Have you ever noticed how many “30 Day Challenges” our society gives us? Challenges to lose weight, to learn a language, to straighten up your house, or even straighten up your finances! The world loves to give us month-long challenges.

But did you know the Jewish people have been doing a 30-Day Challenge for thousands of years?

That’s right! The Hebrew month of Elul began last night at sunset. And so did an ancient biblical Jewish practice—one Jesus likely participated in. During Elul, the Jewish people prepare themselves spiritually for the High Holy Days, which begin with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and conclude on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This annual month-long challenge—performed by generations of Jewish people—lays the groundwork for real and lasting change.

Host Yael Eckstein shows us that it takes a full 30 days to connect with God, nourish our souls, and make spiritual changes that last, setting us up for a successful year to come and a blessed life ahead!

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

The Bible isn’t just stories of epic happenings and holy miracles. It’s not all Noah filling the ark or David defeating Goliath, mighty armies falling at the hands of God’s people or great heroes rising from humble beginnings.

God’s Word is full of meaning—even in the places we might not expect. And this week’s podcast is one of those places.

Host Yael Eckstein takes a look at a passage in Scripture (Leviticus 2:4-7) that gives us a biblical history lesson—about the sacrifices and offerings that were brought to the Tabernacle, and then to the Temple. And, as Yael explains, even though we no longer bring the sacrifices described in the Bible, these verses still contain eternal messages relevant to our lives today—teaching us all to be grateful.

Yael talks about how meeting the needy who The Fellowship helps restore her own perspective and sense of gratitude. And she shares the prayer that she recites the first thing each morning as soon as she opens her eyes.

Discover how to better cultivate a grateful heart so that you can have an attitude of gratitude—feeling blessed, joyful, and thankful every single day of your life.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.

“How does a nation come to Jerusalem?”

That’s a question that comes up during Yael Eckstein’s latest conversation—with former U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman. A Nobel Peace Prize nominee and the co-architect of 2020’s groundbreaking Abraham Accords, Friedman freely shares about his work in the ambassadorship. And aside from his time in the embassy, the ambassador has also enjoyed a long and respected legal career and a second career as an author.

His new book, One Jewish State—its foreword by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and out on September 3—looks hopefully and thoughtfully at the possibility for peace in Jerusalem. And during his conversation with Yael, Ambassador Friedman also shares his wisdom on life and faith—ultimately sharing an answer to the afore-mentioned question that was given more than two thousand years ago by the prophet Isaiah.

So listen now to this insightful and inspirational conversation with a true servant and ambassador for America, for Israel, and for all people of faith.

For more information on today’s episode visit mybiblicalroots.org.