A New Season!

at Tiferet Yeshua Congregation

It’s good to be home! I arrived on a muted Independence Day because of all the fires. But there is another reason it is difficult to celebrate. There are still two dozen living Israeli hostages in Gaza. How can we have cookouts and parties while they suffer? Let’s continue to pray for their release.

Elana and I were so happy to be back at the congregation today. Not only did we get to see one of our young ladies celebrate her Bat Mitzvah but it was my first time being here since we installed a new pastor to replace Gil Afriat. Gil replaced me about 10 years ago and now he turns over the reigns to Moti Cohen. Moti was the longtime assistant pastor both for me and for Gil. And now he has developed into a senior leader. We’re so happy for him and his wife, Anna.

Moti Cohen, the new pastor of Tiferet Yeshua in Tel Aviv

This may be the only congregation in the world where four generations of pastors, including the founding pastor, are all still elders and in unity. Ari Sorko-Ram was the founder. I was the pastor after him. Gil replaced me. And now Moti replaced him. And we are all elders!

---

Update on the fires:

At least three arson suspects have been arrested for starting the fires that raged around Jerusalem Wednesday and Thursday. Almost 5,000 acres were burned, including businesses and 3,000 acres of forest—one of the largest fires in Israel’s modern history. The blazes are mostly under control now, leaving behind scorched earth and charred communities.

Prior to Wednesday, calls had gone out through social media channels for Palestinians to set fires on Israel’s Independence Day—”in the forests, in the gardens, in cars.” A heatwave and strong winds caused the fires to spiral out of control quickly.

Footage shows fires raging near the Route 1 highway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, April 30, 2025; motorists forced to abandon their vehicles and flee on foot; trucks seen carrying some of those who had to escape; flames engulfing Yad La-Shiryon at Latrun, Israel's official memorial site for fallen soldiers; emergency forces seen working to put out the fire (X; used in accordance with Clause 27a of the Copyright Law/Israel Police/Fire and Rescue Services)

We live in very difficult times. But we keep our eyes fixed on heaven where Yeshua is seated at the right hand of the Father.

Elana and I wish you a Shabbat Shalom!