Reunion Roadmap

Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz has had a fascinating journey toward the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. His journey isn’t over yet, as he will be the first to explain. However, he has progressed far enough along the way to gain a bit of wisdom and understanding. He likes to share what he has learned as he continues to ask questions and about the hard things of this life and of our Creator. That’s what we read in his columns on Israel365 News, and in his three published works of fiction.

Eliyahu’s latest novel, The Master of Return and the Eleventh Light, provides the occasion for this interview, but as you will hear, the conversation covers a wide range of topics related to what God is doing at the intersection of the Jewish and Christian worlds. As an observant, Yeshiva-trained Orthodox Jew living in the Golan, Eliyahu has a unique perspective, and great hopes for the future.

The Master of Return and Eliyahu’s other books are available at Root Source at the following links:

• The Master of Return and the Eleventh Light: https://root-source.com/product/the-master-of-return/
• Dolphins on the Moon: https://root-source.com/product/dolphins-on-the-moon/
• The Hope Merchant: https://root-source.com/product/the-hope-merchant/

Thanks for listening to Reunion Roadmap! We have more resources available on our B'ney Yosef North American website at https://bneyyosefna.com/

If you like what you've heard, considering partnering with us by one of the options available at this link: https://bneyyosefna.com/donate/

Does “interfaith” mean what we think it means? Maybe not. That’s the question addressed in this concluding part of our interview with Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz of Israel365 News. He begins with an explanation of why genuine Jewish-Christian dialogue isn’t exactly a priority of those who call for interfaith understanding, and why they may actually oppose such a dialogue. This is another element presented in Eliyahu’s novel, The Master of Return and the Eleventh Light.

It may be that the real issue is one of identity. Does genuine Jewish-Christian dialogue proceed from an understanding of a shared identity of belief and trust in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? If so, then we share a heritage that goes back to Abraham, and that Abraham’s God calls us to remember. That’s the topic Barry Phillips and David Jones address in their midrash, “This Day Stones,” and that Melody Joy Williams and Jimmie Black explore in music.

The Master of Return and Eliyahu’s other books are available at Root Source at the following links:

• The Master of Return and the Eleventh Light: https://root-source.com/product/the-master-of-return/
• Dolphins on the Moon: https://root-source.com/product/dolphins-on-the-moon/
• The Hope Merchant: https://root-source.com/product/the-hope-merchant/

Thanks for listening to Reunion Roadmap! We have more resources available on our B'ney Yosef North American website at https://bneyyosefna.com/

If you like what you've heard, considering partnering with us by one of the options available at this link: https://bneyyosefna.com/donate/

Who would have a problem watching and working for the fulfillment of biblical prophecy? More people than you may imagine, actually – especially when the prophecies in question concern the Jewish people reclaiming the Promised Land of Israel. That’s what we discuss in this third part of our conversation with Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz of Israel365 News. Eliyahu has written about this in his autobiographical novel, The Master of Return and the Eleventh Light. As you may expect, secular media and governments have an issue with Jewish reclamation of Judea and Samaria, and of Jewish access to the Temple Mount. You may be surprised, though, at who joins them in their objections, and who are the greatest targets of their opposition. 

Ultimately, the issue is whether people are willing to believe what God says. If they believe Him, then they will do as He says. In other words, obeying the commandments of the Lord is the proof of our faith. So which commandments are we to obey? Is anything optional? Barry Phillips and David Jones look into those questions in their midrash, “Each, Every, or All?” As Solomon Lopez and Will Spires share in their music, it’s really a heart matter.

The Master of Return and Eliyahu’s other books are available at Root Source at the following links:

• The Master of Return and the Eleventh Light: https://root-source.com/product/the-master-of-return/
• Dolphins on the Moon: https://root-source.com/product/dolphins-on-the-moon/
• The Hope Merchant: https://root-source.com/product/the-hope-merchant/

Thanks for listening to Reunion Roadmap! We have more resources available on our B'ney Yosef North American website at https://bneyyosefna.com/

If you like what you've heard, considering partnering with us by one of the options available at this link: https://bneyyosefna.com/donate/

This nexus of history is remarkable for many reasons. One of the most remarkable aspects is what seems to be an expanding willingness of Jews and Christians to establish relationships based on their shared faith in the God of Israel and expectation of His promises of redemption to be fulfilled. On the other hand, this present time is remarkable in that mainstream Judaism and Christianity are still at odds with one another, and there are many on both sides who resist any cooperation, and who view those who reach across the divide with suspicion.

Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz addresses these topics in this second part of our conversation. He knows his subject, having covered it for several years as a columnist for Israel365 News. Israel is the center of this nexus in history – which is a blessing, but it comes at tremendous cost. That’s what Eliyahu shares in this interview, and in his latest novel, The Master of Return and the Eleventh Light.

A beautiful part of what Eliyahu shares is the willingness of Christians and Jews to help one another in our shared journey. It’s good to have help along the way, but how much help to we thrust aside because we don’t appreciate the source? We hear about that in “Allowing Help,” the latest midrash from David Jones and Barry Phillips, and in the music of Lenny & Varda and Eved Adonai.

The Master of Return and Eliyahu’s other books are available at Root Source at the following links:

• The Master of Return and the Eleventh Light: https://root-source.com/product/the-master-of-return/
• Dolphins on the Moon: https://root-source.com/product/dolphins-on-the-moon/
• The Hope Merchant: https://root-source.com/product/the-hope-merchant/

Thanks for listening to Reunion Roadmap! We have more resources available on our B'ney Yosef North American website at https://bneyyosefna.com/

If you like what you've heard, considering partnering with us by one of the options available at this link: https://bneyyosefna.com/donate/

Do you know that stereotypical nice, successful boy that Jewish mothers want their daughters to marry? Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz doesn’t fit that stereotype. In his years as a biker and culinary artist from New York, if any stereotype applied to him, it would be the rebellious young man searching for meaning in life. It’s a blessing that he found that meaning when he came home to Israel. Not only did his journey toward God acquire focus and intensity, he learned many lessons along the way that he is now sharing as a columnist with Israel365 News, and as an author of world-class fiction. Our four-part interview with Eliyahu begins with discussion of his latest novel, The Master of Return and the Eleventh Light, but then we go into some unexpected places as we talk about what God is doing at the intersection of the Jewish and Christian worlds.

In a sense, Eliyahu Berkowitz is one of those lost sheep of Israel who has found his way home. Barry Phillips and David Jones have a lot to say about wayward sheep in their midrash called, “Restoring Sheep.” Healing and restoration are themes in this message, and in the music of the Aleph Tav Band and Teshuva.

The Master of Return and Eliyahu’s other books are available at Root Source at the following links:

• The Master of Return and the Eleventh Light: https://root-source.com/product/the-master-of-return/
• Dolphins on the Moon: https://root-source.com/product/dolphins-on-the-moon/
• The Hope Merchant: https://root-source.com/product/the-hope-merchant/

Thanks for listening to Reunion Roadmap! We have more resources available on our B'ney Yosef North American website at https://bneyyosefna.com/

If you like what you've heard, considering partnering with us by one of the options available at this link: https://bneyyosefna.com/donate/

What brings the greatest joy to a pastor’s heart? Dr. David Jones shares that with us in this conclusion to our conversation. After three decades of ministry and many years as pastor of Ruach Ministries International, David has some understanding of that question. Knowledge of the Word of God is a big part of it, but, as he explains, knowledge means little if it’s not paired with love and humility. 

The theme of David’s interview carries over into the midrash he brings with Barry Phillips which they call, “Unity and Community,” and which Teshuva and Mason Clover present in their musical offerings.

To learn more about Ruach Ministries International, visit http://www.ruachonline.com/. 

You can also check out David Jones’ book, The Restoration and the Gifts of the Spirit, at http://www.ruachonline.com/.

Thanks for listening to Reunion Roadmap! We have more resources available on our B'ney Yosef North American website at https://bneyyosefna.com/

If you like what you've heard, considering partnering with us by one of the options available at this link: https://bneyyosefna.com/donate/

How greatly do we honor the pioneers of our faith? That’s the point of Hebrews 11, the “Hall of Faith” chapter that honors the righteous saints of old going back to Abraham. We could bring that list forward to the present, including many who have been on the cutting edge of new moves of the Almighty. But do we think about what life was like for them? The “normal folks” of their times would have considered them radicals, heretics, rebels, outcasts, and many other unpleasant things simply because they were following the lead of the Holy Spirit into something our God wanted to emphasize that the “mainstream” of the day had missed. That’s why people like the Pilgrims, the Puritans, and the Moravian Brethren had to move to new lands to carry out the commissions God had given them.

Does that still happen in our day? Perhaps it does. The journey of Dr. David Jones and the congregation of Ruach Ministries International shares some of the same elements of those stories of the faithful pioneers from long ago. Of course, as David explains, one of those elements is a degree of zeal for the new understanding of scripture that sometimes results in strained or broken relationships with those we love the most. How did that work out for David’s family? That’s what he begins to share in this second of our three-part conversation with him. 

This brings up the question of how to apply zeal in a way that uplifts rather than divides. David joins Barry Phillips in discussing that question in the midrash they call, “Zealous.” Their discussion provides plenty of material for pondering as we hear the music of Solomon Lopez and Jimmie Black.

To learn more about Ruach Ministries International, visit http://www.ruachonline.com/. 

You can also check out David Jones’ book, The Restoration and the Gifts of the Spirit, at http://www.ruachonline.com/.

Thanks for listening to Reunion Roadmap! We have more resources available on our B'ney Yosef North American website at https://bneyyosefna.com/

If you like what you've heard, considering partnering with us by one of the options available at this link: https://bneyyosefna.com/donate/

What would it take to motivate you to move a thousand miles away from your family and friends? Maybe a promising new job? What about a new relationship, perhaps with someone you expect to marry? How about just getting away from an unpleasant or even dangerous situation? All of those might be good reasons to relocate to a strange new place, but would you do that to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit? That’s what David and Faith Jones did when they moved from Columbus, Ohio, to Brandon, Florida, to be part of a new work their pastor was doing in the Sunshine State.

You might recognize Dr. David Jones as one of the hosts of Reunion Roadmap. He and Barry Phillips have been sharing their thoughts on the scripture in the Midrash segment of the podcast since the beginning. Now we get to know more about David in his role as Pastor of Ruach Ministries International. Our three-part conversation starts with him telling how he and Faith decided early in their marriage to obey the voice of the Lord and move to Florida. It was a journey many years in the making, requiring much preparation before they were finally able to hear the call, and then obey even without knowing what awaited them in their new community. 

A big reason David took that step of faith is because he had learned from his parents to trust the Almighty. That’s an aspect of his life that has influenced his perspective on the topic he an Barry discuss in the midrash they call “Teach It To.” Mason Clover and Will Spires complete this show with musical offerings from their hearts of worship.

To learn more about Ruach Ministries International, visit http://www.ruachonline.com/. 

You can also check out David Jones’ book, The Restoration and the Gifts of the Spirit, at http://www.ruachonline.com/.

Thanks for listening to Reunion Roadmap! We have more resources available on our B'ney Yosef North American website at https://bneyyosefna.com/

If you like what you've heard, considering partnering with us by one of the options available at this link: https://bneyyosefna.com/donate/

Why are we surprised when catastrophic events change the order of things in the world? Probably because we have detached ourselves from the past. Even if we have studied world-changing events, such as World War II, for example, we have very little connection to how those world-changing events impacted the lives of people like our grandparents and parents. So, when faced with similar world-changing events, we are surprised and have to relearn the lessons they learned through much hardship.

That’s where Barry Miller starts in this concluding segment of our interview with him. As we ponder the changing world of 2022, we see looming food shortages, crazy inflation, government instability, and open warfare between Russia and Ukraine. Is it possible that the national borders and global alliances we have considered stable all our lives are about to shift? If so, what do we do to survive? And are there opportunities to thrive even in such dire circumstances? Those are questions that inform our conversation about Barry’s powerful article, the Missing Manna Moment.  

We would like to see all the answers revealed immediately, but that’s not how our God works. We must learn to trust Him, even in the hardest trials. That’s what Barry Phillips and David Jones discuss in their midrash called, “Impatience,” and what Jimmie Black and Melody Joy Williams share in their special music.

Check our Barry Miller’s blog, 7 and 50 Rhymes, at: https://7and50rhymes.com/.

If you’re interested in checking out the books Barry mentions, they are:

• The End of the World is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Global Civilization, by Peter Ziehan
• When Money Dies: The Nightmare of Deficit Spending, Devaluation, and Hyperinflation in Weimar Germany, by Adam Fergusson

Thanks for listening to Reunion Roadmap! We have more resources available on our B'ney Yosef North American website at https://bneyyosefna.com/

If you like what you've heard, considering partnering with us by one of the options available at this link: https://bneyyosefna.com/donate/

Have you ever gone to look for something that has reliably been there, but this time it’s not? That’s what happened to Israel in the wilderness when some of the people went out on Sabbath to find manna. It wasn’t there, of course, just as God had said. He very clearly told them there would be no manna on the seventh day, so they were to gather twice as much on the sixth day. So why were the people who went out on Sabbath surprised? And what hardship did they have to endure simply because they did not listen?

Barry Miller opens this part of our conversation addressing those questions in the context of what may be a Missing Manna Moment coming upon us even now. We are accustomed to cycles of boom and bust, but what if those cycles are disrupted to the point that we no longer have enough to eat? What does that mean for the world, and for God’s people? 

These are sobering questions to ponder – the kind of questions that lead us to think about the meaning of life and our purpose within it. Barry Phillips and David Jones offer some observations on that subject in their midrash, “I’m Here, Now What?” It’s a subject that also inspires our musical guests, Gregory Brown and House of Aaron.

Check our Barry Miller’s blog, 7 and 50 Rhymes, at: https://7and50rhymes.com/.

If you’re interested in checking out the books Barry mentions, they are:

• The End of the World is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Global Civilization, by Peter Ziehan
• When Money Dies: The Nightmare of Deficit Spending, Devaluation, and Hyperinflation in Weimar Germany, by Adam Fergusson

Thanks for listening to Reunion Roadmap! We have more resources available on our B'ney Yosef North American website at https://bneyyosefna.com/

If you like what you've heard, considering partnering with us by one of the options available at this link: https://bneyyosefna.com/donate/