I would like to invite you to join with us in blessing the Jewish People. Have you ever asked yourself, “how can I tangibly bless Israel”? Do you have a heart to pray for the Nation of God’s heart, to live out Romans 15:27? Do you long to comfort Israel according to Isaiah 40:1 and Isaiah 62? (I encourage you to read & absorb these scriptures)
Your desire to bless the Jews comes directly from the heart of God. Genesis 12:3 says “I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you”, speaking about the Jews, the descendents of Abraham. It is God’s heart to BLESS ISRAEL as Christians. Isaiah 62:6 says “YOU WHO MAKE MENTION OF THE LORD, DO NOT KEEP SILENT FOR ZION’S SAKE.” My question to you is, who is Isaiah referring to??? ALL THOSE WHO MAKE MENTION OF THE LORD.
Since the year 2000, there has been a core group (and growing!) of Christians who BELIEVE GOD AT HIS WORD, and are walking out the call of Romans 15:27 through making hand-made / embroidered Challah Bread Covers for the weekly Shabbat meals Jews world wide celebrate every Friday evening. If you are not familiar with “Shabbat”, it is the Hebrew translation for Sabbath. Traditionally, the special braided bread called “Challah” is the focal point of the meal, and it is covered by a special Challah Cover. The Bread and the cover commemorate God sending the manna in the wilderness, covering the ground like dew, for the provision of the children of Israel.
Through these simple pieces of material – God is pouring out His love on His beloved. The stories I have received back from Israel and have witnessed myself have not only caused great reasons to rejoice, but also have broken my heart with sadness. I know that some of the Jewish families (secular, reform and orthodox) are so shocked that a “Christian” would do such an act of kindness for them, and so personal at that. A Challah Bread Cover is a very personal gift, one that could be passed down generations. This usually leads into them asking the person who gave it to them, “Why would a Christian do this for me, I thought they hated us.” HOW TERRIBLY HEARTBREAKING.
Some people have replied, “A gift like this means more than money ever could.” One Jewish woman in Jerusalem actually took her Challah Cover that was given to her to celebrate Shabbat with her family in the Galilee. She told them how a Christian across the globe had made this for her, and was hand delivered to her in the land of Israel. These gifts are given freely, with no strings attached. A pure act of love.
Isaiah 40:1 says “Comfort, yes comfort My people says the Lord, speak comfort to Jerusalem.” In sending these gifts of love – in some small way, we hope to speak comfort to the Lord’s people.
If you have the desire to make a Challah Cover, introduce this ministry to your church or group, support our efforts (financially, the cost is $1.00 U.S. per cover) or would like more information, please contact Brandy Cook at isaiah62@idtmissions.org
Shalom,
Brandy Cook
Director, Comfort Israel – a division of I.D.T.