Why Care about Israel?: How the Jewish Nation Is Key to Unleashing God's Blessings in the 21st Century

This inspiring work opens with an explanation of how the promised blessing and curse of Genesis 12:3 operate and their relevance in the context of contemporary international politics. The chapter Blessing For Blessing examines the root meaning of the Hebrew word "bless" and interprets the prophetic Book of Ruth that recounts this Moabite woman's loyalty to her grief-stricken mother-in-law Naomi whom she chose over her country and people. Teplinsky explains why this book of scripture has profound significance for our day. In the chapter Accursed: Who, Why, When, the author praises the beautiful symbolism and allegory of scripture but observes that the validity of literal interpretations must not be sacrificed. History demonstrates how those who cursed Israel paid the price. Examples include the fall of the Roman Empire, the Crusades which brought bubonic plague in their wake, Imperial Spain's brief flash of glory, and Britain's loss of empire after breaking the Balfour Declaration promise, repeatedly reducing the territory meant for Jewish settlement and most cruelly, blocking entry to refugees from Nazi-occupied Europe. The German people suffered terribly in defeat and the country was divided. It took a bit longer, but the Soviet Union's support of Arab aggression against Israel resulted in its sudden implosion and the on-going, dramatic decline in Russia's population. Part Two: Father's Heart, discusses God's abiding love for Israel through the writings of St Paul in the Book of Romans and in Ezekiel 16, Hosea, Jeremiah and the Psalms. It also contains valuable information on intercessory prayer and reconciliation. Revisiting Romans 9 in Part Three: Israel's Identity, the narrative examines the meaning of Hebrew words like Yeshua, Hebrew, Abraham, Judah and Israel. Important concepts like Shekhinah, the covenants, the law, the promises, temple worship and the family tree of Jesus Christ are discussed in chapter 7: An Irrevocable Calling. The severing of Christianity's Jewish roots is explored in Part Four: The Salvation Of Israel. Paul's warning to gentile believers was ignored as witnessed in the words of church fathers like Melito of Sardis & John Chrysostom amongst many others, decisions of church councils like Nicea I & II, Antioch, Elvira and Agde and in the deeds of Emperor Constantine. Augustine's accursed Replacement Theology was accepted by the Reformers, entered Protestantism and continued its deadly work. The abomination of Christian Antisemitism is exposed in books by Fred Wright, James Carroll, Edward Flannery and Franklin Littell. Today's version of Christian Antisemitism singles Israel out for criticism reaching levels of demonization; for evidence see the books Bearing False Witness by Andrea Levin and The Deadliest Lies: The Israel Lobby and the Myth of Jewish Control by Abraham Foxman as well as The New Anti-Semitism by Phyllis Chesler. The author next turns to theological issues in the chapter The Jews And The Gospel

As a Bible scholar, a specialist in Jewish studies and one who has lived in Israel, I find Sandra Teplinsky's book theologically sound and humanly engaged. The Jewish people have been the vehicle of some (or most) of Western civilization's greatest goods-not least the Biblical ethical foundation underlying our legal ethics, our sense of time (progress and sabbath rest), our value of the individual as created in the Image of God, and many others. Today this same people-who have given so much, suffered so much- are again facing threats from very near (Hamas), and further (Iran) to annihilate their lone tiny state of Israel. Why should we care? Teplinsky captures the character of the Biblical God of Israel, whose truthful covenant promises are certain, and whose unfailing love for His people has not abated. Modern western Christians-awash in information overload, and often pulled emotionally in many directions-need both Biblical truth and renewed heart allegiance to the issues that are close to the heart of God. Teplinsky's book delivers on both counts. True to the Hebraic Biblical worldview-and contrary to modern dichotmomy of mind (rationalism) and heart ( emotionalism)- this book gives an integrated wisdom that will inform and help you sort your sentiments to align with what is true. You rarely find such integration. The book is eminently readable, with beautiful imagery and clear intelligent prose. Even if you have read other Jewish or Christian books about Israel, this one will be different. Highly recommended. Bill Bjoraker

I have read other books on this subject, but Sandra Teplinsky's book reveals how God feels about His people and makes it brilliantly clear that unless we see as He does on this subject, we will not see clearly. The author portrays the character of God as being exemplified in His unchangeable love for His people, and so we can put our total dependence on Him. This book has great depth of thought - it is provoking. I loved the passion the author conveys. One of the top books on this subject.

This is a very well written book on a very difficult and controversial subject. The research and documentation are thorough and complete. All who love God should aspire to love what He loves, and Sandra Teplinsky walks us through God's love affair with Israel and the blessing that awaits those whom embrace the apple of His eye. She deals fairly with the Arab/Israeli conflict at its root core. It is a must read!!

Sandra Teplinsky has written an important book for all Christians to read and puts the plight of the Jews in a well researced format. Sandra is articulate and theologically insightful. We should all care about God's people and support them any way we can.