The Jerusalem Prayer List – 26 April, 2025
- Joseph Shulam
- Apr 25
- 16 min read
By Joseph Shulam
As you have seen, every week, I write this prayer list. The prayer list has two parts. The first part is a teaching based on the Torah portion being read in synagogues worldwide. The Torah is divided into books, the books into reading portions, and later into chapters. Jews have been reading these portions according to the calendars since the days of Ezra and Nehemiah. The Torah was read every Shabbat, as we see already in the New Testament, and even the non-Jews in the Body of Christ were commanded to go to the synagogues, even in the diaspora, as found in Acts 15. This would have been the only opportunity for the new disciples of Yeshua from among the non-Jewish community to hear the word of God on the Sabbath in the Synagogues.
The division of the Bible into chapters is attributed to Stephen Langton, an English Archbishop of Canterbury, around 1227. Most translations of the Bible later adopted this division into chapters, making it easier to reference specific passages.
The division of the Torah into weekly reading portions (parashot) dates back to ancient times, and we already see it in the New Testament in several contexts; soon after, the synagogues added a complimentary section from the prophets. We see these two pairs of readings from the Torah and from the prophet in the New Testament in the book of Acts when Paul was traveling in Asia Minor (Greece and Turkey). The Apostle Paul traveled in these regions and throughout Israel and went to synagogues on every Sabbath. He was most often asked to come and read and teach from the Torah portions.
The current system of dividing the Torah into 54 portions for reading throughout the year was established and standardized between the 4th and 6th centuries CE. The readings assigned to specific weeks are often figured out by the season and various historical events that happened in these seasons. This tradition gives a structured way for Jewish communities to engage with the Torah during the Sabbath and throughout the year in every place worldwide.
On this Shabbat, the readings are going to be from a portion named “Sh'mini” from Leviticus 9:1-11:47, and from the prophets, the reading will be from 2 Samuel 6:1-7:17. From the New Testament, we will read from Matthew 3:11-17.
The name of this Torah reading in Hebrew is Sh’mini = in English, which means "the eighth day." All the readings from the Torah from the book of 2 Samuel and the book of Matthew have in common the importance of the order, protection, and respect of God’s holiness inside the community of the sanctified to serve God in the Tabernacle and later in the temple in Jerusalem.
This topic is significant, especially in our times and days. In most churches and messianic congregations, the attitude of the public and sometimes in the leadership is very casual, relaxed, and informal. There is no dress code. People can dress like they go to the beach after the worship service. Yes, I am exaggerating to make the point. Growing up in Jerusalem, I had only two sets of clothing as a child: every day, going to school, and Sabbath and Holiday sets of clothing. The same was true for all the families and kids in the neighborhood. I can say that among the leadership of Netivyah, people come dressed even in the summers with respect, clean, and properly for an honorable presence both for the Lord and the Spirit and for the people sitting next to you in the synagogue. I have not visited many congregations in Israel on the Sabbath Day. Still, I hope they have the same respectful attitude in the services, both in the dress code and in bringing the attitude of “knowing in front of whom we stand to worship.”
The story of Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6:1-7 is a powerful reminder of the sacredness of God's presence and the importance of adhering to His commands. To understand this story and apply its principles to the 21st century, let's break it down and explore the broader implications.
King David made Jerusalem the capital of Israel and his kingdom. He built himself a palace above the main water source of Jerusalem, the Gihon water spring that provided the water for the city of Jerusalem. David was not satisfied with Jerusalem as a royal city. He wanted to bring God’s presence into Jerusalem and not have God dwell in a tent created by Aaron and Moses in the wilderness. David wanted to unite the political and the sacred. To have these two forces work together under God’s presence and holiness. For this reason, he wanted to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. David wanted to build a permanent building in Jerusalem like all the royal capitals in Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon.
King David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, a significant event meant to establish God's presence among the people. The Ark of the Covenant had to be carried by oxen and humans. The Ark was placed during the period of the judges in Kiryat Yearim (today, this area is the Arab village named Abu-Gosh). In the time of the judges, King Saul and King David, on top of that hill was a very big pagan temple, and the Ark was placed there from the time of the judges in the house of Oved Edom. As David, the Levites, priests, and the public were rejoicing, dancing, celebrating, and going up the hill, the Ark was not so stable. Uzzah, one of the levitical servants, was afraid that the Ark was not stable and might fall and wanted to help by touching and stabilizing the Ark lest it fall off the cart. As they traveled with the Ark, he placed his hands on the Ark and was struck dead. Fearing the oxen would stumble, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady it, and in doing so, Uzzah was struck dead by God.
This incident highlights several key themes:
1. The Holiness of God: The Ark symbolized God's presence and was to be treated with utmost reverence. Uzzah's action, though seemingly well-intentioned, showed a misunderstanding of the sacredness associated with the Ark.
2. Proper Worship and Obedience: According to the law, the Ark was to be carried by Levites using poles, not placed on a cart. Uzzah’s response suggests a lack of adherence to God’s established order and instructions, which had been given for the safety and holiness surrounding the Ark.
3. Consequences of Irreverence: The story illustrates the seriousness of irreverence in worship and how actions that seem harmless can have grave repercussions on God’s holiness.
Application for Today
In applying the principles from this story to the 21st century, we can derive several insights:
1. Respect for the Sacred: In our lives and synagogues, our only sacred thing is our Torah Scrolls. We take the Torah from the cabinet every Shabbat and most holidays, and I can see that there is a sincere respect and an air of holiness that both adults and children display when the Torah is brought out and paraded before the people. Like almost all synagogues in Jerusalem, our place has the attitude of the sacred (be it religious beliefs, rituals, or the moral principles we uphold). There is always room for improvement, but we don’t treat the Torah scroll cavalierly. Uzzah's incident reminds us that there is a need for respect and reverence, whether approaching God in prayer or engaging in spiritual practices. It calls us to examine how we approach sacred matters today, ensuring that we do so with honor and reverence.
2. Adherence to Guiding Principles from the Torah readings: Just as God had set up a way for the Ark to be transported in the wilderness with specific Levites from specific families to perform jobs in the Tabernacle and even the order of who is going to carry what part of the Tabernacle – the same ought to be ordered and practiced in our congregations. The leadership has to come from the members, and each should know what his task and job will be faithfully carried out. We are called to observe the guiding principles of our faith. We should avoid participating in the different “fashions” that people follow and invent to be up to date with today’s culture. This could translate into living according to the teachings of our faith traditions, whether they be ethics, morals, or community practices. Straying from these may lead us away from the intended relationship with God.
Above all, we ought to know that we are in the eyes of our neighboring community. I must add something about our dear brother Daniel Stern here. In the early weeks of the war in Gaza, Yuda was in Gaza, and I was in the USA and Brazil, and an orthodox Jewish kindergarten had no bomb shelter (or, for some reason, they could not use their building). Daniel offered the kindergarten the opportunity to use our building and then offered hospitality. I was so pleased with Daniel’s wisdom and kindness. Our neighborhood is partly orthodox and hostile, and objected to the city granting us a building license. Since then, Netivyah has built fair and peaceful relationships with much of the neighborhood and the local head Orthodox Rabbi.
We must understand the Weight of Responsibility of being a community of Yeshua disciples in Jerusalem's center. We are commanded to do good to all men but first to the house of faith. We appreciate the place and position the Lord has put us in and given us unique opportunities to do good. The Hamotzi program is also one of these special opportunities to serve all Jerusalem communities. We have Orthodox Jews and Arabs, immigrants from Ethiopia and Russia, people from all races and colors who work and serve, and also those who receive the blessings of food from all the rainbow of Israel’s society.
King David meant well to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, and the tragedy of Uzzah is sad. Still, it teaches us to train, educate, and prepare our people for the service of the Lord: Those in leadership positions—like David—carry responsibility toward their communities and their relationship with God, a call for leaders today (in various contexts—spiritual, political, or familial) to fully understand the implications of their actions and decisions, ensuring they embody principles of integrity, accountability, and holiness.
We must Navigate Fear and Faith together: Uzzah’s fear that the Ark might fall can resonate with our modern concerns—fear often leads us to act in ways that may not align with faith. In the face of uncertainty or the fear of loss, this story encourages us to trust God’s providence rather than rely solely on our understanding and actions.
Community and collective worship are necessary, and our congregation is given attention to do things right. Still, we must not lose the side of the spirit of God and the place of the Spirit of God in our worship, reading and teaching. Pray that that same spiritual element can be something that will leave our children and youth with the feeling and sense of the transcendent and not just a place that strange kind of kindergarten. I don’t know how it is done because I have not spent much time with the young ones. But, I pray that in the near future, we will have a paradigm shift and shift some of our emphasis to children and young people.
As believers today, we’re called to collectively engage in worship and spiritual practices, fostering an environment where reverence is shared among the community, but not only reverence, joy, fraternity, and care. I confess that much of what I have written here is actually for me to refocus and remember. Remember the old and sick and young and needy and, above all, know that God’s Spirit and Holiness are pervasive through the people and the place and promote’ accountability of the holy and sacred of our practices.
Uzzah’s case serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of understanding God’s holiness, adhering to principles of worship, and recognizing our responsibilities as leadership.
What if God doesn’t judge you by what you can’t give—but by what you can? In this deeply personal and biblically rich episode of MindCandy, Joseph Shulam reveals a divine principle hidden in plain sight: God’s judgments are relative, not rigid. From the widow’s two coins to Levitical offerings of bulls, doves, or flour, Scripture shows a Judge who weighs the heart, not the wallet. With warmth, wit, and wisdom, Shulam challenges prosperity preaching and calls believers back to Torah truth and Gospel grace. This is not just theology—it’s liberation.
E se Deus não julgasse você pelo que falta, mas pelo que você tem? Neste episódio profundamente tocante e repleto de sabedoria bíblica, Joseph Shulam revela um princípio divino escondido à vista de todos: os julgamentos de Deus são relativos, não absolutos. Da oferta da viúva no Evangelho de Lucas aos sacrifícios em Levítico — bois, pombas ou farinha — vemos um Deus que avalia o coração, não o bolso. Com calor, coragem e clareza, Shulam confronta a teologia da prosperidade e convida os ouvintes de volta à verdade da Torá e à graça do Evangelho.
Sukkot is more than tradition—it’s a celebration of God’s provision, presence, and the unity of His people. From the wilderness to the nations, the call to worship continues. 🕊️ Unpack the theological, agricultural, and prophetic dimensions of Sukkot—the Feast of Tabernacles. Rooted in Israel’s wilderness journey and God’s sustaining presence, Sukkot calls believers to remember divine provision and human dependence. The four species (etrog, palm, myrtle, willow) symbolize the diversity and unity of God’s people, while the temporary sukkah structures remind us of spiritual equality and reliance on God. Prophecies from Zechariah and Isaiah point to a future where all nations will worship in Jerusalem. This episode invites all followers of Yeshua to embrace Sukkot as a celebration of unity, joy, and God’s dwelling with humanity.
What does yeast have to do with sin—and how is Yeshua the key to both our cleansing and our celebration? In this powerful teaching, Beth Shulam unpacks Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 5, linking leaven to sin and Messiah to the Passover lamb. With rich insights from Torah and the New Testament, this episode invites believers to examine their hearts, remove the “chametz” of malice and pride, and live as unleavened people—set apart in sincerity and truth. Passover isn’t merely a memory; it’s a mandate for holiness. It’s time to clean house—spiritually and scripturally.
O que o fermento tem a ver com o pecado — e como Yeshua é a chave tanto para nossa purificação quanto para nossa celebração? Nesta poderosa mensagem, Beth Shulam explora as palavras de Paulo em 1 Coríntios 5, conectando o fermento ao pecado e o Messias ao cordeiro pascal. Com percepções profundas da Torá e do Novo Testamento, este episódio convida os crentes a examinarem seus corações, removerem o “chametz” da maldade e do orgulho, e viverem como pessoas sem fermento — separadas em sinceridade e verdade. Pessach não é apenas uma lembrança; é um chamado à santidade. É hora de limpar a casa — espiritualmente e segundo as Escrituras.
The Prayer List
This list is never to long to add another person who needs prayers. I spoke to a friend who said your list is so long I dont want to add to it. I might suggest that if you feel the need to prayer for everyone at the same time and the length of the list is something that is holding you back from praying or asking for prayer that you take a region (country) and just focus on that group at a time as you prayer during the week. This list is just a reflection of how broken our world is and how much better heaven will be.
Thursday is Holocaust Memorial Day. This day should be a reminder for the whole world of what can happen when what world is Silent. We must not forget our history so we dont repeat it. Is there not enough death happening in our world. bring the hostages back home alive and safe. Let us not forget all those around the world also in captivity.
If you just need one prayer reminder today - pray for your enemies.
- Barry Shulam
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
update We have received one quote and are looking at other options for flights to get Marcia here for treatment. Dad has multiple test scheduled for his eyes next week. Mom's condition is about the same. There was a period last week where she stayed off oxygen for a longer period than others. Mom's appetite is not there.
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:
update Paul S is in the market looking for his next job. 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.
Chris W Please pray for Chris's job and his diabetic health.
new Barry Shulam - I have been fighting a sinus infection and I am going to get some medications later today once this newsletter gets out. Pray for quick healing
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.
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. .
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. 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.
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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