Shavei Tzyon | Return to Zion Congregation
Haifa, Israel

I was working in the humanitarian aid clothing warehouse sorting and hanging clothes. We had just finished checking out some boots that were donated. I am certain they were brand new. We were placing them on a rack when we noticed that one of the young mothers had her eyes on those boots. We suggested that she try them on, and they were just her size! Those boots will last a long time and keep her feet warm on chilly days and nights. The smile of joy that came over her face when she realized the boots were meant for her was so rewarding!
You might be wondering who I am and how I ended up volunteering at Return to Zion’s center. I live in the United States and act as an emissary on behalf of their ministry. It is my responsibility to speak with people and congregations in the US and raise support and awareness. To ensure that I have first-hand experience of the humanitarian work they are doing in Israel, I felt it necessary to come visit and serve alongside the other volunteers.
Although my intention was to bless the needy by being the hands of the LORD toward them, I found that I also received joy and blessing while serving, It is truly more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Employees alongside volunteers, work together to fill the many needs amongst the refugees, Holocaust survivors and new immigrants – from providing food and clothing to delivering hot meals to those who cannot leave their homes. Music lessons are also being given to young students daily at the ministry center which is the hub for all congregational and humanitarian activities.
During the Shabbat worship services I was intrigued to see how the meetings were not just a group of disconnected people gathering for a few hours on Shabbat. They were a spiritual family gathering together to worship the LORD in fullness and joy.
During my time in Haifa, I was privileged to witness the engagement announcement of a newly-betrothed couple, a wedding, and a Bar Mitzvah. There were special evenings when I was welcomed into congregants’ homes for Erev Shabbat family meals. I was also present during the celebration of Purim, and I wish I could have been there for Passover. These events highlighted to me the importance of friends and families celebrating significant biblical feasts and life occasions together.
If you have the opportunity, I encourage you to visit Shavei Tzion and join their celebration of Biblical feasts. All are welcome, and every effort is made to provide a translation into your native language.
I am grateful to the LORD for bringing me in as a co-laborer with Leon Mazin and Shavei Tzion. I can rightfully call them my Israeli family. We are one in the Body of Messiah Yeshua.