King and His eternal Kingdom of Israel. (Key of David Publishing, 2006, Pages 213-214.)

In summation, I feel my new book answers the “who is Israel” question more succinctly than ever, plus it addresses the many issues that now plaque the Messianic movement. Most important, it encourages Believers in the Messiah; it especially encourages Ephraim to arise and to be a brother to those of Judah.

The reason I write is that we are still a bit uncertain about the title and wondered if you might be able to help by casting a vote, or making a suggestion. Titles that have come to mind are:

• Israel: Two Houses-One Destiny
• Israel: Your Destiny in Messiah
• Israel: Our Destiny in Messiah
• Israel: One People in Messiah
• Israel: One Stick in Abba’s Hand
• Israel: Reunited, Redeemed and Restored

In my opinion, there is so much more to this new book that it must have a new title, so will you please drop me a note and let me know which one you think sounds best? Tell me which one appeals to you the most or suggest something new.

Thanks to Crystal Lenhart's inspired artwork, and John Diffenderfer's creative abilities, we will have a beautiful new cover featuring Crystal's two sticks drawing, but this time John has it set with a blue sky of hope.

Speaking of hope, I hope I hear from you soon!

Please write to me at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Blessings to You and Yours,
Batya