Nourish Your Biblical Roots with Yael Eckstein

In this episode of Holy Days, Holy People, we explore Hanukkah—the Festival of Lights—and discover why this beloved Jewish holiday continues to inspire hope in every generation.
Yael Eckstein traces the remarkable story of the Maccabees, whose faith and courage preserved the worship of the one true God against overwhelming odds. Along the way, she explains the meaning behind the menorah, the miracles of Hanukkah, and what this holiday teaches us about choosing faith over fear and light over darkness.
You’ll also hear timeless teachings from Fellowship Founder Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, of blessed memory, as he explores the biblical and historical significance of Hanukkah and its enduring call to rededicate our hearts to God. Bishop Paul Lanier also reflects on why Hanukkah matters to Christians, reminding us that Jesus Himself celebrated the Feast of Dedication and that its message remains deeply relevant today.
The episode also shares a moving Hanukkah story from the Holocaust, revealing how light continued to shine even in humanity’s darkest hour. Together, these stories remind us that God’s light cannot be extinguished, His miracles are still worth proclaiming, and even the smallest flame of faith can illuminate the deepest darkness.
Whether Hanukkah is familiar to you or completely new, this episode will deepen your understanding of this remarkable holiday, strengthen your faith, and encourage you to become a bearer of God’s light and hope in the world.
Continue your journey through the Bible and the Jewish roots of your faith at The Fellowship’s Learn Center.

Welcome to a new season of Nourish Your Biblical Roots, Holy Days, Holy People. Throughout these eight episodes, Fellowship President and Global CEO Yael Eckstein will guide us through the biblical holidays that have shaped the faith, identity, and history of the Jewish people for thousands of years—and point us back to the God of the Bible today.
In this first episode, we begin with Passover (Pesach), the foundational story of God’s redemption. Together we’ll revisit the dramatic night when the Israelites left Egypt, discover why the Exodus remains central to the Jewish faith, and explore the timeless biblical lessons of freedom, remembrance, and faithfulness.
You’ll also hear a classic teaching from Fellowship Founder Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, of blessed memory, who explains the biblical origins of Passover, the meaning behind the Seder meal, the symbolism of matzah, and why Jewish families continue to relive the Exodus story in every generation.
Then Yael takes us inside a matzah bakery in Israel, where ancient commandments come to life today. She shares how Christians around the world help provide Passover meals to elderly Jews, Holocaust survivors, and families in need—ensuring they can celebrate the holiday with dignity while reminding them they are not alone.
Finally, Bishop Paul Lanier reflects on what Passover reveals to Christians and the enduring spiritual bond between Jews and Christians that’s rooted in Scripture.
Whether you’ve celebrated Passover for years or are discovering it for the very first time, this episode will help you deepen your understanding of the Bible, strengthen your faith, and experience the enduring hope found in God’s great story of redemption.
Continue your journey through the Bible and the Jewish roots of your faith at The Fellowship’s Learn Center.

This episode of Jewish Voices, American Stories shares the stories of three American rabbis who helped shape a more inclusive, compassionate, and courageous nation through their convictions and actions.
We begin with Rabbi Jacob Frankel, whose appointment as the first Jewish chaplain in the U.S. Army marked a turning point in American history. At a time when Jewish soldiers were excluded from spiritual leadership, Frankel’s service ensured that faith would not be a barrier—but a source of comfort, dignity, and belonging, even in the darkest moments of the Civil War.
Next, we meet Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, who believed that faith must be lived out through action. Marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rabbi Heschel showed that standing against hatred is not optional—it is a calling rooted in faith.
Finally, we reflect on the life and legacy of Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, founder of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Through his vision, relationships once marked by distance became bridges of fellowship and understanding—uniting people of faith around the world.
These stories remind us that faith is not meant to remain private or passive. It is meant to move us—to stand together, to serve others, and to build bridges when and where they are needed most.
To learn more about God’s people—from the days of the Bible through the present—visit The Fellowship’s Learn Center.

This episode of Jewish Voices, American Stories explores how Jewish-American scientists and doctors helped change the course of history—bringing healing, hope, and life to millions.
We begin with Jonas Salk and Albert Sabin, two brilliant scientists whose breakthroughs in the fight against polio transformed one of America’s greatest fears into one of its greatest public health victories. At a time when families lived in dread of the disease, their vaccines brought relief, protection, and a future free from fear—and they chose to share their discoveries not for profit, but for the good of humanity.
Next, we meet Dr. Henry Heimlich, whose simple yet lifesaving maneuver empowered ordinary people to act in moments of crisis. His work reminds us that sometimes the difference between life and death comes down to knowledge—shared, practical, and ready in an instant.
Finally, we turn to two of the most influential scientific minds of the modern era: Albert Einstein and Richard Feynman. Their discoveries reshaped how we understand the universe, while also raising profound questions about responsibility, ethics, and the power of knowledge. From the atomic age to the space age, their work helped define the modern world.
These stories reflect a deeply rooted value in Jewish tradition: the call to pursue knowledge, to ask questions, and to use what we learn to better the world. And through these individuals, we see how science—guided by purpose and responsibility—can truly help heal the world.
To learn more about God’s people—from the days of the Bible through the present—visit The Fellowship’s Learn Center.

This episode of Jewish Voices, American Stories looks at God’s gift of laughter—and how Jewish comedians have helped bring joy, resilience, and connection to American life.
We begin with the Marx Brothers, a family of immigrant performers whose quick wit, physical comedy, and unforgettable characters helped define American humor. In times of hardship and uncertainty, their laughter offered something more than entertainment—it offered relief, creativity, and even healing.
Next, we meet Gene Wilder and Gilda Radner, two performers whose comedy made audiences laugh while also touching the heart. From The Producers to Saturday Night Live, their work reflected a uniquely human kind of humor—one rooted in vulnerability, love, and the ability to bring light into life’s hardest moments.
Finally, we hear a personal reflection on Adam Sandler, a comedian whose work has connected generations. From the playful humor of his early career to the deeper themes in his later roles, Sandler’s voice has helped make Jewish identity visible, relatable, and joyful—reminding us that laughter can build bridges in unexpected ways.
These stories remind us that laughter is more than just humor. It’s resilience. It’s connection. And sometimes, it’s exactly what we need to carry us through—and bring us closer together.
To learn more about God’s people—from the days of the Bible through the present—visit The Fellowship’s Learn Center.