The Jerusalem Prayer List – 12 April, 2025
- Joseph Shulam
- Apr 10
- 17 min read
This week, the Jerusalem Prayer List will deal with two events:
1) On the regular Shabbat on April 11th, the reading will be from the Torah portion called Tzav, which translates to English as "Command!"
Leviticus 6:1 – 8:36.
The prophets (Haftarah), Malachi 3:4-24.
The New Testament, Matthew 17:9-13.
2. The first night of the Passover holiday is celebrated this year on April 12th; I shall include the Torah portion and the portion of reading Haftarah (from the prophets) that will be read in our synagogue on the first day of the Passover holiday, April 12th, 2025. The reading on Monday morning in the synagogues will be Pesach, from Exodus 12:21-51, and Joshua 3:5 – 6:27.
From the New Testament, the reading will be from John 19:31 – 20:1.
You could tell yourself, my my; they read so much from the scriptures publicly! Yes, this is not a secret of the familiarity of the Jewish nation with the word of God. Yes, we spend a good portion of our weekly service reading the word of God publicly. I must ask you: Do you go to a butcher shop to buy beef or hear the butcher's sales' shtick? WOW, how our butcher likes to talk to me every time I enter his shop. He can explain why I should buy the Korean meat raised in a Kibbutz near the valley of Jezreel. It is much better, juicier, and marbled, and they feed these cows that their grandmother immigrated from South Korea. My question is this! What is more important, the product itself or the salesman? The product is always more important than the salesman. If you don't have the product, all the beautiful verbal roses of the salesman will not supply your body with protein!
Our Torah portion for Shabbat is a sudden switch from all the issues of sacrificing and butchering the animals and preparing them for offerings to the Lord to the other side of life of faith. A side that is largely ignored or neglected in the framework of religious communities of all religions.
Our Torah portion is called in Hebrew TZAV, which means "Command" – the reference is to the priests and all the servants in the Lord's Tabernacle. TZAV is a strong word that does not leave you with any doubts. The Lord is very clear and direct. These words that will follow my command are not negotiable. These are not negotiable. I am bringing the full text of the opening statement that the Lord places on the table between the priesthood and the population that will be served in this tent of meeting, the Tabernacle, the place where God's presence was visible by day with a cloud that rested on top of the tent and by night with a pillar of fire.
Leviticus 6:1:
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 2 "If a person sins and commits a trespass against the LORD by lying to his neighbor about what was delivered to him for safekeeping, or about a pledge, or about a robbery, or if he has extorted from his neighbor, 3 or if he has found what was lost and lies concerning it, and swears falsely—in any one of these things that a man may do in which he sins: 4 then it shall be, because he has sinned and is guilty, that he shall restore what he has stolen, or the thing which he has extorted, or what was delivered to him for safekeeping, or the lost thing which he found, 5 or all that about which he has sworn falsely. He shall restore its full value, add one-fifth more to it, and give it to whomever it belongs on the day of his trespass offering. 6 And he shall bring his trespass offering to the LORD, a ram without blemish from the flock, with your valuation, as a trespass offering, to the priest. 7 So the priest shall make atonement for him before the LORD, and he shall be forgiven for any one of these things that he may have done in which he trespasses."
Notice that God's first requirement from the servants in the Tabernacle is integrity, basic morality, and fairness. If there is a sin, the demand from God is to restore the robbery or the extortion. Which includes confession and restitution, adding 20% extra. The sinner must bring all this to the altar for a trespass sacrifice. I could give you a list from the United States of the most famous and powerful pastors with some of the most successful ministries and churches that went to jail for a few years for doing exactly what these texts from God's word warn the priests.
Our Torah reading emphasizes another point: the importance of the priests' clothing during their services in the Tabernacle. When the priests officiate at the altar and offer sacrifices, they are commanded to wear the simplest clothing—nothing fancy, just plain linen clothing.
The next thing I noticed in our Torah reading is that there are many different types of sacrifices, each with its procedures and practices. There is the Burned offering, grain offering, trespass offering, sin offering, and law of peace offering.
What is the moral of this list of offerings? Humans are creative and innovative – we have imagination and creativity, and where we are doing good or bad and sin, we allow ourselves to be creative, imaginative, and devious. Not every sacrifice is the same, and each sacrifice or item of worship has its laws and practices.
Today, in our world, we are not quick to repent and confess publicly, seek forgiveness, and seek ways to restore the damage we might have caused. The Torah is clear that it is not enough to say sorry and get by with it. We have the example of the tax collector from Jericho who says the following to Yeshua:
"Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold." And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house because he also is a son of Abraham;" (Luke 19:8-9 NKJV)
In Malachi we find the following text that point to the same phenomenon like in Leviticus. The corrupt priesthood and the insincere worship and gifts for God in the temple:
"A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is My reverence? Says the LORD of hosts To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, 'In what way have we despised Your name?'
"You offer defiled food on My altar, but say, "In what way have we defiled You?' By saying, 'The table of the LORD is contemptible.' And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, Is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably?" Says the LORD of hosts. "But now entreat God's favor, That He may be gracious to us. While this is being done by your hands, Will He accept you favorably?" Says the LORD of hosts.
"Who is there even among you who would shut the doors, so that you would not kindle fire on My altar in vain? I have no pleasure in you," Says the LORD of hosts, "Nor will I accept an offering from your hands." (Malachi 1:6-10 NKJV)
One more important thing from the prophet Malachi is of great importance.
"Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously with one another By profaning the covenant of the fathers? Judah has dealt treacherously, and an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem, For Judah has profaned The LORD'S holy institution which He loves: He has married the daughter of a foreign god. May the LORD cut off from the tents of Jacob the man who does this, being awake and aware, yet who brings an offering to the LORD of hosts! And this is the second thing you do: You cover the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping and crying; So, He does not regard the offering anymore, nor receive it with goodwill from your hands. Yet you say, "For what reason?" Because the LORD has been witnessed Between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; Yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant. But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore, take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth. "For the LORD God of Israel says That He hates divorce, for it covers one's garment with violence," says the LORD of hosts. "Therefore, take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously." You have wearied the LORD with your words; Yet you say, "In what way have we wearied Him?" In that you say, "Everyone who does evil Is good in the sight of the LORD, And He delights in them," Or "Where is the God of justice?"" (Malachi 2:10-17 NKJV)
Although the prophet Malachi has some very positive prophecies and promises of God, like fathers and sons' reconciliation, the prophet does not give much discount or grace for Israel's sins. Still, Malachi ends with the promises of reconciliation between the generations, between fathers and sons.
Our generation needs these promises that Malachi gives us today because of the straining relationship between fathers and sons in our own days.
I realize that this last chapter of the prophet Malachi is not in the reading for this Shabbat. Still, I would like to end this prayer list with these words of Malachi, ending with a positive that will bring hope and encouragement to this generation at a time of hopelessness from our governments and culture. Yes, for me, this text is a text of hope. Although for some, the last words of Malachi are judgment, for me, they are great hope.
"For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up," Says the LORD of hosts, "That will leave them neither root nor branch. But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; And you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves. You shall trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this," Says the LORD of hosts." (Malachi 4:1-3 NKJV)
Special Passover Videos.
What if Passover were not merely a Jewish tradition, but a divine appointment for all who follow the God of the Bible? In this thought-provoking episode, Joseph Shulam explores the profound layers of the Passover holiday—historical, prophetic, and redemptive. From Exodus to the empty tomb, Passover reveals the rhythm of God’s salvation story. Learn how the Lamb, the leaven, and liberation all point directly to Yeshua (Jesus), and why the Apostle Paul calls believers to celebrate this feast with sincerity and truth. This is more than history—it’s a call to rediscover your spiritual inheritance in God’s calendar.
This is part of an Eight Lesson Series. Part 2
Hold on to your aprons, folks—this episode of The Blended Kitchen is nacho average holiday special! We’re getting sticky with tradition as we whip up Matza S’mores—because when life gives you unleavened bread, you roast marshmallows and schmear on the peanut butter until Elijah shows up early. Then we’re flipping the script (and the matza) with a Cheesy Matzadilla—oozing with enough dairy to make a cow say “Oy vey!” It’s melty, it’s crunchy, it’s a cheddarly good time. It’s a Passover party where Moses might part the cheese, and the only thing forbidden is boring food. Tune in for s’more laughs, matza mayhem, and a recipe lineup that’s truly cheddar than the rest!
Hoje a gente se lambuza com a tradição preparando um delicioso S’more de Matzá com pasta de amendoim — porque quando a vida te dá pão sem fermento, a gente torra marshmallows e espalha a pasta até Elias chegar mais cedo! Depois viramos o jogo (e a matzá) com uma Matzadilla com muito queijo — tão cremosa que até uma vaca diria “Oy vey!” Derrete, estala, e é uma explosão de queijo e diversão! É uma festa de Pessach onde Moisés pode até abrir o queijo no lugar do mar — e a única coisa proibida aqui é comida sem graça. Então vem com a gente para dar boas risadas, curtir a loucura da matzá e aprender receitas que são de derreter o coração!
The Blended Kitchen, Southern sass meets Passover tradition as deviled eggs get a down-home makeover. With wit sharper than a paring knife and charm as rich as JFG mayonnaise, our beloved hosts navigate the egg-peeling minefield and yolk-mashing theatrics with laughter, heart, and just a touch of hot sauce. From colanders to chaos, every step is a celebration of imperfection—and flavor. Whether you’re a deviled egg devotee or an egg salad apologist, you’ll relish this kitchen escapade. Come for the eggs, stay for the banter, and leave with a smile (and maybe a paprika mustache).
Cozinha de Sabores Mistos: quando o charme do sul dos EUA encontra a tradição da Páscoa Judaica e os ovos recheados ganham um toque caseiro. Com um humor mais afiado que uma faca de cozinha e um carisma tão rico quanto a maionese JFG, nossos queridos apresentadores navegam pelo campo minado de descascar ovos e as acrobacias de amassar gemas com risadas, afeto e só um toque de molho picante. Do escorredor ao caos, cada passo é uma celebração da imperfeição — e do sabor. Seja você fã de ovos recheados ou defensor da boa e velha salada de ovos, essa aventura culinária vai te conquistar. Venha pelos ovos, fique pela conversa, e saia com um sorriso (e talvez um bigode de páprica
Get ready to sizzle with Barry and Beth in the Blended Kitchen! We’re cookin’ up juicy lamb chops for Passover—but when lamb is hard to find, a beef roast saves the day. Join us for laughs, sizzling skillets, rosemary magic, and a roast so tender it’ll make you say, “Oh shut up, that’s good!” Whether you’re prepping for Shabbat, Passover, or just hungry, this cozy kitchen moment will warm your heart and your appetite. Hit play, grab a fork, and get ready for some delicious Southern-Middle Eastern fusion!
Prepare-se para fritar com Barry e Beth na Cozinha de Sabores Mistos! Hoje tem costeletas de cordeiro para a Páscoa — mas quando o cordeiro tá difícil de achar, o bom e velho assado de carne salva o dia! Junte-se a nós para muitas risadas, frigideiras chiando, alecrim mágico e um assado tão macio que você vai dizer: “Ah, para tudo, que delícia!” Seja para o Shabat, Páscoa ou só porque bateu a fome, esse momento acolhedor na cozinha vai aquecer seu coração e seu apetite. Dá o play, pega o garfo e vem saborear essa fusão sulista-mediterrânea!
Explore Hebrews 10:1–18 with Beth Shulam as she reveals the depth of Yeshua’s once-and-for-all sacrifice through a Jewish lens. Discover how the Torah’s sacrificial system pointed to the Messiah and how His perfect offering brings eternal forgiveness and freedom. Learn what it means to live under the New Covenant, with God’s law written on our hearts and the Holy Spirit as our guide. Are you walking in that freedom? Join the conversation, be encouraged, and grow in faith.
Explore Hebreus 10:1–18 com Beth Shulam e descubra a profundidade do sacrifício único e definitivo de Yeshua sob uma perspectiva judaica. Entenda como o sistema sacrificial da Torá apontava para o Messias e como Sua oferta perfeita traz perdão eterno e liberdade. Aprenda o que significa viver sob a Nova Aliança, com a lei de Deus escrita em nossos corações e o Espírito Santo como guia. Você está vivendo nessa liberdade? Participe da conversa, seja encorajado e cresça na fé.
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The Prayer List
Special Video Message from Shirleyann one of the sisters you are praying for.
Your prayers for brothers and sisters you don't know personally are pure love and building of the Body of the Messiah. It is Agape Love since you are doing this without any selfish interests and casting a vote in Heaven for someone who is your brother. Still, you don't know them, and God looks at these prayers that are unselfish and genuine expressions of love and care for another link in the long chain of love and faith that binds us together even though we might not know each other in this world.
When we all get to Heaven, it will be a joy to meet people we prayed for and sometimes even cried for. Brothers and sisters who are physically strangers but spiritually a part of the same body of Christ, I believe that one day we will have the privilege to sit together and share: "I remember praying for you to be healed!" "I remember praying for you to be safe when you were fighting in Gaza to free the hostages from the cruel hands of the terrorists of the Hamas in Gaza."
Pray for the following brothers and sisters who need divine grace and the gentle touch of the hand of God for healing and strength.
In Jerusalem:
Joseph & Marcia Shulam
Mom needs prayers for her appetite to eat more. in addition we hoping for her strength to improve so that she will be able to fly to Tennessee in the USA where we can get better healthcare services for her. Dads cancer is slow growing however he needs prayers to maintain his weight and for his pain.
Ilana Ahijervie is a dear sister who is 99 years old and suffering from memory problems.
Please pray for our dear sister, Lea Kurkey.
Pray for Adam's father and mother, Barry and Dalia. They have some health problems and challenges.
Pray for Miriam a dear sister old age dementia.
Pray for Um Mahmud Abu-Eid, Jimmy Abu-Eid, and all of the family. This is a dear family of old friends that needs healing and wisdom for the children and for their work.
Please pray for the Romero family, who live deep in the Negev desert. It is hot there, and they are far from our congregation, and we miss them.
In the U.K.:
Pray for Deborah Isaiah. I pray for the Lord to find Deborah Isaiah and lead her to a blessed life, family, and a solution to her problems.
In Finland:
Mauno Lemponen has been diagnosed with cancer in advanced stages. We are asking for God's Will to be done, giving him healthy days with family—prayers for Hilka, Miika, and Ester, who support each other.
Pray for Keijo and Salme, our dear partners and fellow workers in God's flock. Both Keijo and Salme have some challenging heart issues.
Pray for Satu-Maria, Sinni Tuuli, Anne Mirjami, our dear sisters
Pray for Eva H., Patty, Andrea, Julia, Victor, Aaron Tani, and Hillel.
In Italy:
Roberto has reached out on behalf of his friend Nicoletta B whose father has passed way recently. Please pray for her spirit as she struggles with such loss.
in Denmark:
Cynthia M asked that you for praying for her health. She has neutropenia and chronic asthma and I has been undergoing biological treatment with injections every two weeks since 2021 so I ask you to pray for better results and better health conditions as the symptoms, respiratory infections, medications and injections make me very tired every day.
In Ethiopia:
Diu G. has been sick with meningitis and he and his family are all in need of prayers for strength and healing to help him.
In Brazil:
Ismael V ask for prayers for his parents: Ismael V 80 years old (Father) & Margarida Feliciana V, 75 years old (Mother)
The mother has been suffering due to medical errors since 2008, and only a miracle can solve the situation. The father has prostate and vision problems.
Max is anxious waiting for a court decision regarding documentation on his families jewish roots. Please keep Max and the courts outcome in your prayers.
Pray for a dear young man, Paulo, from Curitiba, Brazil, who seriously needs our prayers for sanity and mental health.
Pray for a dear sister named Claudia Rita Souze Arau. She has cancer and needs God's healing hands to touch her with healing.
Pray for Fatima Maria Docarmo Guimararaes - pray for her health and her granddaughters' twin babies.
Guilherme Antonio Nothen Becker is suffering from back problems.
Aratuza de Oliveira and his wife. Pray for their 3-year-old child, Caique de Oliveira Becker, who has severe problems with his eyes, and ask the Lord to give healing to his eyes.
Kazakhstan:
Tamara is currently in the hospital, experienced 2 micro strokes while she has been fighting with stage 4 intestinal cancer. Her paster Prosuntsov P reached out on her behalf for your prayers. prayer for her family and healing of her cancer.
In Asia:
Pray for Pastor TJ in Taiwan.
Pray for Deborah Ruth, a dear sister from China.
Pray for Sister Yoko Nagumo in Japan.
Tony Tam, his wife Luisa, and his son Marco need special prayers for their situation.
We continue to pray for Zhou Wenrian, the Abe family, Toru San, Yumi Ohara, and her family: Deborah Ruth, Ayla, Daniel, and their daughter.
Pray for Dr. Song and his wife, Sister Harriet Kim and the KIBI Ministry.
In the United States of America:
Paul S is on furlough from his Job in the military. Please pray for his next career move and opportunity to be a blessings.
Karl is need of prayers to deal with changes in his family relationships. Pray for calm and strength in making the best choices.
update Chris W The job opportunities on Friday did not work out. Please pray for Chris's job and his diabetic health.
Adam B, is asking for prayers for job security. The hatchet job cutting that is taking place in the USA is not without families that are impacted. Please keep Adam and his family in prayers for job security.
Manny is asking for prayers for his father's health that is in decline.
Shirleyann is in good spirits. she dealing with kidneys that are not functioning as well and has a sweet new person who visits a couple times a week to get groceries. She is thankful for this and would like for you to remember her in your prayers.
Pete and Marge. Marge is undergoing test for Brest cancer and they are in the process of trying to get legal guardianship of their grandkids. They are both in the mid 80s. Please pray for strength and longevity to get these kids past college age.
Jose needs your prayers for a blessing on his marriage to grow stronger and prayers for the birth of a Son.
update Aida Ramirez, turned 99 yrs old, this past December. Her dementia has progressed some, but slowly. Now her audiologist said that she has lost almost all her hearing in her left ear. And that by the speed it has happened, in just one year, she suspect maybe a cyst, or tumor. I'm taking her for her Doctor's appointment on the 23rd of this month. I'll be asking her Doctor for either a CAT Scan, or an MRI, to see what exactly is in her ear or brain. Let's pray is nothing major. .
new Aida Gonzalez very bad lower back problems due to scoliosis. I'm in some kind of pain almost constantly. But I have to keep going, for my mom Aida Ramirez
Pat S needs prayers for the pains she is experiencing from a pinched nerve, Philip reaches out weekly to give me an update and say how much he appreciates YOU - please keep them both in prayers. We are praying for a better treatment for the pain management.
Jerry Rogers - a long time prayer warrior and supporter in Dallas has been diagnosed with cancer. has returned home after being in the hospital for an extended period of time for treatments.
Larry is asking for prayers for his grandchildren. I would say most of us that have grandchildren are concerned about the states of the world. The state of intolerance. The temptations out there. Please pray for the holy sprit to guide them in making good choices.
Bill C - God is Good. Your prayers and Gods healing have resulted in a Clear PET Scan. Please give a prayer of thanks. Bill will continue his treatment for another four months.
Jill reached out to say thank you for prayer for Juli. It's an encouragement and a blessings to all. It's an opportunity to remember how big the family of faith is. Juli's blood counts still need to improve. She is awaiting for the next scans.
Barbra and Angie in Alaska. Barbra has some pains and discomfort related to old age. Please lift them in prayer for strength and reduction in pain.
Please pray for Danah, my daughter's health issues. I pray for the Lord to give Danah wisdom, peace, and calm in life and her work.
Aaron Hook, Nancy Hook's oldest son, needs our prayers for wisdom and healing from past life issues.
Lift for blessing and healing Jonathan B., his wife Aviva, their new baby, his mother, and his brother Daniel.
Pray for these important men of God: Rabbi Salt, his family, and Rabbi Hasselblad. They are both older and need protection and blessings.
pray for Ilana Avramov, who is married to my cousin Nissim and lives in New York City. Ilana is home now. We pray for her full recovery. She and Nissim both need our prayers.
Pray for Steve Mock - His cognitive condition has declined, and we ask for the grace of God and His Healing and strength. Steve and Josie's son Joseph has received a wonderful and glorious report. After the last bone marrow transplant, the report is that the doctors didn't find any leukemia in his body! Praise the Lord!
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