ARTICLES

This week’s Torah reading is the holiday portion for Pesach (Exodus 12:21-51 and Numbers 28:16-25). Read on Shabbat during Pesach, April 4, 2026 / 16 Nisan 5786. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“You shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever. When you come to the land that the LORD will give you, as He has promised, you shall keep this service. And when your children say to you, What do you mean by this service, you shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’s Passover, for He passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt when He struck the Egyptians but spared our homes” (Exodus 12:24-27).

Parashat Pesach centers on remembrance and redemption. The night of deliverance is not meant to fade into history but to be told and retold through every generation. God commands His people to remember not only the event but its meaning. The story of rescue becomes a living testimony that shapes identity, faith, and hope.

The act of remembering is active and intentional. Families gather, questions are asked, and answers are given. Through this rhythm, each generation learns that they are part of a larger story. Redemption is not only something that happened in the past. It becomes a reality that continues to define the present. God’s faithfulness is carried forward through words, actions, and shared memory.

Pesach also reveals that deliverance requires trust and response. The people marked their doorposts, prepared their meal, and stepped forward in obedience. Their actions reflected faith in what God had promised. Freedom was not only declared. It was received through participation in what God instructed.

This portion invites us to consider what it means to remember well. In busy lives it is easy to move forward without reflection, to overlook the ways God has provided and delivered. Yet memory strengthens faith. When we recall what God has done, we find courage to trust Him again. The story of redemption becomes a foundation for present hope.

Some may be in situations that feel uncertain or unresolved. Let the message of Pesach remind you that God is able to bring deliverance in ways that may not be immediately visible. Others may be in seasons of stability and blessing. This is a time to give thanks and to share the story of God’s faithfulness with others, especially those who are still searching for hope.

As this Shabbat during Pesach arrives, take time to remember the ways God has worked in your life. Speak those memories aloud, write them down, or share them with someone close to you. Let gratitude fill your heart. Choose one way to respond with trust and obedience, allowing the story of redemption to shape how you live today.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness and for the ways You have brought redemption into my life. Help me remember Your works and trust You in every season. May my life reflect gratitude, obedience, and hope in Your saving power. Amen.

By Stephen Faircloth

“The LORD’s Passover begins at sundown on the fourteenth day of the first month. On the next day, the fifteenth day of the month, you must begin celebrating the Festival of Unleavened Bread. This festival to the LORD continues for seven days, and during that time the bread you eat must be made without yeast…” (Leviticus 23:5-8).

It was a night filled with tension and expectation. Inside their homes, the people of Israel waited quietly. After centuries of bondage in Egypt, they had received precise instructions through Moses. Each household was to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorframes with its blood. They were to prepare the meal and remain indoors until morning, trusting that something extraordinary was about to unfold.

That night, judgment came upon Egypt. Every firstborn in the land perished, from the lowest household to Pharaoh’s own family. Yet the homes marked by obedience were spared. The divine presence passed over them, preserving life within. By the following day, after enduring ten devastating plagues, the Israelites were released from slavery and began their journey toward freedom under Moses’ leadership.

This defining moment is remembered each year during Pesach or Passover, a central observance in Jewish life. In Exodus 13:5-8, the people are instructed to retell this story to their children and to eat unleavened bread for seven days. This bread, often called the bread of affliction, serves as a reminder of both hardship and haste, since there was no time for dough to rise before departure.

Today, this bread is known as matzah. Though made simply from flour and water, it must be prepared and baked within eighteen minutes to prevent fermentation. Its simplicity reflects both urgency and humility.

For generations, Jewish families have gathered on the evening of Passover for a special meal known as the Seder, a word meaning order. During this meal, the Exodus story is recounted in a structured and symbolic way. While customs may differ across cultures, the core message remains constant: God’s power to deliver and redeem.

Preparation for Passover involves removing all leaven from the home. This process can be detailed and thorough, as families search carefully to ensure that no trace remains. The act symbolizes a cleansing, both physical and spiritual.

During the Seder, a plate holds several symbolic foods. A roasted bone recalls the Passover sacrifice. A boiled egg points to the cycle of life. Bitter herbs represent the harshness of slavery, while a sweet mixture called haroset reflects the mortar used in forced labor. A green vegetable dipped in salt water evokes both renewal and tears. Matzah is also central, placed prominently as a reminder of the Exodus experience.

For many Christians, Passover holds additional significance. The Last Supper shared by Jesus and His disciples was a Passover meal. When He broke the bread and spoke of His body, He was using unleavened bread. This connection continues in Christian communion practices today.

Some believers also see meaning in the appearance of matzah, with its markings suggesting suffering and sacrifice. Its lack of leaven is often understood as a symbol of purity. Within this perspective, Jesus is seen as the Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice brings redemption. The cup He shared is often associated with the Cup of Redemption from the traditional Passover meal, aligning with His words about a new covenant.

Passover and Easter frequently occur around the same time in early spring. The Jewish observance lasts eight days, with the first and last days marked by special gatherings. In Israel, one Seder is held, while Jewish communities elsewhere typically observe two evenings of celebration.

Holiday Greeting

Chag Kasher V’Sameach

Wishing you a happy and kosher holiday

During the intermediate days, it is also customary to say:

Moadim L’Simcha

Wishing you a joyful festival

Historical Note

In ancient times, the Passover celebration included the sacrifice of a lamb that was roasted and eaten during the Seder. This practice continued until the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in the first century.

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

By Stephen Faircloth

After sharing the Passover meal in Jerusalem, Jesus left the city with His disciples and went to a place called Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36; Mark 14:32). While the exact location cannot be identified with certainty, the Gospels make clear that it was on the Mount of Olives, just across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem (Luke 22:39; John 18:1).

During Passover, pilgrims would eat the meal within the city, but many stayed outside its walls on the surrounding hillsides. The Mount of Olives, with its groves of trees, provided a natural place to gather, rest, and pray. It was here, away from the crowds but still within sight of the city, that Jesus often withdrew with His disciples.

The name Gethsemane likely comes from Hebrew words meaning “oil press.” This suggests the area was associated with the production of olive oil, fitting for a place on the Mount of Olives. The imagery is striking. Just as olives are pressed to produce oil, Jesus entered a place where He Himself would be pressed under the weight of what lay ahead.

Today, visitors to Jerusalem can walk among olive groves on the Mount of Olives and reflect on this moment. While traditions point to several possible locations, the precise spot matters less than what happened there. The setting itself helps us understand the depth of Jesus’ experience.

Beyond the ridge of the Mount of Olives, the land drops sharply into the wilderness that stretches toward Jericho and the Dead Sea. This rugged terrain has long provided refuge for those seeking to disappear. From where Jesus prayed, escape was not far away. Within a short time, He could have fled into the wilderness and avoided what was coming.

That reality gives new weight to His prayer: “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Jesus was not trapped. He was not forced. He stood at a place where He could choose another path. Yet He willingly turned away from escape and toward obedience. He chose the Father’s will, even though it led to suffering and the cross.

Gethsemane reminds us that surrender is often a choice made in moments of deep struggle. It is not always easy or painless. It may involve facing what we would rather avoid. But it is in those moments that true trust is revealed.

We all encounter our own “Gethsemane” places, moments when we must choose between our will and God’s. Sometimes the easier path lies within reach. Sometimes obedience feels costly. Yet Jesus shows us what it means to trust the Father fully.

He chose obedience, knowing that beyond the suffering lay redemption.

As we reflect on Gethsemane, we are invited to consider our own response. Will we trust God when the path is difficult? Will we surrender our will to His, even when we do not fully understand?

The same God who strengthened Jesus in that moment walks with us in ours.

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

As missiles from Iran and rockets from Hezbollah fell across Israel, everyday life was turned upside down. In cities near the northern border and throughout the country, families were rushing to bomb shelters at all hours. Workplaces were closed, schools were interrupted, and many households were struggling just to put food on the table.

For elderly widows, single mothers, and low-income families, the situation was especially frightening. With limited mobility or reduced income, even a quick trip to the grocery store can feel impossible. Some are afraid to leave their homes. Others simply cannot afford the rising cost of basic necessities.

In the midst of this crisis, CBN Israel has mobilized to bring practical help and steady support. Because of caring friends like you, food boxes filled with fresh produce, pantry staples, and household essentials are being delivered directly to families in need. Hot meals are reaching seniors who cannot safely cook or shop for themselves. Volunteers are checking in on Holocaust survivors and vulnerable residents, ensuring they are not forgotten during these dangerous days.

One elderly woman in the north shared that the food she receives is often the only reliable meal she has during the week. A young mother explained that knowing groceries are coming allows her to focus on comforting her children when sirens sound instead of worrying about an empty refrigerator.

Before the escalation, hundreds of families relied on this support. Now, the need has grown dramatically as more people are displaced or unable to work. Lines form early at distribution centers, and requests for help continue to increase.

Because of the generosity of faithful partners, hope is being delivered alongside every box of food and every warm meal. Your gift today can help families survive the onslaught and remind them they are not alone.

Please join us in standing with Israel and providing nourishment, dignity, and peace of mind in a time of war.

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This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20). Read on Shabbat, March 14, 2026 / 24 Adar 5786. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“Moses assembled all the congregation of the people of Israel and said to them, These are the things that the LORD has commanded you to do” (Exodus 35:1).

Parashat Vayakhel begins with Moses gathering the entire community of Israel. After the turmoil of the golden calf and the renewal of the covenant, the people are called together again. This time the focus is on building the Tabernacle, the sacred space where God’s presence will dwell among them. The assembly of the people shows that the work of holiness is not carried by individuals alone but by a community united in purpose.

Moses reminds them first of the Sabbath, the rhythm of rest that grounds their work in trust. Even the sacred task of constructing the Tabernacle must pause for the holiness of rest. By placing the Sabbath before the building project, God teaches that devotion is not measured only by activity. True faithfulness includes rest, reflection, and dependence on God’s provision.

The people respond with remarkable generosity. Men and women bring offerings from willing hearts. Craftsmen and artisans contribute their skills. Materials once used in Egypt are now transformed into instruments of worship. The community discovers that every gift has value. Creativity, generosity, and cooperation all become part of building a dwelling place for God.

Vayakhel reminds us that God invites each person to participate in His work. Some bring resources. Others bring skill. Others offer encouragement and service. When these gifts are joined together, something sacred emerges. The Tabernacle is not only a structure of wood and fabric. It is a testimony that God chooses to dwell among people who offer their lives willingly.

Some may feel their contributions are small or unnoticed. This portion reassures us that every offering matters when it is given with sincerity. Others may have been blessed with abundance or ability. Vayakhel encourages using those gifts with humility and gratitude. Together, the community becomes a reflection of God’s presence.

As this Shabbat arrives, consider how your gifts can contribute to the work God is doing around you. Offer your time, kindness, and creativity with a willing heart. Let your actions strengthen the community and honor God’s presence. In doing so, you help build a place where faith, generosity, and devotion come together.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for inviting me to take part in Your work. Help me offer my gifts with a willing heart and serve with humility and joy. May my life contribute to a community that reflects Your presence and Your love. Amen.

This week’s Torah reading is Parashat Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35). Read on Shabbat, March 7, 2026 / 17 Adar 5786. The following is a special devotional drawn from this week’s reading.

“The LORD said to Moses, whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot out of My book. But now go, lead the people to the place about which I have spoken to you. Behold, My angel shall go before you” (Exodus 32:33-34).

Parashat Ki Tisa contains one of the most dramatic moments in Israel’s wilderness journey. While Moses is on the mountain receiving instruction, the people grow restless and form a golden calf. Fear and impatience lead them to seek a visible substitute for God’s presence. The scene reveals how quickly trust can falter when waiting becomes difficult.

Yet this portion also reveals the depth of God’s mercy. Moses intercedes for the people, pleading that God remember His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Instead of abandoning Israel, God responds with compassion. Though discipline comes, the relationship is not destroyed. The covenant endures because God chooses mercy alongside justice.

Later, Moses ascends the mountain again and encounters God in a powerful moment of revelation. God proclaims His own character, declaring that He is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in steadfast love and truth. This description becomes one of the most important declarations about God’s nature in all of Scripture. Even after failure, God invites His people back into relationship.

Ki Tisa reminds us that spiritual life often includes both failure and restoration. Like Israel, we may struggle with impatience, doubt, or misplaced trust. We may attempt to fill silence with substitutes rather than waiting faithfully. Yet God does not withdraw His mercy when we turn back to Him. His compassion remains stronger than our weakness.

Some may be carrying regret or disappointment in their spiritual journey. This portion offers hope that restoration is possible. Others may be walking in renewed clarity and commitment. Let this reading inspire humility and gratitude, remembering that faith is sustained by God’s grace rather than human perfection.

As this Shabbat begins, reflect on where patience and trust are needed in your life. Bring your failures honestly before God, and receive the mercy He freely gives. Choose one step that renews your devotion, whether through prayer, reconciliation, or renewed obedience. Let your heart rest in the truth that God’s compassion is greater than our mistakes.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for Your compassion and patience. When I grow weary or lose my way, draw me back to You with mercy. Help me trust Your presence even when the path is uncertain. May my life reflect gratitude for Your steadfast love and faithfulness. Amen.

As Israel faced an intense war with Iran and daily missile barrages, her most vulnerable citizens were in grave danger. In cities like Bat Yam, sirens sounded with little warning, giving residents barely a minute to reach a bomb shelter. For elderly Holocaust survivors, that short window of time can mean the difference between life and death.

Ninety-year-old Sonya, a Holocaust survivor from Romania, lives alone in Bat Yam, a coastal city frequently targeted by missiles. When the war erupted on the morning of February 28, Sonya found herself running to the nearest shelter again and again. In one single day, she attempted to reach safety eight times.

But because of serious mobility issues, Sonya could not move fast enough. Each siren left her vulnerable and afraid. The danger was real, and she knew she could not manage alone.

Sonya had been helped by CBN Israel before, so she reached out once more, hoping someone would answer. Because of caring friends like you, help came quickly.

CBN Israel mobilized immediately. Our team arrived in Bat Yam, assessed her situation, and evacuated Sonya to a safer location in Netanya where she could rest without the constant fear of incoming rockets. For a woman who had already survived the horrors of the Holocaust, donor support provided peace of mind during yet another time of war.

Across Israel, elderly survivors and vulnerable residents are facing the same terrifying reality. Many cannot reach shelters in time. Many have no one to help them.

Because of the generosity of compassionate partners, CBN Israel is on the ground, rescuing those at risk and providing tangible hope in life threatening moments.

Please join us in standing with Israel and protecting her most vulnerable in their time of urgent need.

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By Stephen Faircloth

Many visitors to the modern State of Israel assume that the country’s current borders match the land described in the Bible. In reality, the geography of biblical Israel does not perfectly overlap with the modern nation. Even within Scripture, the boundaries of Israel shift during different historical periods.

For example, the Bible describes Israel at times as extending east of the Jordan River into the region of Gilead. Meanwhile, the far southern area of what is now modern Israel, stretching beyond the Beersheva basin toward the Gulf of Eilat, lay outside the central territory of biblical Israel. In biblical times, this area was known as the Wilderness of Zin and the Wilderness of Paran.

Yet this wilderness still played an important role in the story of God’s people. According to Numbers 13:21, it was from this region that Moses sent the spies to explore the Promised Land. In that sense, Moses stood in territory that today belongs to the State of Israel, though he had not yet entered the land promised to the people of God.

Modern place names can add to the confusion. Take the Negev as an example. Today the term often refers to the broad desert stretching south from the Hebron hills to Eilat. In the Bible, however, the Negev more specifically described the Beersheva basin and the southern edge of the hill country. Understanding these differences helps travelers better appreciate the landscape through which the biblical story unfolded.

One of the most striking features of this region is the Zin Valley. The riverbed running through it is usually dry, yet springs near the ancient Nabatean site of Avdat supply water throughout the year. In a land known for its harsh desert terrain, such sources of water were vital.

It was in this wilderness setting that a pivotal moment in Moses’ life occurred. In Numbers 20, the people of Israel cried out for water during their desert wandering. God instructed Moses to speak to the rock so that water would flow. Instead, in frustration, Moses struck the rock. Though water came forth, Moses’ disobedience carried consequences. God told him that he would not enter the Promised Land but would only see it from afar (Deuteronomy 34).

Water in the wilderness meant survival. Shepherds who guided their flocks through these barren landscapes had to know where water could be found. Their animals depended completely on them to locate hidden springs in a seemingly lifeless land.

Later desert dwellers such as the Nabateans mastered this same skill. Their capital at Petra became a center of trade partly because they developed advanced systems for collecting and storing precious water. Along the desert trade routes between Petra and the Mediterranean port of Gaza, Avdat served as one of their important stations overlooking the Zin Valley.

The Wilderness of Zin reminds us that even barren places can become settings for God’s work. The desert exposed the needs of the people of Israel and revealed the importance of trusting God’s guidance. In seasons when life feels dry and uncertain, the Lord remains the One who provides water in the wilderness and direction in unfamiliar terrain.

Stephen Faircloth is the President of CBN Israel, an initiative dedicated to sharing the true story of the Jewish nation and inspiring a global community of Christians to stand with Israel and support her people in need. Our vision is to reshape the global conversation about Israel by fostering understanding, hope, and healing between Jews and Christians around the world. For more than 50 years, the Christian Broadcasting Network has supported Israel. By joining CBN Israel, you become part of this enduring legacy, transforming lives today and strengthening Christian support for Israel for generations to come.

Kibbutz Nirim was a peaceful community near Gaza’s border. But that changed when Hamas violently invaded on October 7 two years ago. Adele, a longtime resident, recalled the horror her family faced during the brutal onslaught:

“My three grandchildren were on that bed, and we told them, ‘Hide under the blanket. You’re going to hear a loud noise. Don’t come out from under the blanket, no matter what happens.’” Her son-in-law raised his gun, waiting until he saw the safe room door handle move—then he kicked open the door and shot the terrorist who was standing there.

On that day, she saw homes torched and in ruins. Five kibbutz members were murdered, and five hostages taken, with two killed in Gaza. Since then, residents were displaced, living as refugees in their own land…until now. 

Despite the trauma they experienced, Adele and many of her neighbors are returning to Nirim. They are committed to this once vibrant farming village of around 500 Israelis, including 130 children. But they faced big challenges. Hamas had destroyed so many buildings—including the community center, main kitchen, and the kibbutz store. How could they start over?

Thankfully, friends like you were there. Through CBN Israel, donors built them a new community center, with a dining hall, kitchen, and a grocery store. Life has gone from dark silence to the sounds of children playing, and meals being prepared in the new kitchen.

As more residents come back, having a central hub for fellowship has been a true blessing. Adele says, “Thank you for being such loyal friends!” And Michal, another resident, adds, “None of this could have happened without you believing in us and loving us… Thank you!”

Your gifts to CBN Israel can bless war victims with food, safe lodging, trauma therapy, and more—while providing ongoing aid to hurting families and the elderly.

Please join us as we stand with Israel’s people at this crucial time!

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