Jen Rosner Interview

She was lost but now she's found!  What?   Let me explain!  I did an interview with Jen a year or so ago, but for some unknown reason it never aired.  I recently found the interview - just ready and waiting to go on the air.  So here it is!   Here's a little background on Jen:

Jen Rosner, PhD, is senior adjunct professor of theology at Azusa Pacific University, and also serves on the faculty of Fuller Theological Seminary, Messianic Jewish Theological Institute and The King's University. Her areas of expertise are contemporary Jewish-Christian relations, Judaism and systematic theology. After spending two years living in Jerusalem, Israel, Rosner currently resides in Lake Tahoe with her family. Rosner's doctoral dissertation, Healing the Schism: Barth, Rosenzweig and the New Jewish-Christian Encounter, was published by Fortress Press in 2015. She also edited Mark Kinzer's book, Israel's Messiah and the People of God (Cascade, 2011). She has published articles and presented numerous conference papers on Jewish-Christian relations, Messianic Judaism, Karl Barth, Franz Rosenzweig and other related topics.  Her book, "Finding Messiah," can be ordered here:

https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Messiah-Journey-Jewishness-Gospel/dp/1514003244?ref_=nav_custrec_signin

Enjoy!

Carlos Perdomo-2

All I can say is WOW!  Carlos Perdomo's new CD, Psalms, Prayers and Songs has just come out and today's program features many of his new songs, some of which are sung with his daughter, Sharon, and son, Carlos, Jr.!   You will love these songs and another great interview with Carlos!

Having been raised in a Christian home; Carlos had his own personal encounter with the Lord when he was 19 years of age. Carlos’ experience happened in Mt. Vernon, NY, at a small bilingual nondenominational church. They gave Carlos the nickname El Cantante de Jehovah (The Singer of Jûehovah). It was then that God called Carlos to serve Him through song.

Carlos has been singing since he can remember. At five-years-old, he started singing at Friday night tea parties at the request of his mom and her friends.  There, Carlos learned the emotions of singing secular love songs. However, after his encounter with the Lord, he combined his love for singing with his love of worshiping God. Carlos is also an accomplished drummer, having played with a number of Christian bands.

There were trials and tribulations that attacked his faith – even deciding which music to perform:  secular or Christian music. When Carlos surrendered his life completely to his Lord and Savior, he began the slow but firm resolve to die to himself, presenting his body as a living sacrifice to the Lord. As we read in Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Messiah; and it is no longer I who live, but Messiah lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

Raymond Brooks Interview

Today I interviewed Raymond Brooks, a Jewish man who found his Messiah!

Raymond grew up in a traditional non-religious Orthodox home where they kept the high holidays out of respect for his maternal grandparents. He had his Bar Mitzvah but never really felt a connection with God within the synagogue. He felt it was a place where people went to socialize and prove how Jewish they were. Unless you understood Hebrew, the service was unable to be followed.

After Raymond’s Bar Mitzvah, he rebelled and high holidays were like a chore rather than enjoyable to him. The only good point he took from them was that he got the day off school.
In 2010 after a 12 year struggle with drug addiction, Raymond tried all he could in his own strength to give it up but failed on numerous occasions. His mother invited him to NYC for 10 days if he agreed to not smoke dope for the duration of the time. So with this agreement, Raymond went to NYC. During his stay, Raymond’s brother was serving on a Jews for Jesus summer campaign and invited them to one of their Shabbat meals. Raymond accepted with the understanding that they would not talk to him about Jesus. While there, he felt emotionally touched by the love he was shown, and they prayed for him to give up the drugs for good.

Towards the end of his stay in NYC, Raymond became scared to go home and fall back into the same habits as the previous 12 years, so for the first time in his life he decided to pray. He felt he was being drawn towards Jesus and the love he was shown during that Shabbat meal in New York. So he said to himself “ok I'm going to give this Jesus a chance” and he asked his brother what he needed to do.

Together they prayed the prayer of repentance and throughout the next year Raymond read the new testament for himself. At the end of his reading, he came to the conclusion that this was a very Jewish book, and he couldn't understand why most Jewish people were forbidden to read it. Most importantly, Raymond realized that it wasn't actually him giving Jesus a chance, but He was offering him the chance of an eternity in unity with the God of Israel. So on understanding the gospel he was really delivered!

Since that time Raymond attended theological school and completed his Masters Degree. Three years ago Raymond’s father became terminally ill with lung cancer, and Raymond cared for him and led him to the Lord seven days before he passed away.

Two weeks after his father’s passing, Raymond met his fiancée who God brought from Israel to his house in London for a Shabbat fellowship event. The two plan to marry in three weeks and then Raymond and his bride plan to make Aliyah.

Corry Bell Interview (first aired 2012)

What a joy to re-air this wonderful chat with Corry Bell.  Corry  is the lead singer of Messianic band Lev Shelo.

When Corry Bell was a little girl, her parents would have her sing for relatives and friends, which lead to her involvement in school musicals and choir events. After high school, she met Yeshua and quickly began a lifetime of ministry in the arts, using her experience in music as a backdrop. In 1987, she hosted a cable TV music video program in Southern California called "Rock Of Ages" where she conducted artist interviews and introduced videos for the show. She has made numerous appearances on stage and in local television programs and even worked for a Christian radio station for the season.

To her great surprise, Corry found out she had an extensive Jewish family history, not known to her before 2002. After 22 years in the church, it became apparent she had to find a way to reconcile her belief in Yeshua with her Jewishness. In the spring of 2003, she began to attend Beth Emunah Messianic Synagogue, connected with her Jewish identity, joined the worship team there and accepted the position of Music Director in the fall of 2004.

In 2005, the Lord gave Corry a vision, a recurring "thought" if you will, for this band, this ministry. After 20 years of laying down her own ambitions in music to serve the Lord, He was now reviving that which she had thought was dead. Now, she had to move forward in that calling. After making some decisions about the direction to take, she approached Mark Keller about forming a band and doing a CD.  Lev Shelo was "born."

Corry's first experiences with the band she helped create included leading worship at the MJAA Southwest Regional conference and for the next 4 years, she and Mark and others lead praise and worship there, and also at Messiah Conference in Pennsylvania in 2007 and 2008, opening for such artists as Paul Wilbur, Marty Goetz, Ted Pearce and Joel Chernoff. The band's debut CD, "Or HaOlam," released in August of 2010, is the result of these experiences and the many requests from congregations all over the world to make their music available.

Linda Steinberg Interview

Wow, what a fascinating interview!   You'll be amazed at Linda's faith through so many challenges!   Before the interview you'll enjoy the music of Jonathan Settel, Corry Bell & Lev Shelo, Ray Chernoff, Barry & Batya Segal, Sue Samuel, the Schleps and Ted Pearce.

After 25 years in advertising sales and Internet marketing Linda Steinberg was prompted to write "Christ Proclaimed: a Jewish Believers journey with God". One hundred and forty plus pages later and still growing readers from around the world in many different countries have asked her numerous times how did she survive a childhood with a Munchhausen mother? How did she survive being stalked and raped at the age of 15 by a 19 year old male adoptee from a good Jewish home? How did she survive being sent away like a criminal to what was then referred to as an unwed mother's home?  How did she survive holding a child in for over an hour because the one labor room was occupied, while it was over 3 minutes before her child took his first breath.

How did she survive? God was waiting for her to turn to Him. Patient for His child to turn to His son the Lord of Lords, Yeshua and begin to write.

Linda is the writer of "Christ Proclaimed". Over the years her pages have been read by numerous people, too many to count.

Oxana Eliahu Interview

Today's program featured the music of Messianic recording artist Oxana Eliahu.  Oxana was born in Leningrad, Russia, now named Saint Petersburg, to totally secular parents.  In 1989, while a refugee in Italy, God spoke to her in a distinctive way, through His true believers and a prophetic dream. However, she was not convinced and still did not believe in God. She started to explore more about Yeshua. She wanted to know if He genuinely was the one that the Bible prophesied about.

Then one night she was attending a Bible study and thoroughly reading the book of John, when somehow she finally got a very strong revelation that Yeshua is the Jewish Messiah. That He is the Light of the World, the Bread of Life, and the Only Way!

She knew that she had acknowledged the fire of God's healing straight into Her heart. God has performed many miracles and wonders in her life. Oxana is a changed woman. It is nothing about her, but it is all about Him!

For more information about Oxana Eliahu, please visit oxanasite.com.

Rabbi Itzhak Shapira Interview

Wow, interesting interview!!!   Great music on this program:  Barry & Batya Segal, Ted Pearce and Sue Samuel.   I had the privilege of interviewing Rabbi Itzhak Shapira (also known as "Tzachi"). 

Rabbi Shapira has a teaching series on God's Learning Channel titled "What is God's Love Language?" The show airs on Sundays at 7:30 PM CST. He is also producing a new Web-TV program called "Yoshvim" where he will have different guests from the Jewish world who share their testimony for Yeshua.

Rabbi Shapira is the founder of Ahavat Ammi Ministries which translates from Hebrew as "For the Love of my People." Their goal is to reconcile Yeshua as Messiah to the Jewish people and train others to do the same. Ahavat Ammi does this by revealing Yeshua, not just through the Hebrew Scriptures but through ancient Jewish writings.

Tzachi's teachings often deal with the issue of the Deity of the Messiah. There has not been a single name that is more offensive to the Jewish people than that of Yeshua. He addresses the reasons Yeshua has been denied and rectifies them with ancient Jewish understanding of the promised Messiah.
In June 2013, Rabbi Shapira released his new book, The Return of the Kosher Pig. The book takes the setting of a court of law where evidence is presented for and against the claims of a divine Messiah.
For more information on Ahavat Ammi, please visit www.ahavatammi.org.  For more information on "The Return of the Kosher Pig," please visit www.kosherpig.org.

Heather Levine Interview

Heather grew up in New York City and was raised as a Reformed Jew. She always knew God and somehow felt that God was missing in her life at Temple.  For a couple of years during her teens Heather felt that she had lost touch with God. As she made her way through the world it seemed that her connection with God as a young child slowly changed. By the time Heather was in her mid twenties God was a distant memory. He was just high in the sky and "the universe" as they call it in New age traditions today. She had some depression, anxiety and really lost touch with God and any higher power for that matter. Heather's world became very small and she got very sick in her late 20's from a
mysterious disease. The doctors couldn't cure her. Then she met a Christian man who took her to church and that was the first time where she really knew that she was in the right place. The sermon that day was just what Heather needed to hear and that night she got down on her floor and asked Jesus to reveal Himself and help her with her illness. Months later she recovered and now she is so grateful and hasa close relationship with Yeshua.

Heather currently resides in Los Angeles where she works as a Human Resources Manager.  She currently attends Ruach LA in Los Angeles and plans to open a natural rehabilitation center for people with autoimmune diseases in Malibu.

Features the songs of Craig Taubman, Beckah Shae, Debbie Chernoff, Joshua Aaron and Carlos Perdomo.

Ron Goldberg Interview-7-13-13

What are some Jewish objections to believing in Jesus?  Today I had a great discussion with Messianic Rabbi Ron Goldberg.   It was great to have him back in the studio!  Ron was raised in a Jewish family in New York City. He began sneaking out to church during his senior year of High School. A friend then gave him the “forbidden” New Testament to read and Ron soon discovered that Jesus really is the Jewish Messiah. After coming to faith in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) his parents thought about having a funeral for him. Instead they sent him to a rabbi for deprogramming and intensive counseling!
Ron's relationship with his parents was very difficult for several years but giving them grandchildren helped restore their relationship. Ron and his wife Vinu are an inter-faith couple with 5 children.

For 28 years Ron has served at Messianic Congregations and spoken at churches and Bible study groups teaching Christians about the Jewish roots of our faith and how to share the Good News of the Messiah with Jewish people. Every week he reaches out to students on college campuses in Tampa Bay. Also on Thursdays Ron co-hosts a Bi-Lingual Radio Show on www.760radioluz.com.

Today's program also features new music from Corry Bell/Lev Shelo and Misha Goetz!

Marty Goetz Interview

This program features the music of Messianic singer Marty Goetz.  In 1965, a thirteen year old Marty stood in front of the bima at Cleveland's Temple on the Heights for his bar mitzvah, solemnly singing the ancient words of the Torah. No one could have dreamed that he, twenty years later, would be an international recording artist.   After studying English at Carnegie Mellon University, Marty set out for New York City determined to give it two weeks to become a star or he'd go back to Cleveland and the family furniture business. After just a week, Marty and his performing partner Bert, of the duo "Bert and Marty,"  found themselves performing at hotels in the Catskills and were named the "Best New Act of 1947" at the end of the summer. After years on the road, Marty broke up the act, after Bert found Jesus, and returned to New York City. He worked there as a songwriter until 1978, when he shifted his ambitions to pop and moved to Los Angeles.
Marty began reading the Bible looking for a loophole after being provoked by the increasing number of believers in his life. A few weeks later, he realized with certainty that the Jesus of the New Testament was the Messiah his people have been longing for.
Within a year, he established a strong and passionate voice for Messianic believers.
Often called a modern day Psalmist, Marty Goetz sets scripture to music that leaves listeners spiritually moved, inspired, and educated.  Marty has the ability to lead listeners to a place of true intimacy with God.

Marty has been recording music steadily since 1985 and currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee with his family.  His albums include "Psalm Enchanted Evening," "Songs of Israel, "Hope of Glory," and "Songs of our Heritage."

Sheldon Rosenberg Interview

Another "nice Jewish boy" finds his Messiah!   Hear the testimony of Sheldon Rosenberg, how he grew up in a non-religious household, his journey to finding Messiah and how the Lord is using him today!   Sheldon is the assistant to Joel Chernoff at the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA).  Enjoy the music of Paul Wilbur, Sharon Wilbur, Debbie Chernoff, Craig Taubman and the Schleps!

Henry Morse Interview

Henry Morse is the Rabbi of Sha'ar Hashamayim Messianic Congregation in Stoughton, Massachusetts.  Henry grew up in an Orthodox Jewish home and since coming to faith at the age of 18 has an appreciation for the Jewish roots of the Gospel. He was ordained as a Messianic Rabbi by Kehilat She'ar Yashuv in December 30, 2000.  Kehilat She'ar Yashuv is affiliated with Chosen People Ministries and has a degree in Bible and Theology from Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri.  Rabbi Henry is presently enrolled in Beth El Yeshiva studying for his Mdiv in Messianic Rabbinic Theology.  He has been in full time ministry for more than thirty years serving as youth minister, missionary and congregational leader.  Henry has ministered in over twenty countries and forty-five states.   This program features music from Paul Wilbur's new CD, "Your Great Name." 

Brian Slater Interview

It was wonderful to have Brian Slater back on Bagels and Blessings.  In 1996, Brian immigrated to Israel, where he met his Israeli wife, Racheli. They were married in 1997.  Racheli works as administrator for the largest Messianic retreat and conference sports center that is also used for many Messianic camps.  Brian is currently Director of the Netanya Humanitarian Aid Center and Soup Kitchen and has managed and established several others of the same works in Tel-Aviv. Most recently he helped to establish an additional Food Pantry Outreach Center in the center of Netanya, serving a large portion of the Holocaust Survivor population. He also works at times as a nurse, providing free medical care and assisting in directing the day-to-day operations. Brian also leads Bible studies as well as serving as a counselor in a Messianic drug and alcohol treatment center in Netanya.   It was wonderful chatting with Brian and learning how the Lord is using him in Israel!   You'll also enjoy the music of Paul Wilbur, Joshua Aaron, Marty Goetz and Barry and Batya Segal.

Tina Kuhr Interview

Tina was raised in a Jewish family and while a few people tried to share the Messiah with her as a child, she didn't accept Yeshua till a few years later.   In this broadcast Tina shares her trial and struggles and how the L-rd has been her strength through it all.   Tina is a cancer survivor who wants to encourage others to have faith.  You'll enjoy the music of Craig Taubman, Debbie Chernoff, Rivka Whitten, Jonathan Settel, Marty Goetz and Sue Samuel.

Tom Ackerman Interview

Born and raised in and around Washington DC, Tom lived overseas for about twelve years, serving mostly as an English teacher, he also worked for two years as a musician and henna tattoo artist. He is about 8-years-old in Messiah, thanks to God's mercy and grace. Tom has been with the MJAA, and very happily, since February of this year. He and his wife Jenny have been married nearly three years, and have a one-year-old son Elijah, and God willing more to come. The Ackermans attend Beth Yeshua synagogue in Philadelphia.  In this broadcast Tom shares about coming back to his Jewish roots and you'll also enjoy music from Marty Goetz, Barry & Batya Segal, Jonathan Settel, and Zemer Levav.   Also in honor of Simchat Torah you'll hear an adorable song from Zealout Sounds called "Simchat Torah in the Wild West."   Enjoy!

Shani Ferguson Interview

Shani is the daughter of Ari and Shira Sorko-Ram of Maoz Israel Ministries, and a very talented recording artist.   This program features music from her new CD, "Garden of Secrets."   Shani lives with her husband and children in Israel and is part of a ministry called Yeshua Israel Ministries - http://www.yeshuaisrael.com/.  They minister the Gospel of Yeshua the Messiah to Israelis through evangelism, discipleship, media resources and standing for issues of justice in the land.

Ms. Cohen Interview

Since coming to Messiah in 1998, Ms.Cohen has used music, theater and storytelling to inspire people around the world. Her one-woman dramatic scriptural accounts rivet audiences, bringing them to laughter and tears of repentance. Her family book, "Adonai Keeps His Promise: The King is Born," draws Jewish people to the L-rd and inspires Christians to deeper understanding of the roots of their faith. Her workshops allow untrained and trained actors, both adults and children, to create evocative, penetrating portrayals of scriptural events. You'll love the music and the interview in this exciting broadcast!

Rhonda Elliott Interview

Rhonda Elliott was raised by Jewish parents and always had a hunger to know God. Her spiritual journey took many paths but eventually she found her Messiah Yeshua! You'll enjoy this interview, especially the part about how she met her wonderful husband John. You'll also learn how Rhonda learned how to receive God's forgiveness - and learn to forgive herself after ending a pregnancy. John also shares a few words of encouragement in this delightful interview. I know you'll love the music also.