by Aaron Abramson,
Executive Director and CEO

When Jesus commanded us to make disciples, he knew it would cost everything. For many Jewish people today, choosing Yeshua as Messiah means losing family, community, and security—but it also means finding life.

While we rejoice every time we see a Jewish person come to faith in Jesus, what happens next is just as important. Jewish people often face unique obstacles and opposition to their faith, so it is an essential part of our ministry to walk alongside and support new believers through their most vulnerable first months—or even a year. We pray together, delve into God’s Word, and share the weight of their struggles. This is where we get to see lives not just touched but transformed by the gospel. Talia’s* story is a great example of that.

For many Jewish people today, choosing Yeshua as Messiah means losing family, community, and security—but it also means finding life.

Talia is from a Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) background. A little over a year ago, she found our website and connected with us through our chat feature. She wrote, “When I was a child, G‑d spoke to me: ‘One day you will know Me by My name.’”

This was a shocking confession by Talia because in Haredi communities, it would be considered incredibly disrespectful to speak to (or even about) God by name. Talia was taught to refer to God as Hashem (Hebrew for “the Name”) out of reverence for him. This is also why many Orthodox Jews substitute a dash for the letter “o” when writing the word “God.” So, for Talia, the promise that she would know God by name was the promise of a close, personal relationship that was unheard of in her community. God had clearly been calling Talia long before we met her!

As an adult, Talia was drawn to Yeshua (Jesus) and began to sense that he is the Messiah. She didn’t know what to do about it, since Jews who believe in Jesus are considered apostates. So she went to a mikvah (ritual bath) and whispered, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, and he is Jesus.” No one knew, but heaven heard.

At that moment, something in Talia’s heart changed. Soon she was seeing Jesus everywhere: in the weekly Torah portion, at her Shabbat table, and in the Jewish holidays. She realized that God had kept his promise that she would know him by name, and as she later told us, “That day came on the first day of Sukkot. I knew for certain that Jesus is the Jewish Moshiach (Messiah).” God’s timing could not have been more perfect. Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, is also known as Z’man Simchateinu, the Season of Our Rejoicing.

Talia could not share the joy she had found in Jesus with anyone in her community, so she reached out to Jews for Jesus. When she told us about her new faith, she said, “It’s like I’ve had an altar inside me waiting to be set aflame, and now with Yeshua, this little fire has become a forest fire.”

At that point, Talia needed discipleship from people who could understand her unique challenges, and that’s when we had the privilege of stepping into her life. But this road has not been easy. Throughout many long conversations, Talia has asked deep, challenging questions. She sheds tears over the very real possibility of being cut off from her family and friends because of her faith.

Because of your faithful prayers and support, our missionaries were there when Talia reached out—ready to answer her questions, pray with her, and walk with her through the hardest decisions of her life.

I want a relationship with God, not just the law.

It’s been a little over a year now, and as Talia’s faith grows, so does her courage. She chooses Yeshua daily, saying, “I want a relationship with God, not just the law. I feel like Father Abraham, who was called to leave everything and was terrified to do it. But I want to follow the one true God.”

These aren’t just poetic reflections; they are the cries of a woman being deeply transformed. Just a few months ago, Talia was baptized. The gospel has taken root. Still, there are many challenges to overcome. So, please keep Talia in your prayers, and pray for us as we continue walking alongside her.

We cannot share many details when it comes to serving seekers and new believers in Haredi communities, but this work would not be possible without partners like you. In this season of Thanksgiving, I am grateful for you. Thank you for praying and helping Jewish people like Talia learn to follow Messiah Jesus daily with joy, courage, and truth.

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.