Of all the biblical holidays given by God in scripture, Shavuot may be the least familiar. Passover and Hanukkah are recognizable holidays to many. Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) are also familiar. Ask the average person what Shavuot is, and you will probably get a blank stare. Unlike…

This spring, Reach Initiative was privileged to expand our Comfort for Holocaust Survivors initiative to serve an additional 150 Holocaust Survivors who live in northern Israel and had heard about our ministry and asked us to expand our work to include them. We now serve more than 450 throughout Israel! This was an especially timely expansion, as…

In the aftermath of the 12-day war with Iran, the Reach Initiative team immediately swung into action to bring hope, material help, and encouragement to Israelis bombed out of their homes, many of whom lost everything after an Iranian ballistic missile strike.  One family we have been encouraging and supporting is a couple with 13-year-old…

Held captive for 50 days, kidnapped, physically injured, sexually abused, and emotionally tortured… This is Ilana’s story. Ilana is a young Jewish woman who made Aliyah from Mexico and was building a life for herself in Israel. On Oct 7, she and her boyfriend, Matan, jumped out their bomb shelter window and ran for their…

A Heart of Thanksgiving, Putting Gratitude into Action, Thankful Heart Thanksgiving is a posture of the heart. It is a spiritual discipline that brings us closer to God. It also brings us closer to one another. Let’s stay thankful as we gather with loved ones this season, sharing meals and memories. At RII, thanksgiving is…

Partner Prayer Appreciation Day – We Want to Stand with YOU! Partner Prayer Appreciation Day: A Day of Gratitude and Prayer Reach Initiative International (RII) warmly invites you to participate in Partner Prayer Appreciation Day—a special day dedicated to honoring our cherished partners in prayer. Rabbi Stewart, Chantal, and the RII team are deeply grateful…

Reach News Now: Troops from North Korea in Russia Recently, news broke that the North Korea has begun sending troops to support Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. The totalitarian Communist government of North Korea as well as the Islamic fundamentalist regime in Iran, continue to develop ever closer levels of cooperation with Russia, presenting a…

Dancing with Joy: Reflecting on Simchat Torah – A Celebration for All Last year, on what should have been a day of celebration, Simchat Torah was marked by profound sorrow as Hamas terrorists launched an attack on Israel, massacring innocent lives and shattering the joy of the festival. What was intended to be a time…

Sukkot: Offering Shelter and Hospitality Across Borders As the festival of Sukkot begins, Jewish communities around the world gather to celebrate the holiday known as the “Feast of Tabernacles.” This joyful time is marked by the construction of temporary shelters, or sukkot, commemorating the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness and God’s provision along the way….

Embracing Renewal: Reflections on Yom Kippur and Our Global MissionWhen the holiest day in the Jewish year begins, Jewish communities worldwide will pause to reflect, repent, and renew. Yom Kippur Reflections and Global Mission highlight the sacred opportunity to seek forgiveness from God and one another. For many, it is a day marked by fasting…

Shalom, I am writing to you from the seaside city of Odesa, the Ukrainian jewel of the Black Sea. Last week, our friend (and one of the trusted partners we continue to support) Messianic Rabbi Liberman, who serves here in Odesa, wrote to me with grim news. His van, clearly marked as a chaplain vehicle, had been targeted by…

In a concerning development, Belarusian troops have been moved toward the Ukraine border. Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin announced on August 10 that the country is strengthening its military presence in the Gomel and Mazyr regions. This move, ordered by President Aleksandr Lukashenko, is in response to alleged “provocations” from Ukraine. As tensions rise in the area, the global…

As Ukraine recently marked 900 days since the onset of the Russian invasion, the ongoing war continues to have a profound impact on Ukrainian society. The constant fear, danger, and uncertainty are taking a heavy toll, particularly on Ukrainian children. The Importance of Summer Camps for Ukrainian Children Amidst the turmoil, summer camps have become…

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the chaplain ministry has become one of the largest areas of service for many believers. Churches and Messianic communities often create entire teams of chaplains from their congregations to serve local military units, wounded soldiers in hospitals, and even visit the frontlines to minister to troops in…

Tu B’Av – A Time for Love and Community As we celebrate Tu B’Av 2024, a day marked by joy, love, and community coming together, we are reminded of the profound significance of unity, compassion, and shared purpose. This beautiful Jewish holiday invites us to reflect on the power of love—not just romantic love but…

Tisha B’Av and Holocaust survivors Tisha B’Av, the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av, carries deep sorrow in the Jewish calendar. We mark the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem on this day, events that symbolize the enduring pain and loss the Jewish people have experienced throughout history. Yet, Tisha…

Urgent Prayer Request from Our Holocaust Survivor Ministry Coordinator in North Israel The situation in northern Israel is becoming more alarming, and we urgently need your prayers for North Israel and support for our ministry to Holocaust survivors. Here’s a direct message from our coordinator in Israel: “I have been writing weekly reports, so you…

One particularly touching story Moldova Holocaust Survivor Story from last month was Zaur’s meeting with a survivor, Yosef Levine, who is 89 years old. Zaur, a dedicated member of our Holocaust survivor ministry, shared an update on the impactful activities and heartwarming encounters from June.  Yosef’s life journey is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Born in…

Children’s Hospital Miracle in Ukraine  In the serene town of Uzhgorod, Ukraine, a powerful story of faith, providence, and the miraculous move of God emerged. The Miracle of Lisa – Children’s Hospital Miracle in Ukraine  Stewart Winograd recently received a heartfelt message from our dedicated partner in Uzhgorod, recounting an extraordinary tale. Lisa, a young…

Reach News Now: October 7 Assault: War Crimes Against Humanity by Hamas-led Groups Hamas’ military wing – the Qassam Brigades – and at least four other Palestinian armed groups committed numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity against civilians during the October 7, 2023 assault on southern Israel, Human Rights Watch said in a report…

The ADL Center for Antisemitism Research has diligently gathered data since the attack, focusing on the United States. Their recent study, conducted between January 5th and January 18th, 2024, provides critical insights into these disturbing trends. The study reveals that antisemitic beliefs and behaviors have not only become more prevalent but have also shifted demographically,…

Beirut, Lebanon — Hassan Nasrallah, leader of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, issued a stark warning to Cyprus, escalating the already high tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. In a televised address on Wednesday, Nasrallah declared that Cyprus would “be part of this war too” if it allowed Israeli forces to use its airports and bases….

Kids Camps in Belarus, Israel, and Ukraine  “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 For the past 19 years, Camp Chalutzim has been a source of hope and transformation for impoverished children and teens in Belarus. Through these…

Elie Wiesel’s words remind us that “the opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.” Indifference allows hatred to flourish, and inaction in the face of evil betrays our shared humanity. Wiesel’s experiences as a Holocaust survivor impart a profound responsibility upon us to act with compassion and resolve. “The opposite of love is not…

This blog post delves into the profound significance of the Feast of Pentecost, also known as Shavuot. This sacred celebration is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and holds immense relevance for believers in Jesus today. Understanding the Jewish roots of our faith enriches our spiritual journey, helping us appreciate God’s plan for His people and…

In a significant development amidst ongoing global tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin has embarked on his first international visit since beginning his fifth term, landing in Harbin, China. Putin’s Visit to China underscores the continued efforts between Russia and China to achieve a “multipolar world” where their authoritarian style of government will increase at the…

Every year on the 5th of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to May 14th on the Gregorian calendar, Israel bursts into vibrant celebrations marking Yom Haatzmaut, or Israeli Independence Day. This day commemorates the historic declaration of the State of Israel in 1948, a moment of profound joy and monumental achievement for Jewish people…

My time with the RII team in Israel was a profound journey of connection and heartfelt stories that deeply enriched my spirit. In this blog, I will share with you the profound depth of relationships that has blossomed between us—RII’s dedicated team—and two exceptional groups: the Holocaust survivors and the Ukrainian refugees in Israel. Deep…

Passover – The Promise of Deliverance  As we gather to celebrate Passover, we immerse ourselves in the profound festival that marks a cornerstone of the Jewish faith—the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. This eight-day festival, rich with tradition and reflection, centers around the Passover Seder, a ritual feast that recounts the Exodus story…

Reach News Now: Belarus & Ukraine Reach News Now will report news headlines affecting the regions where our efforts are focused, including Belarus, India, Israel, and Ukraine. We aim to illuminate the challenges and developments in these areas, share insights on their implications, and guide our supporters on how to pray effectively for the communities…

Reach News Now reports news headlines affecting the regions where our efforts are focused, including Belarus, India, Israel, and Ukraine. We aim to illuminate the challenges and developments in these areas, share insights on their implications, and guide our supporters on how to pray effectively for the communities we serve. Reach News Now: Israel &…

In the joyous celebration of Purim, we remember the story of deliverance recounted in the Book of Esther—a tale of courage, divine intervention, and the power of a united community. This festival commemorates a pivotal moment in Jewish history and encourages us to reflect on the values of bravery, solidarity, and generosity in our lives…

Celebrating Chantal Winograd on International Women’s Day   International Women’s Day highlights the profound impacts women have worldwide. This year, we spotlight Chantal Winograd, co-founder of Reach Initiative International (RII). Her story is one of personal triumph, a profound spiritual calling, and global impact.  Early Life and Turning Point Chantal’s journey begins in a French-Canadian…

Shavuot (literally “weeks”) has finally arrived (May 28th this year). Among the holidays described in the Torah (Lev. 19), it is unique because it is the only one which does not have a set date on which it occurs. Rather, we are instructed to count 50 days from Passover and then celebrate (this practice is…

About a month ago, we published a blog reflecting on Passover in the midst of Coronavirus. Today, we are going to take a look at a lesser known Jewish holiday which also involves a plague, Lag B’Omer. This Holiday took place on 11th of May this year. There is a Biblical commandment to count the…

Holidays are a unique way of understanding the national psyche of a country. If you want to understand what a country values, look at their holidays. See what events they chose to celebrate and how they celebrate.  As someone who has had the privilege to live in many different places around the world, I’ve been…

Why is this night different from all other nights? This is the question we typically ask every Passover. However, this year as Passover celebrations are being canceled worldwide as families are sheltering in place or quarantined due to the Coronavirus outbreak there are also other questions being asked. Since the outbreak coincides with the holiday…

Purim is not one of the Biblical holidays that was given to the Jewish people in the Torah. However, it is a holiday that is found in the Bible and it has shaped the Jewish experience throughout history in ways that make it one of the most important dates on the Jewish calendar. The story…

“Seventy-five years after the Liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, hatred and intolerance still lurk in the human heart, still tell new lies, adopt new disguises, and still seek new victims.” – Prince Charles It has been 75 years since the Red Army liberated Auschwitz and shut down the largest factory of death in human history where 1.1…

Recently I wrote about the 9th of Av, a day of mourning over the horrible events that befell the Jewish people on this date. Read about the 9th of Av here  The Jewish people are not the only ones who see many historical events correspond with a particular day of the calendar. The Germans also…

In our post-modern world, we are surrounded by things that can often take most of our attention and time. It is easy to loose a connection with the natural beauty of God’s creation and even more significantly, the supernatural world around us. The holiday of Sukkot aka Feast of Tabernacles, (which you will recall is…

Unlike the US, the Israeli Knesset is designed on a model based on the British Parliament and requires any ruling government to hold a majority of the seats in order to be able to pass legislation and overcome the danger of gridlock all too common to Americans. The Knesset is comprised of 120 seats and…

The Jewish culture has a unique relationship with mourning. The Jewish experience is often defined with solemn days of remembrance. Twice a year a siren sounds across Israel and society halts. This is done once to remember the Holocaust, and again on Memorial Day to honor the soldiers who fell in the defense of Israel…

We recently celebrated two holidays which remind us of remarkable examples of God’s deliverance. The first, Passover has been a central part of the Jewish identity, serving as a reminder of their deliverance from slavery. The second, Easter or Resurrection Sunday for believers in Yeshua is a reminder of His triumphant victory over the grave,…

Purim is quickly approaching and the flurry of holiday preparations include getting costumes in order and baking Hamentashen. Purim is sometimes seen as a Jewish version of Halloween or Mardi Gras, a time for drinking, partying and wearing costumes. Even the religious practices of rabbinical Judaism, such as the Megillah readings of the Book of…

“By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion…if I forget thee O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget it’s cunning” — Psalm 137:1,5 This psalm expresses the Jewish longing for Jerusalem and the Land of Promise. Written during the Babylonian captivity it, history has made it an enduring cry of…

“The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.” — Eli Wiesel Recently a survey was conducted by Claims Conference to gauge Americans knowledge of the Holocaust. (1)  The findings indicated that only 1/3 to 1/2 of the population knew six million Jews died in the Holocaust.  Only a little over 50% could name a single…

The shock from the deafening bomb blast paralyzed my 11-year-old body. This time it was closer. Chaos and panic erupted as my mom yelled frantically for me, my brother, and two sisters to evacuate immediately. Our house was on fire! Mom grabbed what few possessions she could while my siblings and I ran outside wailing….

Recently our granddaughter Eliana had her Bat Mitzvah. Eliana shared with all present about a Jewish girl living in another age. It was a gloomy age, reminding us to never forget the suffering of the Jewish people in the Holocaust. WWII started… Eliana shared the story of Sima a Holocaust Survivor. Her 2 sisters Neena and…

I’ve been thinking a lot about excellence lately. We all appreciate and admire athletes, musicians and others who make the necessary sacrifices to become excellent in their field. There is something about excellence that turns us on! Definition of “excellent”: extremely good, superior, outstanding, among the best in it is class-but not perfect The pursuit…

Impact of my visit… (2017) I am the newest member of the RII team in North America! Working as Stewart and Chantal’s assistant over the last 18 months has given me deep insight into the amazing ministry work that they and the RII team do in Belarus, Israel and India. I never quite understood the…

The Jerusalem Congregation in the Book of Acts was unstoppable, growing at an amazing rate. 3,000 Jewish people repented and embraced Yeshua on Shavuot and soon after it was 5,000 and that was just counting the men! These Messianic Jews of the day were followers – disciples (talmidim)…. not simply believers. They had a fire…

Imagine a generation of young people passionately following after the Lord, and burning with a vision to win their generation to Yeshua, no matter what the cost! As you know millions of people believe in Yeshua. The question is how many are truly willing to take up their cross daily, give up their own dreams…

Spiritual Disciplines and Habits…. When I was a young boy my parents drilled into me good habits such as brushing my teeth before I go to bed and when I wake up in the morning. As an adult I daily brush my teeth every morning and before I go to bed. I don’t really think…

No one needs to tell you that our world is in turmoil. In the United States it is more and more common for good to be called evil and evil to be called good. Anti-Israel sentiment and anti-Semitism is on the rise. ISIS, Al Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, Boko Haram and other similar groups are bent…

Loving People… In John chapter 15 Yeshua gives us both an opportunity and a challenge: “As the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in my love.” – John 15: 9 The word abide means to remain, to continue, to stay.  I believe Yeshua wants us to remain, continue, and stay in His…