November 2, 2024

Celebrating Simchat Torah

Do you take God’s Word for granted? If you feel like one of many Christians who do, you should take notes on the Jewish people’s approach to Scripture: They dedicate a holiday to celebrating it each year! They sing and dance and read the Scripture publicly on Simchat Torah, the special holiday of rejoicing over the Law, or the Torah. Chris teaches us about this joyous celebration on this week’s broadcast. Learn how Simchat Torah encourages believers to revere the Bible and love the incarnate Word of God—His Son, Jesus!

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November 2, 2024

Celebrating Simchat Torah

Do you take God’s Word for granted? If you feel like one of many Christians who do, you should take notes on the Jewish people’s approach to Scripture: They dedicate a holiday to celebrating it each year! They sing and dance and read the Scripture publicly on Simchat Torah, the special holiday of rejoicing over the Law, or the Torah. Chris teaches us about this joyous celebration on this week’s broadcast. Learn how Simchat Torah encourages believers to revere the Bible and love the incarnate Word of God—His Son, Jesus!

  SHOW NOTES DONATE

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ISRAEL MY GLORY

Since 1942, Israel My Glory has been a highly trusted, sought-after tool in the study of God’s Word. This award-winning magazine, published by The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, stands firmly on the literal-grammatical interpretation of the Bible. It is simply the best there is if you want to understand Scripture, Israel, and prophecy.

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The Friends of Israel Today radio program is supported by donors, listeners, and friends like you. We believe that if you have a passion for God's Word, then you should have compassion for God's Chosen People. Our goal is to raise $50,000 this month to continue to produce and broadcast The Friends of Israel Today. With your financial gift, you will be taking the gospel to the ends of the earth with trustworthy and uncompromising biblical teaching.

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Finding Messiah in Christmas

Our new 25-day devotional is here! This Christmas season, take a journey through Scripture to understand the prophecies that foretold the Messiah's birth. 

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Stand With Israel

In this, Israel’s darkest hour, you are a shining beacon of hope and encouragement to God’s Chosen People. Your gift will be used to save lives, providing humanitarian relief in the most basic forms. From medical supplies to food distribution, from clothing to bomb shelters, and from loss and hopelessness to hope eternal—you are shining a light in the darkness in Israel and beyond.

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FOI Equip

From free online classes and training, to internships, to volunteering and tours. This is your chance to both show your love and grow your love for Israel and the Jewish people! 

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How can we know that Jesus is the true Messiah?

The world seeks to lead us astray, causing doubt and confusion about the story of Christ. But, the Word of God confirms the full story.

From Genesis to Revelation, the Messiah is the central character of the Bible. More is said about Him than about any other person. Join us for this fascinating study as we look back at the fulfilled prophecies of the First Coming of Jesus, and look ahead to the prophecies of His triumphal Second Coming.

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Up Close with FOI

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HOW CAN WE KNOW THAT JESUS IS THE TRUE MESSIAH?

From Genesis to Revelation, the Messiah is the central character of the Bible with more said than any other person. Join us for this fascinating study as we look back at the fulfilled prophecies of the First Coming of Jesus, and look ahead to the prophecies of His triumphal Second Coming.

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When Every Second Counts

This Giving Tuesday, we are raising funds for a medical motorcycle in partnership with the American Friends of Magen David Adom and Magen David Adom, the emergency response agency in Israel. We aim to raise $36,000 to supply Israel with a medicycle, a motorcycle that can swiftly reach the injured, providing critical care and saving lives when every second counts.

Every dollar counts and brings us closer to our goal. Together, we can make a tangible difference in the lives of Israelis during this turbulent time. Let us demonstrate our compassion, love, and support for those who need it most.

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Did you know that there are a variety of ways to support The Friends of Israel without impacting your personal budget?

Giving gifts of stock, cryptocurrency and IRA distributions can help reduce your taxes and allows you to claim a charitable contribution. If you have a donor-advised fund, you can use the funds that have already been set aside for ministry purposes to support The Friends of Israel.

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Looking for accurate news on Israel & the Middle East?

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Your gifts help us make a lasting impact on lives all over the world.

 

If you reside in Canada, please call our Canadian office at 888-664-2584 to make your donation

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ISRAEL: Whose Land Is It Anyway?

The Jewish people want it. The Arabs want it. They both claim divine, legal, and historical rights to it. They have gone to war because of it. This controversy rages on because of one tiny piece of land in the Middle East: modern-day Israel. So the question is: Whose land is it anyway?

 

This booklet analyzes the Jewish and Arab claims to the land and makes sense of all the arguments surrounding the struggle. With historic, legal, and most importantly, biblical details about the land dispute, Whose Land Is It Anyway? will leave you with a clear, concise answer to how one should think about the land of Israel.

 

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EYE ON THE MIDDLE EAST

from The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry

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There are a variety of ways you can listen to The Friends of Israel Today — here on our website, on the radio, or using the podcast sites/apps listed below. Subscribe to the show to get the latest episode as soon as it's released.

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888.343.6940

In the US, leave us a message and someone will return your call during regular business hours (M-F, 8:30 – 5:00 EST).

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PO Box 914
Bellmawr, NJ 08099

The Friends of Israel Today is an outreach of The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry.

We stand against every form of anti-Semitism and support the right of the Jewish people to live in their ancient homeland, Israel. Additionally, FOI actively invests in the edification of Christians by teaching Scripture that exemplifies why loving the Jewish people and supporting Israel is integral to the Christian faith. Today, FOI’s presence spans the globe with ministry workers serving Jewish people worldwide.

Help us fulfill our mission.

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We’re on over 500 stations!

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To our Bible Broadcasting Network (BBN) listeners:

 

BBN informed us they have decided to no longer air our program. We are grateful for the years they graciously aired our weekly broadcast. Thanks to those who told us you miss hearing us on BBN. If you would like to contact BBN to inquire about their decision or express your desire for The Friends of Israel Today to be placed back on their network, you can reach them here.

 

While we are no longer airing over BBN, we would love to stay connected with you. Our most recent program is always available at the top of this page and our archives, since 2015, are available here. You can also check to see if we are airing on other stations in your area here.

 

If you would like to receive a weekly e-newsletter from The Friends of Israel which includes a link to our latest radio program (as well as other useful and encouraging content), you can sign up for Up Close with FOI here.

Meet Our Staff

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Steve Conover

Executive Producer/Co-Host

Steve is Executive Vice President of The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry and has been part of our radio team since 1995. Steve also is the Vice President of Media Ministries. He is a graduate of The Friends of Israel’s Institute of Biblical Studies and has a certificate in broadcasting. Steve has his B.A. in Bible with a minor in Communication from Lancaster Bible College and earned his Master’s degree in Leadership Studies through Capital Seminary. Steve resides in the Philadelphia area with his wife, Beth. They have two adult daughters.

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Chris Katulka

FOI Radio Host/Teacher

Chris joined The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry in 2004 and currently serves as Director of North American Ministries. After graduating from the Institute of Jewish Studies, he received his B.S. in Bible from Cairn University (formerly Philadelphia Biblical University) and a Master’s of Theology in Old Testament studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. Chris lives in the Philadelphia area with his wife, Karen, and their 4 children.

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Tom Gallione

Associate Producer/Engineer

Tom joined The Friends of Israel in 2000 and currently serves as Director of Video and Web Experience in addition to his responsibilities with the radio program. After graduating from The Friends of Israel’s Institute of Biblical Studies, he received his B.S. in Bible and B.A. in Music from Cairn University (formerly Philadelphia Biblical University) in Langhorne, PA. Tom lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with his wife, Tadako.

The Voice of Zvi Kalisher

(1941—2023) Apples of Gold audio stories were voiced by Mike Kellogg. Mike was in newspaper and radio news and production for almost 50 years, both in secular and Christian venues. In 2014 he retired from Moody Radio after 42 years. He narrated the first recorded version of the NLT version of the Bible. For nearly 30 years he taught at Moody Bible Institute as adjunct professor in communications. He and his wife, Nancy Smith Kellogg, were married in 1965 and enjoyed rearing their six children and 19 grandchildren together. We are thankful to the Lord for Mike’s years of ministry and the way he served The Friends of Israel as the voice of Zvi Kalisher.

Program Music

The Friends of Israel Today and Apples of Gold themes, as well as other music throughout our program were composed and performed by Jeremy Strong.