This Shabbat carries a special weight and a deeper invitation. It is the final Shabbat before Passover—a sacred moment when hearts begin to turn inward in preparation, even as the world around us may feel uncertain. Here in Israel, we are standing in the tension of two realities: the beauty of an approaching holy season, and the seriousness of events unfolding around us. Yet even in this tension, we hold onto something unshakable—God is still moving, and God is still in control.
The Shabbat before Passover has always been a time of preparation. Not only outward preparation—cleaning homes, organizing meals, making plans—but something deeper. It is a time to prepare the heart. A time to pause, to pray, and to realign our lives with the presence of God. Scripture shows us that in both the Old and New Testaments, people would prepare intentionally—setting aside distractions, turning their attention toward God, and making space to encounter Him. There was an understanding that before meeting with Him in a special way, something within us needed to be made ready.
And this is the same invitation extended to all of us now.
Even in the midst of war here in Israel, even with unanswered questions, even when the future feels uncertain—we are called to step back from the noise, from the worry, from the constant tension, and to refocus on what truly matters. God has given us life. He has given us family. He has given us His Word and His promises. This is the moment to return to those foundations. To remember. To reconnect. To draw near again.
Across Israel right now, there is a quiet but powerful preparation taking place. Homes are being cleaned, yes—but so are hearts. People are praying, asking for forgiveness, seeking to be closer to God. There is a longing not just to observe a tradition, but to encounter Him in a real and personal way. This is what preparation is truly about. It is about creating space—for God to meet us, for His presence to fill our lives again.
At the same time, we are approaching Passover under circumstances none of us can fully predict. There are real questions in the air. How will we celebrate? Will there be interruptions? Will families need to move in and out of shelters even during the holiday? These are not distant concerns—they are part of daily life here. And yet, even in the middle of this uncertainty, there is a deep and steady confidence rising within us. Because Passover is not only about what we see—it is about what God has done, and what He continues to do.
For more than 3,000 years, this story has remained. Through exile and return, through peace and through war, through seasons of joy and seasons of hardship—Passover continues to testify to the faithfulness of God. It reminds us that He delivers, that He protects, that He keeps His promises. And that same God is with us today.
This is why we believe that even now, God is releasing a spirit of hope, of joy, and of quiet confidence. Not because circumstances are easy, but because His faithfulness does not change. What we remember in Passover is not just history—it is a living testimony that God is still at work, still redeeming, still drawing people closer to Himself.
And we want you to know something very personal: as we pray for Israel, we are also praying from Israel—for you. This is a time for us to stand together, even across distance. Wherever you are, as you enter this Shabbat, take time to pray over your home, to bless your family, and to invite God’s peace into your space. Let this be more than just another weekend. Let it be a moment of intentional preparation—a moment to encounter His presence in a fresh way.
I pray that the peace of Shabbat will fill your home. That you will experience rest—not only physically, but deep within your soul. And that as we all move toward Passover together, you will see it with fresh understanding and renewed hope.
And above all, let this be our prayer together:
Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu… Blessed are You, Lord our God…
Thank You for bringing us to this moment. Thank You for sustaining us. Thank You for being with us, even now.
Shabbat Shalom,
Pastor Israel Pochtar
