The Shofar Sounds: Standing Together This Rosh HaShanah 🎺
NewsletteR
Welcome to the Shalom Bridge Family!
Shalom, and welcome to Shalom Bridge — a community bringing together Jews and Gentiles to explore our common heritage in G‑D's covenant with Israel, and to walk together in the renewed life we share through the Messiah.
Grow Shalom Bridge.
Thank you for your support of Shalom Bridge. If you give through the converge portal we kindly ask that you continue your support through one of our other support avenues. Your support has been a critical to life changing ministry and we are so grateful. We are also very thankful for the support of the Converge network of Churches. However, They have been a great source of encouragement and have assisted us for several years in the start-up of Shalom Bridge. You can continue your support by giving through our website or through Zelle (503)816-7599 or through cashap using the QR code below.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/partner-with-shalom-bridge-making-disciples-of-yeshua
News
Shiloh Campus Update: Shiloh Campus update: What a week on the farm! We finally finished the goat enclosure (cue the applause), and we've started cobbling together fence perimeters out of whatever materials we could scrounge up — very much a "use what you've got" operation. As for the goats themselves, they've been shockingly loyal employees. Let them out in the morning and they're off like furry little maniacs, browsing, running, galloping across the property like they own the place. But the second it's time to corral them, they trot right back into my hands like nothing happened. No bribery required. Suspicious, honestly.
Today's adventure: a full pack walk, three dogs and three goats included. Two of our goats took one look at the lower gate and decided that was quite far enough, thank you very much, and turned back. But our youngest, Deborah, was not about to miss out on the fun. She fell right in line with the humans and dogs like she'd been doing it her whole life.
The six of us — Deborah included — logged about 40 minutes of walking across every kind of terrain the property could throw at us. Deborah treated it like her personal obstacle course, scrambling up rocks and banks with the confidence of a much larger animal, pausing occasionally for a snack because priorities. Her favorite trick, though, was weaving back and forth between Judith and me while we held hands, apparently to maximize her petting-per-minute ratio. Smart goat.
By the time we made it home, the other two goats were waiting for us right by the house, having spent the whole outing diligently "working" — eating their way through brush and grass without a care in the world. The moment they spotted us, though, they came trotting over fast, as if they'd been anxiously counting the minutes until our return. A quick hello, and then right back to browsing, which around here we like to call "forest fire abatement duty." Very important work, that.
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 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 Nitzavim (נִצָּבִים, pronounced nee-tsah-VEEM, meaning "standing" or "those who stand") from the book of Devarim (דְּבָרִים, pronounced deh-vah-REEM), "Words." Found in Deuteronomy 29:9(10)–30:20, this portion continues Moshe's (moh-SHEH) closing address to Israel, presenting the entire nation — leaders and laborers, men, women, and children alike — standing together to enter into covenant with G-D, the promise of restoration and renewed hearts even after exile, and the solemn charge to choose life by walking in His ways.
The Shofar's Call: Standing Together on Yom Teruah
This Shabbat (shah-BAHT) also marks Yom Teruah (יוֹם תְּרוּעָה, pronounced yohm teh-roo-AH, meaning "Day of Shouting" or "Day of the Blast"), known widely as Rosh HaShanah (רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה, pronounced rosh hah-shah-NAH), "Head of the Year." Synagogues and Messianic Jewish congregations around the world will sound the shofar (shoh-FAR) in fulfillment of Leviticus 23:23–25 and Numbers 29:1–6, observing a sacred assembly of trumpet blasts — a call to remembrance, awakening, and turning back to G-D. Where this feast intersects with the reading cycle, it echoes the themes of Parashat Nitzavim (נִצָּבִים, "standing"), in which Moshe (moh-SHEH) gathers the whole of Israel — leaders and laborers, men, women, and children alike — standing together before the Lord to renew the covenant. Just as Nitzavim promises restoration and a circumcised heart even after exile, Yom Teruah's trumpet blast calls each soul to stand, to remember, and to choose life by returning to His ways as the new year begins.
Why the Shofar Still Speaks
There is something the shofar does that no words can accomplish on their own. Its blast is not a melody; it is a summons. In ancient Israel, the ram's horn called soldiers to battle, announced a king's coronation, and gathered a scattered people to attention. On Yom Teruah, it does all three at once. It declares that the King of the universe is enthroned anew over the hearts of His people. It calls the faithful into the spiritual battle of teshuvah (teh-shoo-VAH), returning to G-D. And it gathers a people — near and far, Jew and grafted-in Gentile alike — into one standing assembly, echoing the very picture painted in Nitzavim. Many believe the Messiah’s glorious return as the reigning King of kings will happen in this very season as the shofar blasts announcing His royal entry.
This is worth pausing on: Nitzavim insists that the covenant was made not only with those physically present at Sinai's foot, but with "those who are not here with us this day" (Deuteronomy 29:14–15) — future generations, future nations, future hearts. Yom Teruah's blast reaches across that same span. It is sounded not just for the righteous already near to G-D, but for the wanderer, the weary, the one who feels they have drifted too far to return. The shofar does not ask if you are ready. It simply calls, trusting that the hearing itself can awaken readiness.
Standing Together in This Hour
For Shalom Bridge readers, this convergence of Nitzavim and Yom Teruah carries a timely weight. We stand today, as Israel stood then, as one body — those who trace their lineage to Avraham (ah-vrah-HAM) and those who have been grafted into that same olive tree through Messiah Yeshua (yeh-SHOO-ah). The blast of the shofar this week is not a private ritual for distant people; it is an invitation extended to all who call upon the name of the Lord.
In a season marked by rising antisemitism and real fear pressing upon Jewish communities, the sound of the shofar takes on added meaning. It is a defiant note of hope sounded precisely when the world feels loudest in its hostility. It says: we still stand, we still remember, the covenant still holds and the King is returning. As you hear of shofars sounding this Rosh HaShanah — whether in a small congregation or a packed sanctuary — let it be a personal summons as well: to examine your own heart, to walk in renewed devotion, and to stand, as Nitzavim describes, fully present and in awe before G-D as this new year begins.
L'shanah tovah (leh-shah-NAH toh-VAH) — may it be a good and sweet year, marked by return, renewal, and the courage to stand.
Antisemitism Watch | September 01,-September 08, 2026
Manhattan Hate-Crime Indictment
The biggest U.S. story this week centers on Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's announcement of a hate-crime indictment against Raul Morales, 51, for a July 23 double stabbing near two Upper West Side synagogues.
Weekly Incident Tracking
The Combat Antisemitism Movement's (CAM) Antisemitism Research Center logged 99 antisemitic incidents worldwide this week. Far-left ideology was the leading driver (56.6% of incidents), followed by Islamist-inspired motivations (14.1%) and far-right ideology (12.1%).
Notable incidents flagged in the report include:
· Chicago — Mayor Brandon Johnson drew criticism for dismissing antisemitism concerns as "witchcraft."
· New York — A Jewish man was pelted with eggs in Borough Park.
· Canada — Quebec election campaign posters were vandalized with antisemitic graffiti; a Windsor city council candidate sparked controversy after being recorded saying Zionists "must be locked up."
· France — Swastikas were drawn on buildings and cars in Annecy.
· Germany — A pro-Israel activist was assaulted in Berlin following earlier death threats. Germany recorded the largest single-country cluster of incidents this week (18), nearly half tied to Islamist-related rhetoric.
· Norway — At an Oslo "Festival for Palestine," participants defended Hamas and called for "resistance" against Israel.
· Switzerland — At a "Death to Zionism" protest, demonstrators praised Hamas and called for Israel's destruction.
Data and Policy Developments
New York City's NYPD data shows anti-Jewish offenses rose 8% and now account for more than half of all confirmed hate crimes in the city through the first eight months of 2026, even though Jews make up a small share of the city's population.
Separately, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a CAM-backed bill this week barring colleges and universities from receiving federal aid if they engage in discriminatory boycotts of major U.S. strategic partners, including Israel.
Ahead of the Jewish High Holy Days, Toronto police announced increased patrols, with an official warning that "Jews, Jewish institutions and even Jewish neighbourhoods are being targeted" amid what she called "emboldened antisemitism."
Online and Institutional Responses
X removed an antisemitic account known as "Parody Jeff," but CAM's research found the operator returned within a day and kept monetizing content on the platform.
Compiled from reporting by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, The New York Times, CBS News, The Jerusalem Post, Combat Antisemitism Movement, Times of Israel, and Newswise. Week of September 1–8, 2026.
חָזָק (Chazak): The Heart of Courage
When God Connects The Dots
Okay, friends, I pray you’re all doing amazing! Some of you know I’m back at school this semester—but thankfully, I’m definitely not taking six classes like last semester. 😂 I’m attending part-time, and one of my classes is my degree Practicum, which is basically my first internship (out of three!).
Through my Practicum, I’m serving with an incredible Christian ministry committed to standing with Israel and the Jewish people through biblical teaching on antisemitism, humanitarian aid, educational tours to the Holy Land, and more.
Recently, I heard a story from our Outreach and Tours team that reminded me of something powerful: God is always working behind the scenes, even when we cannot see what He is doing.
One of our coordinators lived in Israel for eight years. During that time, she happened to live in the same building as the first President of our organization. She had never even heard of the ministry until meeting him! Later, another person moved into the building—who just happened to be the organization’s second President!
After eight years, God moved her back to the United States. She had no idea that the ministry’s U.S. headquarters was located in the very same town where she had moved—despite never having lived there before! Through her Israel connections, she discovered a Tours Coordinator position, applied, and the rest became history.
Only God could orchestrate a path like that! Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
My friends, God is orchestrating your path too. What looks like coincidence may actually be divine preparation. You may not see the whole picture, but God does. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Don’t give up, friends! Keep moving forward in obedience. And if you’ve realized you’re on the wrong path, it’s never too late to turn back to God. He is still calling, still leading, and still preparing you.
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
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?”
3. Join Us in Real Time
Link into online fellowships, find local gatherings, and join intimate circles rooted in dialogue, prayer, and love-in-action.
Partner With Us
We’re launching with an invitation -
become a partner with Shalom Bridge—through:
Prayerful support
Participating in conversations
Inviting friends into community
Giving financially to our ongoing growth
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.
PS: Already visited? We’d love to know: what stood out to you most? Hit “reply” and let us listen.
Join us on our members app to stay updated and keep in touch.
Comments