Despite the biblical significance of dreams in several instances and later psychological use of dream interpretation, I rarely remember dreams much less give any credence to them when I do.
So when I had two vivid dreams that I remembered in the week that the Jewish people read the Torah portion with Pharaoh recounting his dreams to Joseph and Joseph interpreting them accurately, I woke up, so to speak.
I’d sure love a Joseph to interpret them for me as they relate to things taking place in my life and relate to Heart to Heart Israel. I am happy to share them and welcome your interpretations or input.
In my first dream, I was riding a bike down a long hill in an Arab neighborhood south of Jerusalem, through which I drive regularly. The fact that I don’t own a working bike makes the dream all the more interesting.
As I began to descend the hill from Beit Jalla, next to Bethlehem, I was enjoying the scenery and letting gravity and momentum do its thing cruising along without pedaling. Despite signs in English and Arabic that stated the road had been repaved as a project of USAID, U.S. tax dollars, I carefully weaved around the potholes while trying to stay close to the shoulder and stayed away from cars passing in both directions.
As I gained speed, I rode by a young man walking in the opposite direction on my left. Suddenly, he appeared out of my peripheral vision, trotting along in pace with my riding. I started peddling, first casually and then more fervently as he increased his pace and kept up with me before pulling a knife and stabbing me in the back.
Then, I woke up shaken. Clearly, in my subconscious elements of the reality with which Israelis are living daily have seeped in—terrorist stabbings, stoning and car ramming taking place daily. Though the Israeli media has dubbed the main intersection near my home, not far from where I was stabbed in my dream, as the “Intersection of Death,” I don’t think that I am any more fearful or concerned than most people. But maybe I’m wrong. Or maybe there’s a deeper message here that needs a biblical Joseph interpretation.
The next dream two nights later was awesome. I dreamed that I met Billy Graham. He appeared to me as if he were in his late 60s or 70s. He stood tall, had a firm handshake and spoke clearly but quietly as we sat in wooden arm chairs outside, under a tented area. The only sign of his age was the way he sat down slowly into his chair next to mine and how he stood when we finished our conversation. In truth, it would be the fulfilment of a dream to get to meet and speak with him as I did, a conversation that felt like it went on for a while.
I don’t remember everything we talked about. But I vividly remember one thing. At one point, I thanked him for a lifetime of blessing Israel. Instantly, a tear formed and dripped down his left cheek. It was a touching and personal moment that, even in my dream, was a humbling privilege.
Having probably been the only Orthodox Jew to attend Rev. Graham’s 95th birthday party and, recently, having the honor to speak at the Billy Graham Library as we celebrated the donation of two new ambulances from Rev. Franklin Graham on behalf of Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, perhaps this dream was a virtual expression or projection of the awe in which I felt to be a part of this.
I didn’t get to meet Billy Graham in person, but did meet his longtime friend, Dr. Cliff Barrows and, of course, Franklin Graham as well as leaders of both the ministries which he heads.
In speaking at the Billy Graham Library, I noted the ongoing wave of terror plaguing Israel which my first dream represented. I shared how it is a comfort to all Israelis to know that no matter the threat, ambulances like the ones that were dedicated this week are ready, equipped and staffed to respond to every emergency.
I also noted that, like Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, ministries whose mission is global and benefit all of God’s children, Israel’s national ambulance, EMS and blood service provides critical life-saving support for all Israelis regardless of religion, ethnic or national background, as well as any visitors in Israel, and even our neighbors from countries at war with Israel.
I thanked Rev. Graham for blessing Israel and pray that the reciprocal blessing will be vast. But I also thanked him for helping be part of the conclusion of the Scripture of Genesis 12:3, by assuring that through this donation, Israel will also continue to bless the families of the world. (Please be in touch to see the full remarks of the recent dedication.)
I look forward to celebrating the arrival of these ambulances, which will be dispatched to the Golan Heights, with a large Druze population, and to Nazareth, Israel’s largest Arab city whose population is mostly Muslim. These minority populations make up some 20 percent of Israeli society and it’s a point of pride that among other things, all receive equal care when it comes to lifesaving services.
Donations of ambulances do indeed bless Israel and the partnership with Samaritan’s Purse and the BGEA is humbling. Some have said, “If Franklin Graham can donate two ambulances, anyone can and everyone should.” Others have said, “Franklin Graham has many more resources, so I am not sure I can do something as meaningful.”
In 2016, Heart to Heart Israel will focus especially on helping communities come together to take part of donating an ambulance. The idea is that if 5-10 ministries can join in raising money, together we can save lives for a generation to come.
There are many ways to bless Israel, and all are appreciated and noteworthy as an expression of God’s heart. It’s a special privilege to be used through God to be present and celebrate so many of these.
Of course any ministry that wants to donate one ambulance on its own will be wonderful and welcomed. Either way, we are here to help. We are grateful to be the recipient of your blessings so that Israel is able to continue to bless others. We pray that, as a result, you will be blessed in return.{eoa}
Jonathan Feldstein was born and educated in the U.S. and immigrated to Israel in 2004. He is married and the father of six. Throughout his life and career, he has been blessed by the calling to fellowship with Christian supporters of Israel and shares experiences of living as an Orthodox Jew in Israel. He writes a regular column for cn.mycharisma.com‘s Standing With Israel. He can be reached at [email protected].
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