Yael Eckstein

Latest

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  Apr 14, 2022

  This Passover, remember the Jewish communities with little to celebrate

  As the season of Passover approaches, a time similar to the very first Passover is taking place in Ukraine. Tens of thousands of Jews, including some Holocaust survivors, are fleeing oppression and praying for God’s miraculous deliverance.

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  Mar 16, 2022

  Jewish holiday of Purim and the war in Ukraine reminds us of our need for modern-day Esthers

  In our world most people look out first for their own interests. Self-preservation is deeply ingrained in our human psyche. At times this is beneficial as it helps us avoid danger, but it too can tempt us to survive at the expense of others.

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  Feb 19, 2022

  As a Jew, this is why I celebrate Black History Month

  When the world largely ignores the suffering of those in distress, we must pay attention, step up and take action to alleviate that suffering in whatever way we can.

• 
  Dec 23, 2021

  Don’t skip this important part of our holiday traditions

  This is a season when a spirit of generosity ignites us and highlights the best of humanity. For those of us in the Jewish community, we have celebrated Hanukkah, lighting the Menorah and giving gifts. Now, my Christian friends are celebrating Christmas by lighting trees and giving gifts of their own.

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  Nov 6, 2021

  What we can learn from life’s tests

  We discover strengths that had been obscured by impurities. We discover the gold and silver that we didn’t know was there. God always saw it. But through the tests that He gives us, we see it, too.

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  Oct 30, 2021

  How to find the goodness in every situation

  What are the rocks in your life right now? What is holding you back from your best life? Call on God to help you draw honey from that rock. Find the light in the darkness, and God will satisfy you with sweetness even under the hardest circumstances.

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  Sep 15, 2021

  Yom Kippur: How physical denial leads to spiritual revival

  Today, let’s think about what we have and what we need to fulfill our personal purpose in life. Let’s resolve to stay focused on our own life and stop looking at what other people have. Let’s remember that true joy is to be found in God, so let’s recommit to making Him the focus of our lives.

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  Aug 20, 2021

  We need a personal trainer for our souls

  People these days spend a lot of money to get in shape. We pay for gyms and nutritionists, and some people will spend hundreds of dollars on personal trainers. We spend the money because we know that no matter how uncomfortable it is to work hard, our fitness will improve and we will become stronger. Well, today I’m here to tell you that we all have a personal soul trainer — and He’s absolutely free.

• 
  Jul 14, 2021

  We still mourn the loss of the temple, yet we have reason to hope

  As people of faith, we can never give up hope—and when we hold on to this hope despite everything, hope will hold us and carry us through anything. If we hope for it, pray for it, and work for it, and trust in God’s promises, this will inspire others to do so as well.

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  May 14, 2021

  A mother and humanitarian leader reflects on the situation in Israel today

  Do you know what it is like to be scared to take a shower because a “code red” siren might go off, leaving you with 30 seconds to seek shelter? Have you ever been scared to drive to work for fear of a rocket siren going off when you are driving? Can you imagine staying home from a much-needed trip to the grocery store because there might not be a shelter at the store, and the risk is just too high?