I believe very strongly that we are living in special times. We are witnessing miracles happening every day but sometimes, we have to learn to look for them.

If we cultivate the habit of looking at the world with a sense of awe and wonder, then I believe we will see that the coming together of Jews and Christians is indeed one of those miracles. For 2,000 years, Jews and Christians were separated. During this time, Jews were persecuted by people who called themselves Christians. But what we’re seeing today is an astonishing reversal of that trend by Christians who are supporting the Jewish people and their nation, Israel.

I believe there are five reasons for the outpouring of support. The first is that Christians are discovering that their faith is rooted in Judaism. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul admonishes his fellow Christians, “You do not support the root, but the root supports you” (Romans 11:18). Christians are beginning to take these biblical words to heart, and understand that they have been grafted through faith into the rich tree of Israel.

The second discovery is that Jesus was a Jew. He spoke Hebrew, went to the synagogue, had a bar mitzvah, read from the Torah, and followed the Law. Somehow, in the course of history, this was forgotten but it is now being remembered by Christians.

Third, Christians have rediscovered Israel. More Christians are visiting the Holy Land, and when they walk where their Lord walked, they feel at home. They understand that this land is part of their faith and their inheritance, just as it is for Jews.

Four, Christians have rediscovered their Jewish brothers and sisters. They know that, for centuries, Jews were persecuted by people calling themselves Christians. And contemporary Christians want to separate themselves from that history of persecution by extending love to God’s people.

And, finally, Bible-believing Jews and Christians are beginning to understand that Judeo-Christian values themselves are under attack. Many societies face a situation where core values the belief in God and the 10 commandments, a commitment to morality are slipping away. To stem this tide, it is imperative the Jews and Christians work together.

It is said in the Bible, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work” (Ecclesiastes 4:9). In the healing of the ages-old rift between Christians and Jews, we can witness the truth of these biblical words!

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein