Beit Hallel Congregation, Israel

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1

These familiar words begin with a beautiful Hebrew declaration: Adonai Ro’i (יְהוָה רֹעִי, pronounced: ah-doh-NIGH roh-EE)—“The LORD is my Shepherd.”

David knew what it meant to depend on a shepherd. Before he became king, he had cared for sheep himself. Later, his own life would take him from quiet fields to battlefields, from victory to betrayal, and through years of uncertainty. Yet looking back over it all, David could still say with confidence: Adonai Ro’i. The Lord had never stopped being his Shepherd.

Centuries later, Yeshua brought these words even closer when He declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11)

This is the Shepherd we follow. He knows us personally, calls us by name, and stays with us through every valley. We may not always know where the road ahead will lead, but we can trust the One who is leading us.

Whatever you're facing this week, make David's declaration your own: Adonai Ro’i—the LORD is my Shepherd. When you need direction, listen for His voice. When fear comes, remember He is with you. And when you cannot see what lies ahead, keep following Yeshua. The Good Shepherd knows the way.

https://www.beithallel-israel.org/hebrew_word/

📍 Rising above Israel’s Mediterranean coast near Haifa, Mount Carmel is one of the most beautiful regions in northern Israel. But long before visitors came for its forests and sweeping views, this mountain became the setting for one of the most dramatic moments in the Bible.

Israel had turned away from the Lord and followed Baal. On Mount Carmel, the prophet Elijah confronted the people with a simple question:

“How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him.” (1 Kings 18:21)

Two altars were prepared. The prophets of Baal cried out for hours, but there was no answer. Then Elijah repaired the altar of the Lord, placed the sacrifice upon it, and prayed.

God answered with fire.

The people fell on their faces and cried, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!”

I love this story because Elijah was not trying to prove his own strength. He prayed that the people would know the Lord and that their hearts would turn back to Him.

Centuries later, Yeshua came with that same call to return to God. Through Him, we see the fullest revelation of the God of Israel—the One who does not remain distant, but comes near to save, restore, and bring us back to Himself.

Mount Carmel still stands today as a reminder that there may be many voices competing for our hearts, but there is only one true God.

📖 “Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that You, LORD, are God, and that You are turning their hearts back again.” — 1 Kings 18:37

Blessings,
Pastor Israel Pochtar

beithallel-israel.org

Darkness has a way of making even familiar places feel uncertain. Yet when King David reflected on his life, he didn't place his confidence in his circumstances or in knowing what lay ahead. He declared something far greater:

"The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?" (Psalm 27:1)

The Hebrew phrase Adonai Ori (יְהוָה אוֹרִי, pronounced: ah-doh-NIGH oh-REE) means "The LORD is my light." David wasn't saying that God simply gave him light. He was declaring that the Lord Himself was his light—the One who guided him through every battle, every betrayal, and every season of uncertainty.

Centuries later, Yeshua stood before the people of Israel and proclaimed:

"I am the Light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12)

Whatever you may be facing today, remember that your hope doesn't rest in knowing what tomorrow holds. It rests in knowing the One who already stands there. Before fear has a chance to speak, let David's declaration become your own:

Adonai Ori—the Lord is my light.

May His presence guide your steps, strengthen your heart, and remind you that His light has never failed His people—and it never will.

https://www.beithallel-israel.org/hebrew_word/

Discover Israel: En Gedi—Where Mercy Triumphed

📍 On the western shore of the Dead Sea lies En Gedi, a beautiful oasis in the Judean Desert and one of Israel's most remarkable biblical places. Surrounded by waterfalls, caves, and rugged cliffs, it was here that David fled from King Saul and hid in the wilderness.

In one of the most dramatic moments in the Old Testament, David had the opportunity to take Saul's life. His men urged him to seize the moment, but David chose a different path. He refused to repay evil with evil and trusted God to bring justice in His own time.

En Gedi reminds us that true strength is often seen in mercy rather than revenge.

Years later, Yeshua taught the same principle when He called His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. On the cross, He lived out those very words, praying for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him.

As you stand in the quiet beauty of En Gedi today, you are reminded that God's way is often very different from our own. His Kingdom is built not on hatred or revenge, but on mercy, forgiveness, and trust in Him.

📖 "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." — Matthew 5:44

🛤️ Hebrew Word of the Week: Netivot Olam (נְתִיבוֹת עוֹלָם) — The Ancient Paths That Still Lead to Life

Every day, we're surrounded by voices telling us to find our own truth, follow the latest trends, and keep reinventing ourselves. But while the world is constantly changing, God's ways never do.

One beautiful Hebrew expression in Scripture is "Netivot Olam"(נְתִיבוֹת עוֹלָם, pronounced: neh-tee-VOHT oh-LAHM), meaning "the ancient paths." These are not outdated paths left behind in history. They are the eternal ways of God—marked by His wisdom, faithfulness, and truth from generation to generation.

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God calls us:

"Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." (Jeremiah 6:16)

When Yeshua declared, *"I am the way,"* He revealed that these ancient paths ultimately lead to Him. Following the "Netivot Olam" means choosing to trust God's Word, walk in His truth, and follow the Messiah each day, even when the world points us in another direction.

If you're standing at a crossroads today, remember that God's invitation hasn't changed. His ancient paths still lead to life, peace, and hope.

https://www.beithallel-israel.org/hebrew_word/

Every day we're surrounded by new ideas promising purpose, happiness, and fulfillment. But while the world is constantly changing, God's ways never do.

This week's Hebrew Word of the Week is Netivot Olam (נְתִיבוֹת עוֹלָם)—"Ancient Paths."

In Jeremiah 6:16, the Lord invites His people:

"Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls."

These ancient paths aren't outdated—they are timeless. They are the ways of trusting God, walking in obedience, loving others, and remaining faithful regardless of the changing world around us.

When Yeshua came, He didn't replace these ancient paths—He fulfilled them. He declared, "I am the way," revealing that God's path has always pointed to the Messiah.

If you're facing uncertainty today, God's invitation remains the same: Ask for the ancient paths. Walk in them. His faithfulness has guided His people for generations, and it will guide you too.

👉 https://www.beithallel-israel.org/hebrew_word/

Discover Israel: Caesarea Philippi—The Question That Changes Everything

📍 In the far north of Israel, near the beautiful Banias Nature Reserve at the foot of Mount Hermon, lie the ancient ruins of Caesarea Philippi. In the days of Yeshua, this city was known for its temples dedicated to pagan gods. A large cave here was even believed by many to be the entrance to the underworld and became known as the "Gates of Hades."

It was in this place that Yeshua asked His disciples one of the most important questions they would ever answer:

"Who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15)

Simon Peter replied, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16)

Then Yeshua made an incredible declaration:

"...on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)

Standing in a place that represented pagan worship and, in the minds of many, the power of death itself, Yeshua proclaimed that nothing—not even the gates of Hades—would overcome what He was building.

The ruins of Caesarea Philippi still stand today as a reminder that kingdoms rise and fall, false gods come and go, but Yeshua alone is the Messiah, and His Kingdom will never be shaken.

The question He asked His disciples is still the question each of us must answer:

Who do you say that I am?

📖 "Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'" — Matthew 16:16

beithallel-israel.org

Have you ever stopped to think about what your life is being built upon?

Yeshua is called the Even Pinah—the Cornerstone. In biblical times, the cornerstone was the most important stone in the entire building. It determined the strength, direction, and stability of everything else. If the cornerstone was secure, the building could stand firm.

The Bible tells us that Yeshua is that Cornerstone.

Life has a way of testing our foundations. Unexpected challenges, difficult decisions, and uncertain seasons reveal what we are really trusting in. When our confidence is placed in circumstances, people, or our own abilities, those foundations can quickly begin to shake. But when our lives are built on Yeshua, we discover a foundation that will never fail.

Peter reminds us that we are not only called to build our lives on the Cornerstone—we are also being built together as "living stones" into God's spiritual house. What a wonderful picture of His family! Each of us has a place, and each of us is held together by the One who never changes.

As you go through this week, remember the Hebrew words Even Pinah. When you face uncertainty, remind yourself that your life is built on the Cornerstone who is faithful yesterday, today, and forever. Whatever comes your way, you can stand with confidence because Yeshua is your Even Pinah.

📖 "The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." — Psalm 118:22

May the Lord bless you and strengthen your faith this week as you continue building your life on Him.