Rabbi Eric Walker Interview

Rabbi Eric Walker serves as Senior Rabbi of Messianic Congregation Beth Hallel in Birmingham, Alabama.  After years of working as a corporate executive Rabbi Eric felt called to become a rabbi and after completing his Yeshiva education he received smicha (ordination) by the International Association of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues (IAMCS).  He started Jewish education at Rodef Shalom in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Temple B'Nai Israel in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.  Before stepping into full time service Rabbi Eric and Lora, his wife, had held various teaching and leadership positions at Messianic Congregation Beth Hallel in Roswell, Georgia. Messianic Congregation Beth Hallel was planted in February of 2007 and quickly grew to become one of the fastest growing and largest synagogues in the USA. Rabbi Eric also is an Honorary Executive of the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA), and sits on the Board of Advisors of the Messianic Jewish Israel Fund (MJIF).  Rabbi Walker also authored "Etz Chaim: Lessons from the Tree of Life."   Featuring music of Ted Pearce, Elana Watson, Liberated Wailing Wall and Barry & Batya Segal.  Happy Purim!

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.

Beckah Shae Interview

On Sat. Feb. 9 I had the privilege to interview Beckah Shae, a recording artist with a humble heart and a ton of energy.  Beckah credits her mother, who was raised in a Jewish family, as being a key influence in her spiritual development.  In her early 20's she was at an all time low and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada and joined a cover band.  While there she began to feel an empitness creeping in, she was searching for a home.  She searched online for a church then attended the worship service there.  Beckah says, "During the worship service, I was crying out to the Lord, 'Make a way out for me. I'm so sorry."
In 2010 she accumulated two consecutive Top 10 hits at CHR radio for "Here in This Moment" and "Life" and was featured as iTunes "Discovery Download" of the week.  She also was nominated for a Dove Award in 2011 under the category of Urban Recorded Song of the Year for "Life."  Beckah has released her fifth album titled "Destiny."
For more information about Beckah Shae please visit www.beckahshae.com.