.png){kind=small}
Shavei Tzyon | Return to Zion Congregation
Haifa, Israel
Various forms of musical ministry are described in the Scriptures, starting with Jubal in Genesis 4:21 all the way through to celestial beings praising God in Revelation 5:8. The art of music was a focal point in the Temple. The Levites dedicated up to seven years learning to worship! As a result, the Levites were able to move the hearts of people to praise, trust and glorify God.
Our music school, Keshet Tslilim, first began in 2009 with slightly less lofty goals. We wanted to give children from needy families a chance to develop their musical gifts, and to provide new immigrant music teachers with employment. We desired to run this project under the oversight of a Messianic congregation, thereby raising awareness about spiritual, humanitarian and cultural vision among our neighbors in Haifa.
Monika, Evgenia, Anastasia and Anastasia - both teachers and new immigrants
All these things are a part of the Great Restoration or “Tikkun” which the Lord will perform.
The Scriptures say: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will no longer be any death; and there will no longer be any mourning, crying or pain; because the old order has passed away.” Then the One sitting on the throne said, “Look! I am making everything new!”” (Revelation 21:4-5 NIV)
With God’s gracious help today, we have more than 120 students enthusiastically learning to sing and to play various musical instruments. When you watch this phenomenon as an uninvolved spectator, you see how sound waves can transform children and their parents (I write this as a former wave-physics enthusiast). The majority of our students do NOT attend our congregation, and they come from quite secular families. But there is something in the combination of music and a Messianic community which touches them!
As I write, it is the semi-annual examination season, and the children are enjoying preparing and playing recitals for an audience.
On A Personal Note
It just so happened that all of our children became musicians. This was more my wife’s desire, but of course I provided additional encouragement and support.
Our eldest son is currently studying in Jerusalem to become a conductor. When he was seventeen years old, he assisted in organizing the worship ministry at Shavei Tzion. Our younger son now plays in the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and one of our daughters has performed in prominent Israeli concert halls. Please forgive this proud papa, but since we were already talking about music, I couldn’t help but brag a bit and show these photos as well…
I’d like to thank you once again for your prayers and participation in our projects: the music school, the projects for new immigrants and elderly people and the hot meal ministry.
I kindly ask you to pray for our three congregations: Shavei Tzion, Or Hai and Netzer HaGalil. We are always in need the Lord’s wisdom and anointing!
We are also in the process of planning the upcoming summer Nesher/Eagle Project, with a specially tailored program which will bless thirty Messianic soldiers who have served in the war.
Please, continue to pray for the situation in Israel and for the end of the war.
We wish you all peace, good health, and joy.
