This week’s Torah portion covers Exodus 6:2-9:35. It is called Va’era, which means “and I appeared,” the first words spoken to Moses in the text. In Va’era, the story of the Exodus begins. Plagues hit the Egyptians in full force. Pharaoh knew the names of many false gods, but the one true God, the God…
This week’s Torah portion is called Shemot, which in Hebrew means “names.” Genesis closed with the descendants of Jacob living in the land of Egypt, waiting out the period of famine that had overtaken the region. What started as a temporary move turned into a centuries-long stay. We do not know the exact time interval…
Israel has been at war for two years. Could joy return to the birthplace of Jesus? British journalist Paul Calvert, who has lived in Bethlehem for over two decades, joins us to start the 2026 Red Alert Report season to share a firsthand account of Christmas in the sacred city of Bethlehem—where faith, history, and…
As we follow the Jewish reading calendar, we arrive at this week’s Torah portion, called Vayigash (Genesis 44:18–47:27) which means “and he drew near.” It is the climax of the Joseph cycle, when he reveals himself to his brothers, who assumed he was long dead. For both Jewish and Christian readers, Vayigash is a revelation…
The Hebrew title of this week’s Torah portion is Miketz, which translates to “at the end,” and it covers Genesis 41:1 to 44:17. After two years, Joseph’s long season of suffering is almost over. This portion chronicles his meteoric rise from prisoner to the Pharaoh’s chief economic advisor, second in command only to the ruler…
This Christmas season, we are reminded of the miracle of life through the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ—born in Judea to Jewish parents facing crisis from the world around them. In that spirit, we invite you to listen to our latest podcast episode: Operation Life in Israel and the Christmas Season This week, I…
Once Jacob and his family settle into the land promised to his father Abraham, the narrative moves to the dynamics between his many children. At first, the story feels consistent with the biblical theme of sibling rivalry. Cain and Abel, Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, and now Joseph versus his brothers. Except, Joseph’s life…
In this episode, host Amy Zewe sits down with filmmakers Justin Kron (The Kesher Project) and Todd Morehead (Grafted Ministries) to discuss their powerful new documentary: October 7: Bearing Witness to the Massacre. This unique film explores the causes and consequences of the October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel, offering a perspective that goes…
Bible Fiber is doing a one-year sprint through the foundational narratives of the first five books of the Bible, the Torah. As we follow the weekly Jewish reading calendar, we arrive at this week’s Torah portion, called Vayishlah, which means “and he sent.” The portion covers Genesis 32:4 through 36:43. At the start of the…
Bible Fiber is on a one-year sprint through the foundational narratives of the first five books of the Bible, the Torah. As we follow the weekly Jewish reading calendar, we arrive at this week’s Torah portion, called Vayetzei which means “and he went out.” This portion covers Genesis 28:10−32:3. It is a pivotal 20-year period…
For the past four years, we’ve embarked on a chapter-by-chapter exploration of prophetic texts. Now, we embark on a new spiritual journey: a one-year sprint through the foundational narratives of the first five books of the Bible, the Torah. As we follow the weekly Jewish reading calendar, we arrive at this week’s Torah portion, called…
By Amy Zewe As the Christmas season approaches, we turn our eyes to Bethlehem—the birthplace of our Savior. British journalist Paul Calvert, who has lived in Bethlehem for over 20 years, joins us with an encouraging update from the “capital of Christmas.” A Spirit of RenewalAfter two years of hardship marked by war and uncertainty,…
For the past four years, we’ve embarked on a chapter-by-chapter exploration of prophetic texts. Now, we are starting a one-year sprint through the first five books of the Bible, the Torah. We are following the weekly Jewish reading calendar—the oldest Bible reading challenge that exists. This week’s Torah portion is called Chayei Sarah, which means…
By Amy Zewe With peace seemingly within reach in Israel and her neighbors, and the living hostages finally home—with nearly all the deceased hostages returned (four remain at the time of this writing)—we must continue to pray for clarity, justice, and that terrorists will lay down their arms. The situation may appear black and white,…
This week’s Torah portion is called Vayera, which means “And he appeared.” It is named for God’s appearance to Abraham and it covers Genesis 18:1–22:24. The narrative opens with the arrival of three visitors at the entrance to Abraham’s tent. The text states, “The Lord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he…
Shelley Neese, President of The Jerusalem Connection, recently returned from leading a group of Gen Z pilgrims through Israel during the Feast of Tabernacles in early October 2025. They were there as part of the ICEJ USA Feast of Tabernacle celebrations that have been going on for over 40 years. Each journey to the Holy…
Welcome to Bible Fiber, where we explore the textures and shades of the biblical tapestry. I’m Shelley Neese, president of The Jerusalem Connection, a Christian organization dedicated to sharing the stories of Israel’s people, both ancient and modern. I’m also the author of the book Bible Fiber, a 52-week study of the Twelve Minor Prophets,…
Noach This week’s Torah portion is called Noach and it covers Genesis 6:9–11:32. The portion brings us into a world that has devolved into chaos and corruption, just a few generations after the fall of Adam. The opening line is jarring: “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on…