Shalom Bridge: Finding Hope in Noach, Preparing for Winter

3 days ago

8 min read

Welcome to the Shalom Bridge Family!

Shalom, and welcome to Shalom Bridge—a community where Jews and Gentiles come together to celebrate our shared inheritance in G-D’s promises to Israel and walk side by side in the renewed life we find in Messiah.

With a gift of $5 a week—less than the cost of a cup of coffee—or $25 a month, you can help us bring these teachings to life, deepen understanding, and strengthen connections among Jews and Gentiles as we share the good news of Yeshua. Every gift, large or small, helps strengthen the bridge we are building together.

If you already give, thank you. Your faithful partnership makes this work possible, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity and support.

Ways to give:

Online: visit our donation page
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Thank you for helping us make disciples of Yeshua. We couldn't do this without you.

Shiloh Campus Update

Life on a small farm, at a discipleship center, and with a growing congregation offers plenty of variety—and the occasional reminder that goats don’t respect office hours. We like to think of it as a healthy blend of ministry, creativity, and manure management. Or, as the younger generation might say, our bandwidth comes with a barnyard connection.

Our weeks include podcasts, newsletters, men’s discipleship gatherings, teaching, and course design, Erev Shabbat gatherings, with livestock care adding a little fresh air between classroom sessions. We both have writing projects underway and enjoy hosting other monthly gatherings. Judith is also in school part-time and is experiencing more strength, energy, with less chest pain the last few days (we pray it continues). It’s a rewarding rhythm, though the animals remain convinced that feeding them is our primary calling.

We’re also getting ready for winter, which means gathering firewood and filling the big propane tank. The firewood provides fresh air, a satisfying day’s work, and a gym membership we never asked for. The propane delivery offers considerably less exercise—unless you count the deep breathing required when the bill arrives.

We’ll need more than 500 gallons of propane to carry us through the winter. Firewood helps keep us warm, while propane handles the cooking and hot water—two conveniences we’re rather fond of. The animals will also need more feed once snow covers their usual grazing spots. Apparently, “just look under the snow” is not an acceptable meal plan.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support of Shalom Bridge as we prepare for the colder months. Your partnership helps keep the ministry welcoming, the water hot, and the barnyard customers satisfied.

This Week's Parashah

(A parashah or Parashat is a term meaning portion~ in this case, it is referring to a portion of the TORAH)

This Shabbat (shah-BAHT), synagogues and Messianic Jewish congregations around the world will be reading and reflecting on Parashah Noach (נֹחַ, pronounced NOH-ahkh, meaning “rest”), the second portion of the book of Bereshit (Genesis). Found in Genesis 6:9–11:32, this portion recounts Noah’s faithful walk with G-D, the building of the ark, and the great flood through which Noah, his family, and the animals aboard the ark are preserved. Following the flood, G-D establishes His covenant with Noah and every living creature, giving the rainbow as a sign of His promise. The portion also tells of the Tower of Babel and the scattering of humanity, before introducing the family of Avram, later known as Abraham. Throughout these accounts, we encounter enduring themes of moral responsibility, judgment and mercy, faithfulness, and the hope of new beginnings.

Prayer: Blessed are You, O L-RD our G-D, King of the universe,

Who sanctifies us by YOUR Word

And has commanded us to live in and through Your Word.

The Wrath of a Loving G-D

Parashah Noach confronts us with a difficult truth: the G-D who loves His creation also judges its wickedness. The earth had become corrupt and filled with violence. Yet the account does not begin with divine rage. It begins with divine grief. G-D’s heart was deeply troubled by humanity’s evil (Genesis 6:5–6). His judgment emerges from a heart wounded by what His beloved creation has become

We sometimes imagine that love means overlooking wrongdoing. But love cannot remain indifferent while cruelty destroys lives. A loving G-D cares about those who suffer, and His holiness stands against the evil that causes their suffering. His wrath is not permission for our anger or vengeance; it calls us to take sin seriously and entrust judgment to Him.

The flood remains a sobering account of devastating judgment. We should not soften its severity or pretend that every question it raises has an easy answer. Yet within that judgment, G-D provides an ark, preserving Noah, his family, and living creatures. Judgment does not erase His commitment to life (Genesis 6:17–19 ESV)

After the waters recede, G-D establishes His covenant, promising never again to destroy all flesh through a flood. The rainbow becomes a sign of that promise, pointing toward mercy and a future sustained by His faithfulness (Genesis 9:11–16).

For those who follow Yeshua, this passage invites repentance rather than self-righteousness. We are called to examine our own hearts, turn from destructive habits, and become people who protect life rather than diminish it.

Today, let us ask: Where have I mistaken G-D’s patience for indifference? Where is He calling me to change?

Prayer: ABBA (AH-bah), loving G-D, awaken us to the seriousness of sin without letting us despair of Your mercy. Teach us to walk faithfully, practice compassion, and receive Your correction with humble hearts. Amen.

Antisemitism Watch | October 07-October 13, 2026

This preliminary report summarizes selected international incidents reported during October 7–13. It distinguishes suspected antisemitic conduct from confirmed legal findings and does not provide a comprehensive worldwide tally.

Violence and Property Destruction

Berlin, Germany, October 7–9: Hans-Georg Lindenau, a 67-year-old shopkeeper who uses a wheelchair, was reportedly assaulted repeatedly after displaying posters opposing antisemitism and commemorating victims of the October 7 massacre. Reports describe pepper-spray attacks and injuries. Berlin police’s State Security Division is investigating a possible antisemitic motive. The available sources do not establish that Lindenau is Jewish.

Toronto, Canada, October 7: Israeli flags commemorating the October 7 attack were burned outside Word of Faith International Christian Centre. The pastor reported approximately 600 flags destroyed; no injuries were reported. Police investigated suspected hate-motivated arson. On October 13, authorities announced an arson charge against a Toronto man. The charge is an allegation, not a finding of guilt.

Threat Against a Jewish Institution

Boca Raton, Florida, October 12: A bomb threat prompted evacuations at a Jewish educational campus, including disruption affecting a preschool. Authorities subsequently determined there was no credible threat. The caller’s identity and motive were not established in available reporting; therefore, this should not be classified as a proven antisemitic hate crime.

Campus Incidents

An October 12 Anti-Defamation League report described anniversary-related incidents at American campuses, including statements celebrating the October 7 massacre, chants praising the attack, and desecration of memorial displays. Named institutions included SUNY Oswego, Penn State, Seattle Central College, UCLA, and the University of New Mexico. These are ADL-attributed accounts, not independently established criminal findings.

חָזָק (Chazak): The Heart of Courage

Blessed When We Trust in the Lord

God bless you, my dear friends! I pray that as you read this, you are being strengthened in the Lord and in His peace.

Recently, I had a conversation with a prayer warrior and intercessor whose life is devoted to prayer, including coordinating international prayer meetings. Something she shared deeply impacted me. She told me how God had called her to step away from work and other responsibilities for several months to devote herself to prayer. It was a challenging season, and as she sought the Lord about what came next, she sensed Him telling her that her calling was simply to follow Him!

Wow! How many of us have struggled to understand our specific calling or wondered what God wants us to do next? Sometimes, we become so focused on discovering our assignment that we forget our first calling is to follow Him.

For the past few years, I have wrestled with this myself. Because of health issues, I have had to step back from responsibilities, even at the last minute. I have often asked, “Lord, what do You have for me in this season? Where are You leading me next?”

My husband and I have moved every year since we married, following the Lord’s leading from one assignment and state to another. Through it all, I am learning that my greatest goal is not to accomplish everything I envision, but to please my Heavenly Father and follow His direction.

Jeremiah 17:7 declares, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose hope is the Lord.”

My dear friend, you may not know what comes next, and your season may look different from what you expected. But you do not have to figure everything out today. Keep trusting Him! Our blessing is not found in having every answer, but in placing our hope in the One who faithfully leads us. Your calling begins with following Him, one step at a time.

Prayer: יְבָרֶכְךָ יְהוָה וְיִשְׁמְרֶךָ׃ יָאֵר יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וִיחֻנֶּךָּ׃ יִשָּׂא יְהוָה פָּנָיו אֵלֶיךָ וְיָשֵׂם לְךָ שָׁלוֹם׃

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”

Through this prayer HIS name has been placed upon us!!! (see Numbers 6:27) May we walk worthy of HIS name!!!

Resources

Podcasts and More. Did you know we also host a weekly podcast called “Shema Shalom”?

Each episode is designed to encourage your faith and deepen your walk with the L-RD. You can listen anytime on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, or directly on our website.

We’d love for you to join us—wherever and whenever you listen!

You can also stay connected with Shalom Bridge on TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, where we share updates, encouragement, and teaching throughout the week. You’ll find our podcast episodes and weekly Parashah blogs anytime on our website at www.shalombridge.org.

Thank you for your faithful prayers and generous support. Your partnership enables us to continue sharing this message of hope and reconciliation with the nations. We are deeply grateful to walk this journey with you.

Stay connected with us at www.shalombridge.org or connect@shalombridge.org.

B’Shalom, Dr. Eugene & Judith Saunders

Partner with us to make disciples for Yeshua. Pray about making a gift today to support this ministry? There are many ways to give. You can give online through our Website using Zeffy, give via Cash App, Zelle (through 503-816-7599), or send a special offering to Shalom Bridge at 12745 South Rock Creek Lane, Haines, Oregon 97833. Please prayerfully consider partnering with us. Your help and support are greatly needed and appreciated.

*The photo below is the evacuation zone lines. The blue dot is our house.

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“There is neither Jew nor Gentile… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Sha’ul (Paul) Galatians 3:28

At Shalom Bridge.org, we believe that unity is the heartbeat of truth and that love across lines, fulfills the vision G‑D gave us. Thank you for being part of something sacred—and for choosing to build bridges where walls once divided.

With deep gratitude and hope,

The Shalom Bridge Team Bridging faith. Growing love. Finding shalom.

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