A Season for Hope & Healing in Israel
The National Leadership Center and the newly established Jerusalem Leadership Institute stand as

The National Leadership Center and the newly established Jerusalem Leadership Institute stand as

Understanding Muslim theology is extremely helpful for recognizing the implications of the war against Iran (called Operation Epic Fury by the USA and Operation Roaring Lion by Israel). Sunni Muslims make up approximately 87% of the religion, and Shias around 13%. Iran’s leadership is made up of Shia Muslims, and significant populations of Shias are also found in Iraq, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan. Saudi Arabia champions the Sunni majority along with North Africa, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Morocco.

This year, Purim will be celebrated from sundown on Monday, March 2, through Tuesday, March 3. This festival finds its roots in the Book of Esther, and it celebrates when the Jewish people were saved from annihilation at the hands of Haman (an official in King Ahasuerus of Persia’s kingdom). The tables were turned when Haman and his ten sons were hanged on the very gallows he had built for the righteous Mordecai. The heroine of the story is Esther, an orphan who becomes queen, calls for fasting and prayer, and is appointed by God “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

Corrie ten Boom, the Dutch heroine who helped save Jewish lives in the occupied Netherlands in WWII, once said: “If the devil can’t make you sin, he’ll make you busy.” The truth is, both sin and busyness cut us off from connection with God, with other people, and even with our own souls. Indeed, busyness can be the death of richness and depth in prayer.

While attending a faith-based school in seventh grade, my teacher gave us students the option to choose a book of the Bible to read each morning. I suggested we read the book of Job. Our teacher's face revealed shock and dismay, yet the students voted and agreed with my choice. So, for the next 42 days–to the chagrin of our teacher– we read a chapter a day from this unique book. I confess that at 12 years old, I had never read Job, and yet I found it fascinating.

December is a month of light! This month, we celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas, both of which are times of miracles and light! This year, Hanukkah will be celebrated from sundown on December 14 until sundown on December 22. During these days, we remember the Maccabees’ improbable victory over the Greek Seleucid empire that led to the rededication of the Temple and the miraculous lighting of the Temple menorah for eight days, even though there was only enough oil for one. On Christmas, which takes place every year on December 25, we celebrate the miraculous nativity of Jesus (Yeshua) in a manger in Bethlehem– the birth of the Light of the World (John 8:12).
Our vision is to inspire and equip Israel's rising leaders to step into their biblical identity and shape the future of their nation.
Our mission is to facilitate experiential learning initiatives that strengthen spiritual identity, foster national healing, and inspire a global understanding of Israel’s role in biblical history.

© Copyright 2026 JH Israel
Our vision is to inspire and equip Israel's rising leaders to step into their biblical identity and shape the future of their nation.
Our mission is to facilitate experiential learning initiatives that strengthen spiritual identity, foster national healing, and inspire a global understanding of Israel’s role in biblical history.

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