Saturday, December 31, 2022

Pastor Matt McKeown Interview

What a fun interview today!  Matt McKeown is the Associate Pastor at the United Brethren in Christ Church (UBIC) in Holly Hill Florida and the Manager of Sound Mind Studios. His music is featured in televised sports games and events for the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and F1 racing. He also has worked in ADR for programs like Hawaii Five 0, Law and Order SVU, and The Man in the High Castle.

In ministry Matt has served on his denomination’s Youth Leadership Team and National Human Sexuality Task Force. Matt has a passion for studying Messianic Judaism and as a Christian Pastor lives a Messianic lifestyle; willingly attending his local Messianic Synagogue, studying at Yeshivat Shuvu, eating Kosher and teaching from a Messianic Jewish perspective. He has also taught on tours in the Holy Land and has provided music for the Bless Israel Network. Matt has done voice over work for FFOZ on their television show and is the voice of Torah Kids audio lessons and their books ‘Tent of David’ and ‘Elementary Principles’. He is currently recording the audio version of the Complete Jewish Bible by David H. Stern.

The call on Pastor Matt’s life is an interesting one. The Lord is using him to be a bridge between the Christian world and the Jewish world. It is his desire to see Jewish people recognize Yeshua (Jesus) as the Jewish Messiah and for Christians to recognize the Jewish foundation of their faith.

Matt, his wife Kara and their three teenage children live in the Daytona Beach area of Florida and in addition to serving at UBIC attend Beth Judah Messianic Synagogue in Ormond Beach.




Saturday, December 24, 2022

Avi Abrams Interview

With permission from the Messianic Times (this first appeared in the December, 2022 issue) I am happy to share this pre-recorded interview with Avi Abrams.  Originally from Russia, he came to know the Lord through a bizarre set of circumstances.  Eventually  he moved to Calgary, Aberta, Canada and he led his mother to the Lord.  She also joined him in Calgary.  Together they attend Beth Shechina Messianic Congregation where Avi is the Cantor, Worship Leader and Web Designer.




Saturday, December 17, 2022

Rachel Kushner Interview

Thanks to the Messianic Times Newspaper, I became aware of this fascinating lady named Rachel Kushner.  She has a wonderful testimony and an even more amazing ministry called "Links to Messiah!"

Rachel  is a Jewish believer. Her parents were in ministry and felt called to serve the Jewish community.  She and her two younger sisters grew up experiencing the best of both worlds: Passover and Easter, Christmas and Hanukkah, Rosh Hashanah, and Shabbat dinners on Friday evenings.  They learned Hebrew prayers, enjoyed latkes in the winter and seder meals in the spring. Most meaningful was learning the deep connection of how Yeshua fulfilled the prophecies foretold in the Old Testament.

“Links to Messiah" is an online ministry where people can buy a holiday box with instructions on how to celebrate various Jewish holidays.

For more info click here:





 

Saturday, December 10, 2022

Anna Hershman Interview

Anna Hershman was born into an Irish Catholic family.  The daughter of a modern day woman at the well, her childhood was extremely tumultuous.  She became born-again and started attending a Baptist church.  She married a Jewish man, and in 1989, on the day of her son Noah’s Bris, she knew the Lord was calling her to Messianic Judaism. Later, Anna’s faith was challenged with the sudden loss of her husband and son, but she continues to praise Adonai for many blessings. 






Saturday, December 3, 2022

Misha Goetz Returns!

What a sweet woman of God!  Here's some info about Misha:

For over a decade Misha has dedicated her life to the art of music and the ministry of worship. 

Growing up as the only child to modern day psalmist Marty Goetz and his wife Jennifer, Misha’s earliest memories formed in Nashville behind the piano where she composed her first recorded song at the age of eight. “As a Messianic Jew, my dream is to unite Christian and Jew in worship of the Holy One of Israel,” says Misha. Her style of worship builds upon decades of her father’s ministry and yet incorporates her own youthful style and anointing. 

Her first full-length album, Weight of Glory, was released summer 2013 to critical acclaim with the help of a successful Kickstarter campaign. Her debut album is a blend of Messianic and Christian worship styles with most of the songs written and produced by Misha herself.  

Above all, Misha’s desire is that her music would penetrate to the heart and usher people into the presence of the Lord. Her heart is to see a generation touched and transformed through surrender in worship. "I love to worship, and it is my greatest joy to see people blessed and changed, the way I am changed in His presence," says Misha. 

Misha's newest CDis "A Time for Everything." Before that she and her father Marty produced a full-length DVD and CD titled Marty Goetz & Misha: LIVE from Jerusalem. It was filmed and recorded in Israel, overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem with a 26-piece orchestra. 

Currently, Misha resides outside of Washington, D.C. with her husband, Joshua, their six-year-old son, Caleb, and their one-year-old, Samuel. 


For more info:  Misha Goetz Ministries (itsmishamusic.com)




Saturday, November 26, 2022

David Welch is back

It was fun talking to David Welch again.  Here's his bio:

David M. Welch joined Joel C. Rosenberg’s The Joshua Fund building strategic partnerships in Israel and the Middle East with/for Christian higher education & Christian affinity groups. From 2016-2022, Welch served as the Executive Director of LU Send, Liberty University's centralized hub for student travel/international education where he managed the team responsible for all study abroad and international travel. Welch designed and implemented numerous faculty FAM trips, study tours and study abroad/internship opportunities.  He sourced and negotiated multiple contracts with major study abroad firms/universities for Liberty University, including a strategic partnership with The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.  Welch is a citizen of both the US and Israel and lived in Israel from 2008-2011. He holds an MA in Public Policy/Int’l Conflict Resolution from Tel Aviv University, and is also a Certified Travel Industry Executive.  In 2011, Welch relocated back to the US, serving in both the Risk Management and the Israel Travel industries between 2012-2016, before agreeing to join Liberty University. He is married to Rachel and they have a boy, Moshe (2020) and a new baby girl, Tikvah (2022). The Welches reside in Williamson County, Tennessee.





Saturday, November 19, 2022

Troy Mitchell Returns!

One of the greatest joys in hosting Bagels and Blessings is hearing the best Messianic music on the planet, in addition to getting to know some of the most interesting people too!

Troy Mitchell is a delightful man who loves the Lord.   I enjoyed chatting with him once again and his music just keeps getting better and better!  Here's more info:

Worship leader Troy Mitchell brings a fresh and authentic voice to Messianic Judaism. Mitchell’s original songs draw from the Gospels, the Hebrew of the Tanach, the Midrash, synagogue prayers, and first-century liturgy—even utilizing the Greek of the Apostolic Scriptures—to bring a fusion of Chassidic joy, gospel hope, jazz, and soulish prayer focused on the light of Messiah. His ability to almost become one with the music comes from his 20 some years of leading and/or playing with worship bands.

Mitchell has been challenged by blindness most of his life and has used music as a way to connect with Hashem and other people. His love for the Psalms, liturgy, the words of Yeshua and his involvement in the synagogue has given the movement unique melodies and niguns, but even more than that, it has instilled in him a passion to see everyone have the chance to draw closer to Hashem through music and prayer.

For more info, log into Troy Mitchell Music is creating Messianic Jewish Music and Liturgical Resources | Patreon






Saturday, November 12, 2022

Brian Slater Returns!

It's been a long time since I interviewed my buddy Brian Slater.   He is a dear friend with an amazing testimony - and even more amazing is the ministry he started in Israel - Abundant Bread of Salvation.  Here is his story:

Brian is a Messianic believer who lives in Israel.  Brian is CEO/Director of Abundant Bread of Salvation and has managed and established several others of the same works in Tel-Aviv. He has also established an additional Food Pantry in the center of Netanya that serves many Holocaust Survivors amongst the 350 families he serves on a monthly basis. This same facility now also houses the ministry headquarters. He has worked at times as a nurse, giving free medical care and assists in directing the day-to-day operations as well as counseling in a Messianic drug and alcohol treatment center in Netanya. Over the last several years, Brian also has worked closely on many projects serving two local orphanages that house over 500 poor and needy children. Furthermore, he was recently awarded a Certificate of Honor from the Israeli Ghetto Survivors Association for his aid to Shoah-Holocaust Survivors.


For more info:  Abundant Bread of Salvation - Saving Lives in Israel (yeshuasfreshbreadinisrael.blogspot.com)




Saturday, November 5, 2022

Ralph & Mindy Seta

It was a joy to have Ralph and Mindy back on the show!  Here's a little background:

Mindy Seta is a Jewish believer who came to faith in the Messiah of Israel, Yeshua (Jesus of Nazareth), on Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) 1992. She is the founder of Messianic Dance Camps International and has created dance curricula since 2002. Mindy and her husband Ralph have been traveling together for over twenty years teaching worship through dance, israeli-style, at conferences and congregations around the world.

Mindy is a skilled choreographer, and has choreographed over two-hundred dances that are being utilized in the Messianic movement. She together with her husband Ralph developed the television show, Come Join The Dance for God's Learning Channel in 2013. Mindy currently resides in Southern Nevada; hosts dance camps; trains up new dance leaders; and leads dancing tours to Israel in order to meet with the Believers and minister together in the land. Recently, Mindy has been working on a new teaching series dealing with the healing aspects of the dance.  

Mindy is currently pursuing her doctrinal studies in Pastoral Care and Counseling, with a focus on Traumatology and Community Dance. Mindy has witnessed first hand how The Lord has used this medium of worship in the dance to accomplish His purposes of healing. 




Saturday, October 29, 2022

John Waller Interview

What an exciting program today!  I loved chatting with John Waller. John wrote songs we sing at Shema - including "Our God Reigns Here," the Blessing over the children that Shaya sings each week, and the recent song at Simchat Torah, "Your Word, My Life." While a rising star on the Christian music scene, he shared that recently he and his family have started observing Shabbat and enjoy celebrating the Jewish holidays.

He has recorded many CDs. While not in the studio John can be found with his wife and 10 children residing in Atlanta, GA.






Saturday, October 22, 2022

Carolyn Hyde is back!

I love when guests come back to me!  It had been a few years since I first interviewed Carolyn.  I enjoyed playing her music and getting reacquainted with her!

I know you will enjoy today's program!

Carolyn Margolin-Hyde was raised in an Orthodox Jewish synagogue near Chicago. She graduated from University of Illinois and as an RN she practiced nursing for many years.

After making Aliyah Carolyn served as worship leader at K’tsir Asher, The Harvest of Asher Congregation, in Akko, and then led worship at Kehilat Poriya, a congregation near Tiberius. She has written and recorded many worship songs in English and Hebrew and her worship CD’s include “Just Like Joseph” and “The Latter Rain”- contemporary worship CDs; “Deep Calls to Deep” – a soaking CD; and “Fine Linen” – worship with a touch of the blues.




Saturday, October 15, 2022

Ed and Amanita Marvin

Today's show was not only focused on Sukkot and wonderful music from Steve McConnell, Sue Samuel, Ted Pearce, Nancy Santiago, Marty Goetz and Paul Wilbur, but I had a lovely time chatting with Ed and Amanita Marvin!

Ed and Amanita Marvin are leaders of Shoresh David Messianic Synagogue in Wesley Chapel, Florida. They have been involved in Jewish ministries for many years. They have eight kids and five grandkids. They have a heart for Jews and non Jews to know the Messiah Yeshua and become His disciples.


Ed is a graduate of Columbia Bible College, currently called Columbia International University. He served with Slavic Gospel Association among Soviet Jewish immigrants in Chicago for four years in the 1980’s and then bringing the gospel to the former Soviet Union while based in Finland. In Finland he founded Shorashim Fellowship. 

Amanita is a lawyer and a native of Finland. She was involved with several Israel Friendship organizations in Finland and studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Rabbi Ed and Rebbetzin Amanita have been in ministry in Florida since 2013.




Sunday, October 9, 2022

Bill Marks Interview

A few friends attended the Messiah Conference in Pennsylvania and said that I should definitely interview Bill Marks.  I am so glad I listened to them.  He is a sweet man who loves the Lord.  Here is his story:

In the natural Bill was born and raised as a farmer, educated as an accountant, made a living as a jewelry, Insurance, car, real estate, and art salesman. Through these endeavors He discovered his true calling in life, his love of people! His greatest joy comes as he helps people reach their goals and accomplish their God given destiny.

The Ministry of Helps takes him on different paths as he strives to follow the Word of God as a teacher, in the prophetic, as an evangelist, and as one with the Father's heart to minister to the down and out or the more affluent yet equally hurting members of our society.

Bill can often be found near the display of the art of His late wife, Seer Prophet Leslie Young Marks. Her Holy Spirit inspired prophetic art is shared at many Messianic conferences around the country. He also manages their market place ministry and speaks, prays and ministers at these events. 

Check out Leslie's beautiful art here:

VISUAL PRAISE - HOME




Saturday, October 1, 2022

Joshua Lessard Interview

Praise the Lord for finding another person to interview!  Rabbi Joshua Lessard was born and raised in the Messianic Jewish movement. After serving as a cantor in two Messianic synagogues, he transitioned to a role as a messianic rabbi in 2011 after founding Tree of Life Messianic Fellowship (at the time, Tikvat Ami Messianic Synagogue) in Tallahassee, FL. He holds two degrees in music and a Master's of Divinity in Messianic Jewish Studies from The King's UniversityIn addition to his role as congregational leader, he serves as the president of Tree of Life's K-12 private school and teaches guitar at a school for the arts. He has a passion for teaching and pursuing life in the Spirit. He resides in Tallahassee, FL with his wife and children.




Saturday, September 24, 2022

Helen Weiner Wilson Interview

I used to see Helen every year at the Messiah Conference.  She was always teaching dance classes and was a lot of fun!

We recently reconnected and I was excited to learn more about her.  Here is her story!  Enjoy the music too!

Helen Weiner Wilson grew up with only a vague connection to her Jewish roots. She was raised in Ethical Culture, a humanistic religious movement, and regarded belief in God as unscientific superstition. In college, she met people who led her to question her belief system, and it was only after accepting Messiah Yeshua, that she began to understand the significance of her Jewish identity. She is long-time member of Congregation Beth Yeshua in the Philadelphia area, has served as a leader and teacher in congregational dance, and has choreographed a number of the Messianic dances that are used in congregational worship throughout the world.



 

Saturday, September 17, 2022

Michele Rozeen Interview

Another fascinating find on Facebook.   What an amazing story!

Michele Rozeen was born in an Orthodox Jewish home in Cape Town, South Africa. At aged 14, she had an experience with the LORD and accepted Yeshua. Michele made Aliyah to Israel, brought up her 3 children there. In 1991, she moved to the United States, to Florida, with her late husband, and is currently an intercessory prayer warrior, standing in the gap for her family and for her Congregation, L'Chaim Messianic Congregation. She is also the Personal Assistant and Administrator for hr Messianic Pastor, Pastor Bruce Elman.







Saturday, September 10, 2022

Jamie Cowen Interview

One of the most exciting discoveries was that the synagogue I attended as a young girl in Richmond, Virginia had been bought by a Messianic Jewish Congregation!  At one time Jamie Cowen was the Rabbi of Tikvat Yisrael, and his testimony is very exciting.   In his own words:


A LITTLE ABOUT ME

I was born in a Jewish family in New York but grew up in the Washington, DC, area from age one on. In the early years my family was secular, but as I approached Bar Mitzvah age, we joined a Conservative synagogue, moving to a Reform one a year and a half later, where I eventually made Bar Mitzvah.  I came to faith in Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah in my senior year of high school through the influence of friends and a high school Christian group.

BELIEVING AS A JEW

At the time I assumed I was the only Jew who had ever believed this.  No one told me Yeshua was Jewish; all his first followers were Jews or all the writers of the New Testament were Jews. I discovered the missing link the following year at college. There I met another Jewish believer who explained that we were Messianic Jews and showed through the Jewish Scriptures the many prophecies of the Messiah. Suddenly, everything made sense. I was a Jew who had found the Messiah. Unfortunately, this news was not good for my family, who reviled the idea, and sadly, years later disowned me. By the grace of God, this miraculously changed with a reconciliation with my father in December, 2013 and with my mother in May, 2014, four days before she died.

From college I went to law school and also did graduate studies in economics.  After graduating, I took a position in the U.S. House of Representatives and the following year in the U.S. Senate. That same year I married my wife, Stacy. This year, 2013, will mark our 35th anniversary. While I enjoyed the Congressional work, eventually becoming Chief Counsel to a U.S. Senate subcommittee, I still felt there was something more. That something more became entering the ministry. In 1988 I enrolled in a Messianic Jewish seminary in the Washington, DC area, completing my studies in 1990. In 1990 I was installed as Rabbi of Tikvat Israel Congregation in Richmond.  Our congregation, Tikvat Israel, became one of the flagship congregations in the Messianic Jewish world.  Shortly, after my family moved to Richmond, our then small congregation secured the usage of an historic synagogue building, eventually purchasing it in 1992.  We became the first Messianic congregation to be housed in an original synagogue.  In 2002 I was elected president of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC), an international umbrella group of Messianic Jewish congregations.  I served in that capacity for six years.  During that time we made a significant impact on the nation of Israel. 

Israel Tour

In the summer of 2003, in the middle of the Palestinian Intifada when tourism to Israel precipitously dropped, the UMJC brought the largest tour to Israel for the entire year.  Our coming at such a difficult time caused two of the Israeli newspapers to write positive stories about our visit - the 1st time Messianic Jews in Israel had received positive coverage.  Following that event, as president of the UMJC, I was invited to Israel at the request of a member of the Israeli parliament (Knesset) to assist in raising money for humanitarian needs in Israel.  This was again the first time a Messianic Jewish organization joined forces with the Israeli government.  I was invited to speak to an Israeli military base as a Messianic Jewish leader.  In 2007 through our connections we invited another Knesset member to speak at the UMJC international conference in Chicago.  This was the first time, and to this point the only time, a current Knesset member has spoken to a Messianic Jewish organization. 

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Approximately, eight years ago my wife and I began to discuss and pray about a possible relocation to Israel.  We began to consider this for a couple of reasons: 1) The center of world Jewry is shifting to Israel.  This has not been the case for 2000 years.  In the most recent Jewish census, the largest Jewish community in the world is now in Israel.  At the same time, the center of Messianic Judaism also seems to be making a similar shift.  Modern Messianic Judaism’s roots are in the United States, but with the rapid growth of the movement in Israel, this is gradually changing.  As president of the UMJC I made mention of this numerous times.  Much of the growth of Messianic Judaism in Israel has come from young American Messianic Jews immigrating there.  We could see ourselves there, assisting the community, as we’ve done in the U.S.  2) Our three daughters have immigrated there as well, and so we began to question the Lord as to our moving there.  Without belaboring the point, I felt the Lord indicate to me where we were to live when on a trip in 2003.  It was confirmed in the summer of 2008, and in December, 2011, we moved to Israel.

LIFE IN ISRAEL

In Israel, we live in the north, and I lead a small chavurah (home fellowship) called Adonai Shamah Congregation. In addition, I have been asked to teach parts of my Jewish history course to different leadership groups in the country. However, my primary work is that of a Messianic Jewish lawyer. My goal is to assist the growing Messianic Jewish community in Israel both legally and politically. My wife, Stacy, teaches piano, guitar and English. 




Saturday, September 3, 2022

Granville Payne Interview

I met a new friend over Facebook.  Granville Payne is the real deal.  He loves Yeshua, the living Torah.

Granville started studying G-D on his own in December of 2007. He got serious about living out Messianic Judaism around August of 2021. G-D blessed him with Chron's Disease in 2009, a bad knee injury that took him out of commercial truck driving in 2014, and a serious car accident in 2019. The miracles started happening around September 2021 and they involve his physical problems. He has absolutely no doubt that Yeshua, who he affectionately knows as Living Torah, has revealed Himself to him through many miracles. Granvilles want people to be aware of his story to show that through Yeshua, a person can have a fulfilling life by doing the mitzvots of Living Torah and His written Torah.






Saturday, August 27, 2022

Jonathan Goldberg Interview

It was great meeting Jonathan over the phone.  He has a very interesting story.   Here's a little background:

Jonathan grew up in a Messianic Jewish home. But he made his own choice to follow Yeshua. One evening, while on a pre-army trip with a friend in 1981 – Jonathan was curious to know: If there was a God, why the world was in such a mess? The answer, when it came was quiet and simple… As he sincerely internalized his guilt in the mess, he was overwhelmed by the understanding that the great Creator-of-the-universe loves him wants him and KNOWS him – And so, that night, he gave his Maker EVERYTHING – whoever he thought he was; art, sports – EVERYTHING – he gave Him the “keys” to his life. He put his faith in Yeshua and handed his life over to Him, as his Master. He was AMAZINGLY transformed!

Jonathan and Faith Goldberg serve in Haifa Israel. 




Saturday, August 20, 2022

Stacy Corrado Interview

First I interviewed Stacy's mother, Cookie Berman, and she recommended that I speak with her daughter.  I really enjoyed this interview.  Stacy lives in Charlotte,NC with her husband and 2 dogs where she teaches 5th grade math and science in the local school district. She became a believer in 2002 and has been an active member of Hope Of Israel Messianic Congregation since. She has 2 grown children who also live in Charlotte.




Saturday, August 13, 2022

Stephen Katz Interview

I am so happy to bring you another great interview!  Today's guest was Stephen Katz.  Stephen was raised in a traditional Jewish home and at the age of 18 became a follower of Jesus. He has been on staff with Jews for Jesus (JFJ) since 1989, serving first in Los Angeles before becoming branch leader their San Francisco, then Washington DC branches. For a number of years he was Director of Recruitment and is currently Chief of Staff. For 12 years he oversaw JFJ’s work in Israel and still continues to be involved with the work there. He’s been on countless evangelism campaigns and is currently spearheading one of the ministry’s newest and most challenging endeavors. He and his wife, Laura, have four married children and seven grandchildren (with another on the way). Stephen holds a master's degree in social work from the University of Illinois and another in intercultural and Jewish studies from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is known as a warm-hearted and engaging teacher and a good listener.



 

Saturday, August 6, 2022

Mark Posner Interview

A mutual friend connected me to Mark Posner and I really enjoyed hearing his testimony.  In his own words:  

"Born in Albany, NY, I was brought up in a somewhat religious conservative Jewish home. We were members of a conservative synagogue where my parents were very active. My sister and I went to the Hebrew Academy of the Capital District (HACD) aka Bet Shraga. I went through 7th grade before transferring to the public schools. Albany had/has a large Jewish population as many Jews from the NYC area moved up there to work for the state - as was the case for my dad. My graduating class was approximately 10% Jewish. A large % considering the % of Jews in the world. Because of a sign from God- I married a Catholic girl. My folks were very against it at first but came around. On her death bed, my mom told me - 'thank god for Mary Lou, otherwise I don’t know what would have become of you.' She also made me promise not to convert. While I will be going to be immersed in a few weeks - I don’t feel like I’m converting. I’m adding I have been married for almost 39 yrs now. We have two married sons going on ages 33 and 31. No grandchildren yet. I am semi retired and my wife is retiring soon.  

We like travel and hiking. And beaches! We like shell collecting and I have recently started to get into shell art." 

Enjoy some cool music too!






Saturday, July 30, 2022

Mike Fanto Interview

So I was walking up the escalator here at Pittsford Plaza and my friend dropped her purse at the top.   This nice man picks it up.   We start chatting and then I realized - hey, it's Mike Fanto!  I had him on Bagels and Blessings a VERY LONG time ago.  This was no coincidence!  I set up an interview -- and the rest, as they say, is history!!!

Here's a bit about Mike:

Mike grew up in Long Island to a Jewish mother and an Italian father.   He was a typical rebellious teenager and didn't really think about God very much.  His sister came to know the Lord first, and he followed, after a supernatural experience when he was hitchhiking.  He was picked up by a Jewish believer who met with him several times and explained many things in the Bible and pointed him to the prophecies.  He accepted Yeshua into his heart and his life has never been the same. 




Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Doug Carmel Interview

With permission from the Messianic Times, I am happy to share a delightful interview with Doug Carmel from Rock of Israel Ministries.  This interview was originally published in the June, 2022 issue of the Messianic Times.

Doug was born in the Bronx, New York City to a newly immigrated Israeli man (Sephardic) and an American Jewish woman (Ashkenazi). They attended a Conservative temple in New York City and Doug attended Hebrew School there for several years preparing for his Bar-Mitzvah.


Doug graduated from SUNY Stony Brook (State University of New York) in 1985 at the age of 21. In May of 1986, he was up in the late hours of the evening watching television  when he heard a slight rumbling sound outside, possibly coming from the sky.  He heard it again, and then suddenly a thought crossed his mind – literally for only a few seconds – but it changed his life and eternity…. “This is it” he thought, “The Christians are right! JESUS IS COMING BACK and it’s tonight!!” For a few seconds, his eyes were riveted to the sky as he waited for horses to appear in the sky and for this Jesus to return as he knew the Christians said he would do one day.

Doug began to think about forgiveness and to have thoughts about God.  Eventually he called a Messianic ministry and after attending a Messianic service he gave his heart to the Lord.  Today he is on staff with Rock of Israel Ministries where he sets up booths all over the world proclaiming that Yeshua made him kosher.




Saturday, July 16, 2022

Diana Levine Interview

It was fun talking with Diana Levine!  Our daughters went on a ministry trip to the Ukraine together many years ago.  Small world!

Diana grew up in a Catholic household where God created an intense love for Israel and the Jewish people. She holds a BS degree in art education/art history from the State University College at New Paltz, NY. Following her college graduation she worked at various corporations in NYC. After accepting her Messiah she and her husband (Rabbi Alan Levine) founded Kol Mashiach Messianic Synagogue in Melbourne, Florida. She has spoken at Bible studies, women’s retreats, and both national and international conferences. Her blogs are featured on http://diana-levine.com 




Saturday, July 9, 2022

Ed Zagofsky

It was wonderful to reconnect with Ed Zagofsky!  It's been over 20 years since we last spoke.  His family is very dear to me, they welcomed us when my family first moved to New York City back in 1989.

Born and raised in NYC, Ed came from a Jewish family.  The family was not religious but had a lot of Jewish pride.  Ed attended Hebrew school for 5 years in preparation for his Bar Mitzvah.  

When he turned 15, Ed began doing drugs and became involved in anti-war demonstrations.  He was encouraged to apply for a baseball scholarship, but instead he began to sell drugs and became a major distributor. 

Ed met his wife Nirit in the Catskill Mountains.  They married in 1975 and lived in Rego Park, NY.   After their 1st two daughters were born he lost his business and began driving a taxi.  His wife was attending a beach club in Atlantic City. 

One day a lifeguard at the beach approached Nirit, shared the Gospel, and gave her a New Testament.  She had an experience at Atlantic Beach and accepted Yeshua into her heart. 

Ed noticed a big change in the way she dressed and discovered Christian music playing in the house. 

When she shared her experience with Ed, he thought about leaving the family.   But after hearing her full testimony, he realized that everything he was looking for was in Yeshua.  He began to cry in the street and didn't know why.  He knew she had found something that he needed.

After Nirit prayed for him, his desire for drugs, drinking and smoking was gone.   In an instant, the Lord took it all from him.  Ed gave his heart to the Lord and  started sharing with people as he chauffeured them. 

The Zagofskys felt the Lord wanted them to go to Israel.  They sold all they owned within 3  months and in March, 1992 they moved to Israel.   He is semi-retired and loving life.  




Saturday, July 2, 2022

Larry Herzekow Interview

Today's wonderful interview is with Larry Herzekow.

Larry and his wife Bess are full time missionaries to Israel that have been sent out from Calvary Chapel Aurora, in Colorado (US). They are Jewish and hold dual citizenship in the US and Israel.  Their personal journey with Yeshua began in 1984 for Larry and in 1987 for Bess.  They originally made Aliyah to Israel in 1996 and lived there for 16 years. In 2012, they moved back to the Denver, CO area.  In 2014, they felt the Lord calling them once again to Israel with the vision of Beit Rachamim, which is Hebrew for “House of Compassion.”  With this fresh vision, Calvary Chapel Aurora has commissioned them to serve as missionaries to Israel in obedience to His calling.


Enjoy GREAT Messianic music too!




Saturday, June 25, 2022

Tzofiya Rogers Interview

It was fun talking with Tzofiya Rogers a few weeks ago.   I know you will be inspired and encouraged as you listen.   As usual, I have some of your favorite music picked out too!

Tzofiya Rogers is an international itinerant minister, teacher, and conference speaker who specializes in training and equipping the body in prophetic and deliverance ministries.


She is a Jewish believer and mother of 10, is the founder of As You Go Ministries, an ambassador for Tikkun Global, and is a commissioned prophet by Harvest International Ministries (HIM). Through Tzofiya’s ministry and counsel, God brings transformation to individuals, families, leadership teams, and congregations.

She and her husband currently reside in the South Florida area and serve the local congregation Beth Yeshua as Messianic Ministers.




Saturday, June 18, 2022

Gail (Gilah) Nelson Azzam Interview

Today's show was very special to me.  I have fond memories of fellowshipping with the Nelson family when we lived in NYC.  Gail's parents, Carole and Roger,  were the leaders of Beth Tefilah, our congregation in Queens.   Today I shared music written by Carole and performed by the whole family.  I only recently had the cassette tapes converted to mp3s so it was exciting to once again hear their songs.  I hope you enjoy this little trip down memory lane   Great interview with Gail as well!!

As a young child Gail and her brother Israel sang with their parents on a few musical projects, "The Family," and the "Ten Commandments," some of which were featured on the show today.  Music was a big part of their family life.   The Nelson family traveled across the country ministering in music.

At the age of 10 Gilah made a profession of faith but the real decision to follow Yeshua came when she was 19 years old.

She met her Christian Arabic husband at Galtronics, a company of believers in Israel.  After being a stay at home Mom for 16 years, Gilah decided to go back to work.  She had various jobs but ended up working for Nazareth Village.  They recreate what Nazareth looked like in the time of Yeshua.   She is the Assistant Manager and does guided tours and invites anyone coming to Israel to come and visit!



Saturday, June 11, 2022

Kenneth Berg Interview

What a fun interview with Kenneth Berg!  Kenneth has traveled extensively throughout the Holy Land and the Middle East for over three decades producing award-winning television programs based on the Bible.

Ken was raised as a minister’s son in New York City. After serving in the motion picture division of the US Army, he moved to California, where he worked in Hollywood for a Christian advertising agency.

His is the founder of Berg Productions, Inc. which produces such programs as “Zola Levitt Presents” and “The Nazareth Jesus Knew,” which can be seen on one or more of the national Christian networks. 

Kenneth has been to Israel 73 times.




Saturday, June 4, 2022

Brian and Sue Samuel

I am so very happy to share this fun interview with you!   Rabbi Brian and Rebbetzin (Rabbi's wife) Sue have been on Bagels and Blessings a few times now.   We are happy to host them tomorrow, June 5 for our Shavuot Service as well.

Sue and Brian are blessed to travel around the world, visiting congregations and sharing G-d's message of hope and healing for all of His children. They visit all congregations, both large and small, knowing that they sing to an audience of One.   

They have produced several CDs, including Promises", "Songs ...From The Secret Place," "Home Away From Home",  and their newest album, "Revive.”

Brian and Sue are currently serving as Rabbi and Rebbetzin of congregation Mishkahn David in Rhode Island.




Saturday, May 28, 2022

Rabbi Mark Rantz

Today I chatted with Rabbi Mark Rantz.  I sure enjoyed hearing his story!  Rabbi Mark is the leader of Beit Hallel Messianic Congregation | Tikkun Ambassador to Presbyterian Reformed Ministries International (PRMI) | Author | Lead Contributor and Assistant Sr. Senior for the Complete Jewish Study Bible | Senior Editor - Tikkun Restore Magazine.

As a leading Holocaust Scholar and leader with the March of Remembrance, Rabbi Rantz is presently also developing his Masters Thesis on "The Complicity of the German Church and the Nazi Holocaust" into book form and has recently written a book about the Black Lives Matter movement. 

Enjoy some great music too!!




Saturday, May 21, 2022

Elyse Burkhalter-2

I met Elyse a very long time ago when I visited family in Hawaii.  I was looking to connect with other Messianic believers and got her contact info.   We have stayed in touch over the years.  I first interviewed her at the Messiah Conference maybe 10 years ago, so this is a nice refresher!

You will love her story and of course the great music too!  Here's a little more about Elyse:

Elyse grew up in the 1950s and 1960s in New York City.  Her Jewish parents were secular and didn’t raise her in the faith.  When she was in college, she started searching for meaning in life and truth. She came to the Lord Yeshua as a hippie during The Jesus Revolution.  As she grew in The Lord, she started to appreciate how significant the Judaic roots are to Christianity.  She now strongly identifies with her Jewish roots as a Messianic Jew.  Elyse lives in Hawaii and is a very talented artist.   Find her art projects here:

(1) Elisheva Inspired Art | Facebook