Shalom Bridge: New Beginnings, Remembrance, and Hope
NewsletteR
Welcome to the Shalom Bridge Family!
Shalom, and welcome to Shalom Bridge—a community where Jews and Gentiles come together to embrace 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 deepen understanding, share meaningful teaching, and strengthen connections among Jews, Gentiles, and all who need to hear the good news of Yeshua. Every gift, large or small, strengthens 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 support.
Ways to give:
Online: visit our donation page
Zelle: (503) 816-7599
Cash App: scan the QR code below
Thank you for helping us make disciples of Yeshua. We couldn't do this without you.
Shiloh Campus Update
Last week was so busy with medical appointments and follow-up to Judith’s emergency room visit we were unable to get the newsletter out. The weekly communication is a labor of love, but we were truly overwhelmed. Unfortunately, Judith had a lot of chest pain and syncope events. One of these events occurred while we were in the ER. Nevertheless, the were not able to identify any cardiac arrhythmia nor any damage to the heart muscle. While all this is good it still remains a mystery as to the cause or causes.
We were very blessed that my mom and pastor colleague quickly came over to pray with and for us. We are grateful to both and the L-RD for HIS mercies.
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 Parashat Bereshit (בְּרֵאשִׁית, pronounced beh-ray-SHEET, meaning “in the beginning”), the opening portion of the book of Bereshit (Genesis). Found in Genesis 1:1–6:8, this portion begins a new annual cycle of Torah reading, recounting G-D’s creation of the heavens and the earth, the sanctification of Shabbat, Adam and Eve’s life in the Garden of Eden and their departure from it, and the tragic conflict between Cain and Abel. As the story unfolds toward the introduction of Noach (NOH-ahkh), or Noah, we encounter foundational themes of human dignity, moral responsibility, and the consequences of our choices.
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.
A New Beginning
“In the beginning” invites us to remember that our story begins with G-D, not with our failures, fears, or unfinished plans. Before humanity took its first breath, HE was already bringing light into darkness and order into chaos.
Bereshit reminds us that every person bears G-D’s image. Our neighbors, strangers, and even those who challenge us possess a dignity we did not give and must not deny. To honor the Creator is also to treat HIS creation with compassion.
Yet this portion reveals how quickly trust can unravel. Adam and Eve hide; Cain allows anger to become violence. Their stories invite us to examine our own hearts: Where are we hiding? What resentment needs surrendering? What forgiveness needs to be given?
Even amid human brokenness, G-D continues to speak, seek, and extend mercy. In Yeshua, we find hope for renewed life: an invitation to step out of hiding and walk in His light.
As we begin the Torah cycle again, let us welcome a fresh beginning, not through perfect performance, but through faithful response.
G-D, bring Your light into our hidden places. Teach us to honor Your image in others, release resentment, and walk with Yeshua in humility, gratitude, and love. Renew our hearts this Shabbat. Amen.
Prayer: ABBA (AH-bah), fill me afresh with Your Ruach HaKodesh and give me a fresh vision of YOUR Word. Make my hands quick to bless, my eyes quick to see the overlooked, and my heart like Yeshua’s recognizing your image in others — full of chesed (Khes-ed) for all You’ve placed in my path. B’Shem Yeshua (be-SHEM yeh-SHOO-ah), amen.
Antisemitism Watch | September 30,-October 06, 2026
A weekly update for our Shalom Bridge community, as we stand in solidarity with our Jewish brothers and sisters and pray for the peace of Jerusalem (Psalm 122:6).
This week’s reporting highlighted intimidation targeting Jewish worshippers, antisemitic propaganda, and concerns about Jewish students’ safety. Meanwhile, communities around the world prepared to mark the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks with remembrance, prayer, and renewed calls for solidarity.
The updates below include news published during this reporting week about earlier incidents, along with anniversary gatherings scheduled for October 7.
This week’s reports
- In the United States: An October 2 report described antisemitic signs placed outside Degel Israel Congregation in Lancaster Township, Pennsylvania, during Yom Kippur. According to charging documents, the signs included Nazi imagery and threatening language. A 37-year-old suspect faces charges including ethnic intimidation, terroristic threats, harassment, and disorderly conduct. The incident occurred before this reporting week; subsequent coverage brought renewed attention to the congregation’s concerns.
- In Canada: An October 6 report described antisemitic flyers distributed around the Sons of Jacob synagogue and nearby homes in Belleville, Ontario. Police were investigating the flyers, which promoted conspiracy theories targeting Jews. The discovery followed an earlier Yom Kippur attack at the synagogue in which a police officer was seriously wounded.
- In the United Kingdom: A September 30 report on Community Security Trust findings recorded 95 university-related antisemitic incidents during the 2025–26 academic year, compared with 53 in 2022–23—an increase of nearly 80%. Reported incidents included verbal abuse, antisemitic comments, and graffiti directed at students, staff, or Jewish organizations. These figures describe annual findings, not incidents confined to this week.
Global October 7 remembrance
Jewish communities and their allies are marking the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks by honoring those murdered, supporting survivors, and acknowledging the enduring grief of affected families. These commemorations are acts of remembrance and solidarity, distinct from the antisemitic incidents reported above.
- In Israel: Bereaved families and former hostages planned commemorations including a 6:29 a.m. moment of silence—the time the attacks began—alongside testimony and a central memorial ceremony. These gatherings place affected families’ experiences at the heart of remembrance.
- In Australia: Hundreds gathered at dawn on October 7 in Sydney’s Bondi neighborhood, observing a minute of silence at 6:29 a.m. Because of the time difference, the vigil had already taken place by Tuesday afternoon, October 6, in the United States.
- In the United Kingdom: The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council announced an October 7 vigil in central London, featuring prayers, music, personal reflections, and the reading of British victims’ names. Community members and allies were invited to stand together in remembrance.
- In the United States: Beverly Hills and Jewish and Israeli organizations across Los Angeles County announced October 7 commemorations featuring survivor accounts, candlelight vigils, and moments of remembrance.
- Across Jewish communities worldwide: The World Jewish Congress scheduled an online commemoration for October 6 with Rabbi Doron Perez, offering an opportunity for shared remembrance across national borders.
- In France: Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli warned French authorities of heightened risks around the anniversary and urged stronger protection for Jewish institutions and memorial gatherings. He also alleged that some planned demonstrations would glorify the attacks. That allegation represents the minister’s assessment and should not be applied broadly to all demonstrations.
For Shalom Bridge, these reports and commemorations renew our call to listen with compassion, reject antisemitic stereotypes, and make our love for our Jewish neighbors visible. We stand beside those who mourn and affirm that Jewish communities should be able to gather, worship, study, and remember without fear.
A prayer point
Lord, comfort those who have been threatened or harmed because they are Jewish, and draw near to all who carry the grief and trauma of October 7. Strengthen bereaved families, survivors, former hostages, and those whose lives remain marked by loss. Give courage to worshippers entering their synagogues and students returning to their classrooms. Protect communities gathering for remembrance, and grant wisdom to those responsible for their safety.
Stir Your church to stand beside the Jewish people—not in silence, but in humble, faithful, and visible love. May Shalom Bridge be a place where sorrow is heard, truth is spoken, dignity is honored, and hope is nurtured. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for all who long to live without violence or fear. Amen.
חָזָק (Chazak): The Heart of Courage
You Are Mine
Today, October 6, is my son’s 30th birthday! I can hardly believe my firstborn is 30, and my second is almost 28. I still remember holding my children for the first time and being overwhelmed by love. And yes, they’re both still super cute—just in case they’re reading this! 😊
As I think about the journey that brought my son into this world, the years of watching him grow, the ups and downs, and all the ways the Lord has guided and protected him—including during his years in the Marines—I’m reminded of something greater: the immeasurable love our Abba Father has for each one of us.
Can you imagine how God looks at you? Not with disappointment or distance, but with love, knowing every part of your journey and seeing the person He created you to be. You are not forgotten. You are not alone. You are His. And what greater demonstration of His love could there be than giving His one and only Son, Jesus, as the sacrifice for us so that we could have eternal life with Him?
So, whatever you are facing this week, lift your eyes above the storm and fix them on Jesus. Remember who you are and, more importantly, Whose you are. Hear the Father’s heart:
Isaiah 43:1-7 (Tree of Life Version)
But now, thus says Adonai—the One who created you, O Jacob, the One who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, or through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, nor will the flame burn you. For I am Adonai your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Since you are precious in My eyes, honored, because I love you...Do not fear, for I am with you...Everyone who is called by My Name, whom I created for My glory. I formed him—yes, I made him!”
You are precious in His eyes. You are loved and called by name. Through every water and every fire, He is with you.
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.
Explore & Engage
1. Our Story & Values
Meet the heart behind the Bridge: a Spirit-led mission to minister across hearts and heritages, anchored by the Holy Scriptures and the ancient texts that shape our journey ShalomBridge.org
2. Invitation to Wonder
Browse articles, teachings, and resources exploring “How do the ancient texts speak to us today?” and “What does it mean to live in the unity that Yeshua directed?”
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The work is just beginning—and your presence matters.
“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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