Nourish Your Biblical Roots with Yael Eckstein

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Explore the ancient Jewish roots of Christianity and their relevance to your life today with podcast host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Join Yael from the Holy Land as she shares spiritual insights, lessons from the Torah, and conversations about life in Israel. This podcast will take you on a unique journey through the Bible that will deepen your personal connection with Israel and offer you inspirational insights into your Christian faith.

  1. Jewish Voices, American Stories: In the Beginning

    1H AGO

    Jewish Voices, American Stories: In the Beginning

    This episode of Jewish Voices, American Stories takes us back to the earliest chapters of American history—long before Ellis Island—when Jewish life was already taking root in a new and uncertain nation. We begin at Touro Synagogue—the oldest synagogue in the United States. Built by a small community seeking religious freedom, it stands as a lasting symbol of a promise that would define America: that people of all faiths could worship freely and live without fear. That promise was powerfully affirmed in 1790, when President George Washington declared that the new nation would give “to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.” From there, we move to the front lines of the American Revolution. Jimmy introduces us to Francis Salvador, the first known Jewish patriot to give his life for American independence—a man who chose to fight for a nation still being born, believing in its promise of liberty and opportunity. Finally, we meet Solomon Bush, a Jewish officer in George Washington’s army who was wounded at the Battle of Brandywine and later played a role in uncovering a threat within the Continental forces. His story is a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom was carried not only by generals and statesmen, but by ordinary individuals willing to sacrifice everything. These stories reveal a profound truth: from the very beginning, Jewish Americans were not outsiders to the American story—they were part of it. Building communities. Serving their country. And helping shape a nation founded on faith, freedom, and hope. To learn more about God’s people—from the days of the Bible through the present—visit The Fellowship’s Learn Center.

    19 min
  2. Jewish Voices, American Stories: The Soundtrack of America

    MAY 11

    Jewish Voices, American Stories: The Soundtrack of America

    In this episode of Jewish Voices, American Stories, we’ll explore the powerful role Jewish musicians have played in shaping the soundtrack of America. From the concert hall to Broadway to the radio, music has always helped tell the story of our nation—and Jewish voices have played a part in that story in profound and lasting ways. We begin with Itzhak Perlman, a world-renowned violinist whose journey from Tel Aviv to American stages captivated millions. Despite physical challenges from childhood polio, Perlman’s joy, warmth, and extraordinary talent have brought classical music into living rooms across the country—and reminded audiences that music has the power to unite, uplift, and inspire. Next, Jimmy Burns takes us to Broadway, where composer Richard Rodgers helped define the golden age of American musical theater. Through iconic works like Oklahoma!, South Pacific, and The Sound of Music, Rodgers didn’t just write songs—he helped tell the American story itself, weaving themes of hope, justice, and human dignity into melodies that still resonate today. Finally, CJ Burroughs shares a deeply personal reflection on Neil Diamond, a legendary singer-songwriter whose music became part of the fabric of American life. From the Brill Building to sold-out arenas, Diamond’s songs carried echoes of Jewish faith, longing, and identity—offering light, comfort, and connection to generations of listeners. These stories remind us that music is more than entertainment—it’s memory, identity, and testimony. And through these Jewish artists, the soundtrack of America has been enriched with melodies of resilience, faith, and hope. To learn more about God’s people—from the days of the Bible through the present—visit The Fellowship’s Learn Center.

    21 min
  3. Jewish Voices, American Stories: Words That Shaped America

    MAY 11

    Jewish Voices, American Stories: Words That Shaped America

    In this episode of Jewish Voices, American Stories, we’ll explore the Jewish writers whose words helped shape not just literature—but the moral and spiritual conscience of America. We begin with Elie Wiesel, a Holocaust survivor whose powerful testimony in Night brought the reality of unimaginable suffering into classrooms and hearts across the country. Through his writing, Wiesel bore witness to both the horrors he endured and the enduring themes of faith, justice, and human dignity. Next, we meet Hannah Arendt, a brilliant thinker who fled Nazi Europe and later challenged the world to confront a difficult question: how ordinary people can become part of extraordinary evil. Through her reporting on the trial of Adolf Eichmann and her lifelong work, Arendt helped bring the moral complexities of the Holocaust into American thought—urging readers not only to remember history, but to learn from it. Finally, we turn to Emma Lazarus, a poet whose words helped define the American ideal. Moved by the plight of Jewish refugees, Lazarus gave voice to a vision of the United States as a place of refuge and hope. Her poem “The New Colossus” forever transformed the Statue of Liberty into a symbol of welcome—inviting the world’s “tired” and “poor” to find a new beginning. These stories remind us that words have power. They can preserve memory, challenge injustice, and inspire a nation to live up to its highest calling. And through these Jewish voices, the story of America has been shaped—line by line—by truth, courage, and hope. To learn more about God’s people—from the days of the Bible through the present—visit The Fellowship’s Learn Center.

    20 min
  4. Jewish Voices, American Stories: A Land of Freedom

    MAY 1

    Jewish Voices, American Stories: A Land of Freedom

    Welcome to a new podcast season, Jewish Voices, American Stories. In this episode, we’ll explore pivotal moments when American presidents helped shape a nation where the Jewish people could belong—and thrive. We begin at the founding of the United States, when George Washington answered a profound question for a small but faithful community: Would this new nation make room for the Jewish people? Through a historic letter to a Jewish congregation, Washington offered more than tolerance—he affirmed full belonging, promising a country that gives “to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.” From there, we step into the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln, guided by conscience and inspired by the Bible story of Esther, wrestled with what it meant to act “for such a time as this.” America would be cast as a “land of promise,” drawing deeply from Scripture—reminding us still that freedom is a calling. Finally, we move to the world stage in 1948, when President Harry Truman made a decision that would echo through history. In the shadow of the Holocaust, Truman recognized the State of Israel just minutes after its founding—an act of moral clarity that forged a lasting bond between two nations shaped by faith. These stories remind us that the story of America has always been intertwined with the story of the Jewish people—woven together by shared Scripture, shared struggle, and shared hope. To learn more about God’s people—from the days of the Bible through the present—visit The Fellowship’s Learn Center.

    21 min
  5. Why This Night Matters: What Passover Means to You

    MAR 24

    Why This Night Matters: What Passover Means to You

    In this special Passover episode of Nourish Your Biblical Roots, Yael Eckstein and Bishop Paul Lanier explore one of the most powerful and meaningful stories in the Bible—not only for the Jewish people, but for Christians, too. Passover commemorates God’s dramatic deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. But this biblical story of redemption isn’t just about the past—it is meant to shape our faith today. In this moving conversation, Yael and Bishop Lanier reflect on what Christians should know about Passover, the Exodus, and the Jewish roots of their faith. You’ll hear why the Passover story leads to a deeper understanding of the Bible, and why the Seder meal speaks so powerfully to all people of faith. Drawing from Scripture, Yael and Bishop Lanier discuss how Passover calls us to remember who God is, what He has done, and how faith in Him must be passed from one generation to the next. Around the Passover table, questions are asked, stories are retold, and hearts are reminded that God is still present in the midst of suffering… and that He is still bringing redemption. This episode reveals a powerful truth: Passover is not only the story of Israel’s freedom. It’s a story of hope, remembrance, and faith for anyone who seeks to know God more deeply. Listen now. What do you know about Passover? Find out by taking our quiz!

    31 min
  6. Faith Begins with a Question: Find God This Passover

    MAR 23

    Faith Begins with a Question: Find God This Passover

    In this special Passover episode of Nourish Your Biblical Roots, Yael Eckstein invites us into one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—biblical traditions: the asking of questions. Passover is one of the most sacred holidays in the Bible, commemorating God’s dramatic deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. But Passover is not meant to be remembered passively—it’s meant to be experienced personally. And it all begins with a question: Why is this night different from all other nights? The Seder, the traditional Passover meal, was designed by God to awaken our curiosity. The specific foods, the symbolic rituals, and the retelling of the Exodus story are all meant to spark questions that lead us deeper into our faith. Drawing from Exodus 12, Yael reveals how God instructed His people to prepare for the moment when a child would ask, “What does this mean?” Because in the asking, faith comes alive. This episode uncovers a profound truth: God is not distant from our questions. He invites them. And when we come to Him with curiosity and humility, we don’t just learn more about the Bible—we draw closer to Him. This Passover, rediscover the power of asking—and in doing so, draw nearer to God. Listen now! Join Yael’s family to learn more about the Passover celebration.

    20 min
  7. Heroes of the Holocaust: May Their Memory Be a Blessing

    MAR 16

    Heroes of the Holocaust: May Their Memory Be a Blessing

    In this final episode of Heroes of the Holocaust, CJ Burroughs shares the true stories of three heroes who gave their lives in the face of evil. Some were Righteous Gentiles—non-Jews who chose to protect Jewish lives at terrible cost. But the first hero we’ll meet today was Jewish himself. You’ll hear the story of Dr. Janusz Korczak, a doctor, writer, and caretaker in Warsaw who refused to abandon the children in his care, even when he was offered a chance to escape. You’ll also meet Diet Eman, a young Christian woman in the Netherlands who joined the resistance and risked her life again and again to help Jews in hiding, even as the cost of her courage became devastating. And finally, we’ll travel to France to remember Father Jacques, a priest who opened his school to Jewish children—and who, when the Nazis came, did not abandon them. Their stories remind us that the Holocaust was not just a time of hatred—it was also a test of humanity. And even in history’s darkest chapter, there were those who chose compassion, courage, and love. Thank you for listening to this season of Heroes of the Holocaust. May these stories stay with you, and may their memory be a blessing. To learn more about God’s people—from the days of the Bible through the present day—visit The Fellowship’s Learn Center.

    25 min
  8. Heroes of the Holocaust: Underground

    MAR 10

    Heroes of the Holocaust: Underground

    In this episode of Heroes of the Holocaust, CJ Burroughs shares the true stories of three heroes whose courage took place underground. The stories we’ll hear today include secret resistance networks, hidden wilderness refuges, and even a literal shelter beneath the earth. You’ll hear the story of Jan Karski, a Righteous Gentile who served as a courier for the Polish underground and risked his life to carry the truth about the Holocaust to the world. You’ll also meet the Bielski brothers, Jewish partisans who fled into the forests and built a hidden community that rescued more than a thousand Jews from Nazi extermination. And finally, we’ll travel to Latvia to remember Robert Seduls, who turned a cellar into a sanctuary—hiding Jewish families underground and keeping them alive through fear, hunger, and constant danger. These stories remind us that in the worst of times, God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary good—and that sometimes the bravest acts of courage happen where the world cannot see them. To learn more about God’s people—from the days of the Bible through the present day—visit The Fellowship’s Learn Center.

    22 min
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About

Explore the ancient Jewish roots of Christianity and their relevance to your life today with podcast host Yael Eckstein, President and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Join Yael from the Holy Land as she shares spiritual insights, lessons from the Torah, and conversations about life in Israel. This podcast will take you on a unique journey through the Bible that will deepen your personal connection with Israel and offer you inspirational insights into your Christian faith.

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