Eric Tokajer Coffee Talk

Today's program was like sitting down with a good friend over a cup of coffee and talking about world events and God’s promises. It was wonderful to have Rabbi Eric on Bagels and Blessings again.

Rabbi Eric was raised in a traditional Jewish home.

While serving in the US Navy, Rabbi Eric was challenged by a believer in Yeshua to study the Scriptures until he found answers within them. While searching the Hebrew Scriptures, Rabbi Eric found belief in Yeshua as the promised Messiah of Israel which brought answers to all of the questions he had. It is now over 33 years ago. 

Since then Rabbi Eric studied to become an ordained Rabbi in the IAMCS (International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues). He has served as a Rabbi in Mobile, Alabama. He also helped to establish five synagogues across the Gulf Coast in Slidell, Louisiana; Bayou La Batre, Alabama; Spanish Fort, Alabama; Navarre, Florida, and Brit Ahm Messianic Synagogue in Pensacola, Florida, where he serves as Rabbi today. Rabbi Eric has been married for 44 years to his wife Pammy.

Rabbi Eric is also the author of many books, including:

Simple Shabbat Siddur: Guide to a Restful, Peace-filled, Traditional Shabbat, But... The Power of One Word, God Has No Plan B: With Over 45 Other Lessons and15 Ways Ministry is killing Ministry.

Ava Batts and Elizabeth Appel

Ava Batts was raised in a gentile home and in later years discovered the Jewish roots of her faith.   That's when she fell in love with the Jewish Messiah Yeshua!   Ava runs the Fig Tree Book Store at our congregation and is very involved in outreach to the homeless, to women's shelters and is often on the streets of Rochester sharing the good news of Yeshua!

Elizabeth Appel has been part of the Messianic movement since she was 11 years old. She has worked for Congregation Shema Yisrael since 2011, starting in the Fig Tree Bookstore and moving into her current position a few years later. Elizabeth believes that God still heals, and that all of God’s promises are still relevant for today. Elizabeth is divorced, and is looking forward to what God has in store for her for the rest of her life. 

Elizabeth Appel has been part of the Messianic movement since she was 11 years old. She has worked for Congregation Shema Yisrael since 2011, starting in the Fig Tree Bookstore and moving into her current position a few years later. Elizabeth believes that God still heals, and that all of God’s promises are still relevant for today. Elizabeth is divorced, and is looking forward to what God has in store for her for the rest of her life. 

Elizabeth Appel has been part of the Messianic movement since she was 11 years old. She has worked for Congregation Shema Yisrael since 2011, starting in the Fig Tree Bookstore and moving into her current position a few years later. Elizabeth believes that God still heals, and that all of God’s promises are still 

relevant for today. Elizabeth is divorced, and is looking forward to what God has in store for her for the rest of her life. 

Shiloh Ben Hod

I’ve waited a few years to interview this talented young man and finally got to do a phone interview with him last month. He is an anointed worship leader from Israel and his band Solu produces fabulous Messianic worship.

Shilo Ben Hod is a native Jewish Israeli born in Jerusalem, and raised in a Messianic family.

Shilo grew up in the Israeli culture, and later on at age 18 he was enlisted into the army, where he served for 3 years. During his service, at age 19 Shilo got married to his then 18 year old wife, Sarah. After finishing his service, Shilo and Sarah started traveling the world ministering in worship and prayer and teaching about Israel.

Shilo is part of the Fellowship Of Artists – an Israeli worship label with a vision to support and produce worship music for Israelis and the whole world!

Shilo and his band Solu lead worship regulary in national and international events, and teach about worship and prayer, in different places across Israel and the nations.

Chris Katulka Interview

Chris leads Friends of Israel (FOI)’s ministry in the United States and Canada. After graduating from the Institute of Jewish Studies, he received his B.S. in Bible from Cairn University (formerly Philadelphia Biblical University) and a Master’s of Theology in Old Testament studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. Chris serves as host and teacher of The Friends of Israel Today radio program, contributes an editorial to their bi-monthly publication, Israel My Glory, and teaches at conferences and churches throughout the United States.

Tuvya Zaretsky Interview

Tuvya Zaretsky is one of the founders of the Jews for Jesus ministry, beginning his service in February 1974. He was raised in Northern California in the institutions of American Judaism. And he came to believe in Yeshua (Jesus) in 1970.

During his career, Tuvya has provided leadership of Jews for Jesus branches in Chicago, New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and Tel Aviv. Tuvya is also the founder of JewishGentileCouples.com, a free counseling service for intercultural couples, operating out of the Jews for Jesus LA branch.

Tuvya earned an M.A. Missiology in Judaic Studies at The Fuller Seminary School for World Mission and the Doctor of Intercultural Studies degree from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. He is married to Ellen, who is also a Jewish Believer in Jesus. They have three adult children and three grandchildren.

More from Rabbi Jim Appel

Today we had another “ask the Rabbi” session!  Rabbi Jim explained why Messianic Jews still celebrate Yom Kippor and other Jewish holidays.  

Rabbi Jim is our Rabbi at Congregation Shema Yisrael in Rochester, New York. 

Rachel Schiller Interview

Rachel has worked at several synagogues teaching Hebrew, and interned with the Jerusalem Institute of Justice after college. She founded and currently leads the young professionals group and co leads the drama club at her home congregation, Eitz Chaim Messianic Congregation in Plano, Texas. When she’s not serving at Eitz Chaim she works as a lawyer for the leading travel software and technology company. Rachel also enjoys escaping the city to go hike mountains and explore our National Parks.  

Moose Garrett Interview

David “Moose” Garrett and his wife, Kathleen, have served on staff with Jews for Jesus since 1981. David has served in a variety of positions including ministry to young people for over 30 years. He currently serves as Director of the Alumni Ministry. The Garretts have two married daughters, Virginia and Monica, and eight little friends.

Rabbi Michael Shorb

Rabbi Michael Shorb is a third generation Messianic Jew.  Even though he was raised in a believing home, his own personal faith and commitment to the L-rd didn’t come until much later.  While in the service, he became friends with a believer and while visiting his friend’s farm, he heard the friend’s mother, a devout believer, praying for him and calling out his name before the Lord. God began to place people in Shorb’s life who would pray for him, minister to him, and eventually he surrendered to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 

The Lord called him to reach Russian speaking Jews.  He went to Kyiv and he traveled to Ukraine four times a year, where he became a member of the world's largest Messianic congregation in Kyiv.  While in Ukraine, Rabbi Michael went into prisons and to rehab centers.  He experienced the casting out of demons and those who were instantly healed from drug addiction.  But the Lord showed him that his true calling was to be in his own home, near Baltimore, Maryland.

Rabbi Michael had visited Israel and had pondered making Aliyah, but he clearly heard the Lord tell him to go home to his people in Maryland, where there are approximately 250,000 Russian-speaking Jews.  The Lord impressed on him that if all the believing Jews left, who would teach his people?

Rabbi Michael's Congregation, Beit Chesed (House of Mercy), is located in Baltimore County in Reisterstown, Maryland. 

Rabbi Jim Returns!

Rabbi Jim Appel has been the spiritual leader of Congregation Shema Yisrael since 1996 and a Jewish follower of Yeshua since 1977. He is ordained by the International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues. Rabbi Jim previously worked for Xerox Corporation in Webster, N.Y., for 24 years as an optical engineer and engineering manager. He holds more than 45 patents in the areas of copier imaging systems and laser printing. Rabbi Jim received a bachelor’s degree in optical engineering from the University of Rochester in 1967 and a master’s degree in physics from the University of Southern California in 1970. Rabbi Jim decided to follow Yeshua after a long spiritual search. He grew up with parents who taught him that G-d did not exist and organized religion deceived and oppressed people. In 1967, after completing college, Jim became disillusioned with life as an atheist.  He rejected his parent’s teachings and began his search for spiritual reality. This search took him into the world of mind-altering drugs and yoga meditation, and ended with a dramatic encounter with Yeshua the Messiah, who revealed himself to Rabbi Jim in the privacy of his bedroom without the assistance of any other person. Rabbi Jim and his wife, Diane, live in Brighton, and they have two grown children.

Candyce Hyslip Interview

Rebbetzin (Rabbi’s wife) Candyce Hyslip is passionate about seeing the revival of our Jewish people manifest through healthy Kingdom relationships. She believes that wholehearted surrender and relational transparency are key to maturing in our identity in the LORD. Through her teaching, worship, written devotionals, community events, and hospitality she intentionally fosters a safe environment that deepens connection with the LORD and each other. It is within this atmosphere that healing, encouragement, and empowerment is appropriated to fulfill the unique calling God has created for each of us.

Elias Duran Interview

A Gentile believer who loves Yeshua found himself trapped in Israel October 7, 2023. I hope you enjoy this exciting interview!

Elias Duran was born in New York City, has been happily Married for 36 years and is the father of three children - a boy and two girls. Elias is a carpenter and floor installer in New York.  He loves the Lord and loves to travel around the world. His favorite place is Israel where he has been seven times.  In this interview, Elias shares what happened when he was in Israel during the events of October 7, 2023. He is looking forward to returning to Israel.

Gloria Edokpa Interview

Gloria is a Messianic Jew living in Texas, but her story begins in Nigeria where she was born and raised. At the age of 12, a neighbor faithfully stopped by her home after school each day for 3 years, getting her to memorize the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John). Through that simple act of love, she came to faith in the Messiah — a decision that has shaped her life ever since.

Today, Gloria is a wife, a mom of three, and a CPA who runs her own accounting firm in Texas. She loves using both her faith and her professional gifts to encourage and serve others, and she’s passionate about sharing the hope of the Messiah with everyone she meets. She’s been on multiple mission trips to the middle east, and especially carries a burden for the persecuted church in “unreached places” like North Korea and much of the Islamic world.

Kathi Hartog Interview

Kathi’s parents were good moral people, but did not take her to church until she was in high school.  Having no Biblical foundation other than hymns, Kathi strayed from that good moral standard of her parents and became addicted to pornography (men aren’t the only ones) and a critical spirit. Full of guilt and shame, she joined a Bible Study where these precious older ladies loved her into the kingdom. In 1979, Kathi surrendered  to Yeshua and has been following hard after Him ever since. She has been involved in the ministry of prayer in various forms over many years. After a prayer mission to Israel during Sukkot in 2005, Kathi started attending Or Ha Olam in Kansas City, where she serves on the prayer ministry team, facilitator for the women’s Havurah and oneg team. She is also involved in her local county politics and leads a prayer group for her county.  One of HaShem’s great gifts to Kathi is a good sense of humor and joy. She is widowed, but lives minutes away from her only child and his family. God is so Good!

Tevon Varlack Interview

Tevon Varlack lives in Houston TX with his wife pastor Omon Varlack. They are newly appointed head pastors at the Church of God of Prophecy in Brazoria TX. Along with writing, Tevon also is a musician. Don't be surprised if you hear a shofar or steelpan or a trumpet ringing out at your local grocery store parking lot, malls, street corner, city parks or wherever! Tevon and his wife are committed to  evangelism in the community. They have hosted multiple apartment praise party events and 12 hr worship services. The Great Commission is the scripture that fuels their passion. 

Lynda Sciolino

Lynda was born and raised in Rochester, NY in a Catholic family. Not much was discussed about the religion growing up so she never knew Yeshua. What really impacted her relationship with Yeshua in a bad way was the death of her father that sent her in a downward spiral of unbelief. That all changed in 2021 when she met her now husband, Bill, who gave her her very first Bible and he led her to the lord. She began the journey of being a born again Christian and learning to build a relationship with Yeshua in her early 40's. Still being a "Baby in Christ", Lynda is now a believer and has a new outlook and understanding of forgiveness, Yeshua and life.

Miki Campbell

Miki grew up in a Conservative Jewish family.  As a child, she remembers once looking in a Catholic Church and being terrified when she saw a crucifix. After college Miki worked as a Physician!s Assistant and became friends with a co-worker’s wife. She noticed that they were different than other people she had met. They were very generous and were always taking in exchange students. Also they talked about God and having a relationship with Him. Eventually, Miki met Jewish believers in Yeshua, read the scriptures for herself and learned the truth.   She learned that the world wouldn’t “blow up” if she walked into a church or read the New Testament and then it was a very Jewish thing to believe in a Jewish Messiah!

Back again - Rabbi Joe Bell!

Joseph Bell was born Jewish and raised in Conservative Judaism in his hometown of Newton, Massachusetts (a suburb of Boston). At the age of 29, through a friend’s loving encouragement, Joe finally relented to read the New Testament. He then recognized how very Jewish the New Testament is. Through a miraculous work of the Lord, Joe asked Yeshua to come into his life. Joe committed his life to Jesus and immediately dove into serving the Lord. Jews for Jesus invited him to study theology with Dr. Louis Goldberg and train as an evangelist; thus Joe began his formal ministry training in New York City — leading over 100 people to faith in Jesus that summer. In 2007 Joe received full ordination as a Jewish Rabbi by IAMCS[International Association of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues]. Joe currently serves as Executive Director of For Zion’s Sake Ministries and as Rabbi of Ari Yehudah Messianic Congregation in the town of Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia.

Shmuel Salway Returns

Shmuel, currently the Director of Lech L'cha Discipleship Ministry, served as the Associate Pastor of Adonai Roi (The Lord is My Shepherd) Congregation before joining the team of Lech L'cha. Shmuel was born in Tel Aviv to Jewish parents who immigrated to Israel from

India. He attended a Messianic Congregation for much of his childhood,and became serious about his own faith when he was 15 and, at a youth camp, decided to give his life to the Lord.

After graduating from high school, he served as a combat medic in the Israeli army on the Golan Heights and in Lebanon. Later, while majoring in Geography at Tel Aviv University, Shmuel was drawn to serving in summer camps with a strong aspiration to reach out to youth - knowing how important it is for this age group to have someone to challenge them in the Lord.  After working for several years in security for El Al (Israeli Airlines) and the Israeli Consulate in New York, Shmuel returned to Israel and began attending Adonai Roi Congregation in the spring of 2003. That same year, he was invited to become the Youth Pastor. Through meetings with other youth leaders from different congregations around Israel, Shmuel met Suzie, who is also a native-born Israeli. In 2006, they married and currently have four children: Together they continued to be involved in leading youth and young believers in the inter-congregational youth group Neged Hazerem (Against the Flow) gathering the youth of multiple congregations together for weekly events. They were also actively involved in Katzir (The Harvest) organizing nationwide youth camps. Shmuel and his family moved to Yad Hashmona, a Messianic village in the Judean hills a few years ago, and they are blessed to have him serve in Lech L'cha. Shmuel's passion is to disciple the next generation of believers in Israel, equipping them to continue in their God-given callings.

David Brickner Returns

David Brickner, currently the Executive Chairman to the Board of Jews for Jesus, became executive director of Jews for Jesus in 1996 and was the first to succeed our founding executive director, Moishe Rosen. Under his leadership, Jews for Jesus advanced internationally with missionaries in 12 countries, the largest number being in Israel.

David comes from five generations of Jewish followers of Messiah Jesus. Though he turned his back on his upbringing in high school, David had a unique encounter with God in college that prompted him to attend a Jews for Jesus Bible study. David says, “I surrendered my life to Jesus in 1976 and haven’t looked back.”

David has authored several books, including the most recent release Does the Jewish Bible Point to Jesus? 12 Key Prophecies that Unfold God’s Plan. He has been interviewed on secular and Christian radio and television shows, including Larry King Live and In the Market with Janet Parshall.

A graduate of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, David also has a bachelor of arts degree in Judaica from Northeastern Illinois University in conjunction with Spertus College of Judaica. He has a master of arts degree in missiology with an emphasis on Jewish studies from the Fuller School of Mission and Theology.

David is an avid reader, hiker, and mountain climber. He resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, Sabra, and is the proud father of Isaac, Ilana, and Sivan, and grandfather of three.

 

John Ross - a new interview!

I previously aired an older interview, so here is my most recent interview with Rabbi John!

Rabbi John and his wife Becky have been members of Beth Messiah in Houston,Texas since 1994. John became the worship leader and youth pastor in 1995 and served in that role for 23 years. After that he transitioned to a role as a teaching elder before becoming the congregational leader in 2021. John and Becky have four grown children and one grandchild. John received his education from Houston Baptist University (B.S. in Biology and Theology), Masters International University of Divinity (Doctor of Biblical Studies) and Liberty University (M. Div. and D.W.S in Worship Studies). 

Shaya Greathouse Interview

Shaya was born and raised in Washington State, became a believer as a young child and chose to be water baptized at age 11. She became interested in the Jewish roots of her faith during her undergraduate studies and then became further acquainted with them while in grad school at Eastman School, when she was invited to join a Messianic Passover seder. Shortly after that, Shaya felt God called her to become a part of the local Messianic congregation in Rochester, where she has been for over 12 years. Over that time, Shaya has served as a cantor, dance leader, occasional worship leader, kiddish (hospitality) coordinator, and a member of many teams and outreaches.

Irina & Jesse Kauffman

Jesse & Irina Kauffman are the founders of Single 2 Married — a Spirit-filled, biblically grounded mentorship community helping singles prepare for marriage through healing, identity, and purpose.

Jesse shares powerful wisdom from years of singleness, discipleship, and meeting Irina at age 40. Irina brings prophetic insight and a passion for restoration, helping women walk in strength and dignity — inside and out.

Together, they guide others to discover their identity in Messiah and align with God’s design for love and legacy.

Before connection comes identity. Before marriage, preparation.

#Single2Married #FaithFilledRelationships #GodsTiming #KingdomMarriage

 

Moti Vaknin Interview

Mordechai “Moti” Vaknin was born in 1984 in Haifa, Israel, as the only child of an Orthodox Moroccan Jewish family. Growing up in a vibrant cultural and spiritual environment, Moti developed a deep appreciation for his heritage. As a young adult, he pursued radio broadcasting and served in the Israel Defense Forces from 2003 to 2006, gaining valuable life experience and discipline.

In 2007, Moti traveled to the United States to follow his dream of becoming a photographer. While taking classes at Photo Manhattan in New York City, he worked as a kosher supervisor on the Upper West Side. During this transformative time, he encountered Chosen People Ministries and was challenged to read the Bible independently and seek a personal relationship with God. Through prayer, study, and reflection, Moti came to the conviction that Jesus (Yeshua) is the promised Jewish Messiah.

Moti returned to Israel in 2010. Over the years, Moti has developed a thriving service ministry, working with youth, soldiers, and students across Israel. He and his wide Orel are devoted to sharing the good news with their fellow Israelis, with a special focus on mentoring young believers and equipping them to grow in their faith.

Today, Moti continues to inspire and guide the next generation, helping new believers embrace their Messiah and encouraging others to explore the transformative truths of the Bible.

Ted Pearce Announcement!!

Ted Pearce is my returning guest. In this show he shares that his metaquest/virtual reality tour of Israel app is now live!

Ted Pearce lived his teenage years in Beaumont Texas as an atheist. It was not until he decided to read the Bible, to find contradiction within it, did God reveal Himself mightily to Ted. A radically core shaking experience by the Holy Spirit in 1990 brought Ted to become a believer and he has been a worshipper for the Lord ever since.

Ted had already been playing professionally as a musician, but the Lord refined His gift towards worship and Ted soon recorded his first messianic album, "Shield of David" (1991).

He later put together a Christian rock band releasing 2 very different albums Nomadic Farmers (1997) and Big Methuselah (1999).

But his desire to bless Israel led him to record a new messianic project, which was called "Letter to the Hebrews" and released in Jerusalem on The Day of Pentecost 2001. Ted’s debut on Messianic worship label Galilee of the Nations followed in October of 2002 with "Zealous Over Zion".  He has since recorded several more CDs. 

Ted's vision is to see all the sons of Adam turn to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and believes that he can help build bridges of shalom.

Cristin_Judith Interview

Today I talked with Kristin Glazner and Judith Benhamou and they shared their plans for this summer‘s Jewish messianic vacation Bible school.

Cristin Glasner is a Middle School Science Teacher that has been serving in education for 26 years. Along with a love for teaching Science she has a great love for Yeshua and his word. She has been serving in children’s Ministry for 20 years, the last 3 years at Shema Yisrael. She is passionate about sharing with her students how much God loves them and how important it is to study his word through fun engaging lessons and crafts. 

Judith Benhamou has been working in Children's Ministry since 1985 teaching children ages 2 to 12.  She holds a Master's Degree in Early Childhood with an extension in Gifted and 
Talented Studies teaching school children and Directed children's programs throughout her career.  She has been a believer since 1973 and her desire is to create fun and engaging programs that help children discover the blessings of following the Lord.

Rabbi Ron Goldberg Came Back!

 If there was an award for my most frequent guest, it would be Rabbi Ron Goldberg! He is my “Frequent Flyer!”  Catch my other podcasts on this site or on iTunes. Here’s a little background:

Rabbi Ron was raised Jewish. While in High School, Ron did two things Jewish people are not supposed to do. First, he began sneaking out to church. Second, he read the "forbidden" Jewish New Testament. As a result, Ron met the Jewish Jesus. In 1985 he spent several months in deprogramming where 2 counselors tried to get Ron to reject Yeshua as Messiah. This was unsuccessful and he has spent his life helping people meet the Jewish Jesus.   

Some of Rabbi Ron’s Experience:

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• Jews For Jesus Summer Campaign 1990

• Mentored & ordained by Jonathan Bernis.

• ‘Hear O Israel’ Outreach in Russia & India

• Led a Messianic Congregation for 16 years

• Co-host of Messianic radio show for 5 years

• Taught in churches/colleges since 1986

• Trains people in sharing the Good News with Jewish People

In this broadcast Rabbi Ron shared an update of what's happening with his family.