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I was scrolling Instagram when I saw a woman, Pennie, from Hephzibah House, making chocolate-covered matzah for Passover. Naturally, I had questions. Who was this person turning a humble holiday snack into something so soulful and beautiful? I had to meet her. Fascinated and eager to learn more, I reached out... and the rest is podcast history.

What followed was a rich, heart-centered conversation. Pennie and I discuss the mission and heart behind Hephzibah House, a space built on radical hospitality, spiritual openness, and a name that means “God delights," which, let’s be honest, is a lot to live up to… but Pennie wears it with grace.

We explored how community is cultivated, especially in a place like Manhattan where you’re more likely to bump into a bagel cart than a neighbor. Pennie also shared what it’s like to raise children in the city, and how she navigates tender spiritual conversations with her young children.

One of my favorite moments is when Pennie shares about the moment her son asked to celebrate Passover. Yes, you heard that right. A kid voluntarily requesting a holiday that involves cleaning and bitter herbs. That’s not just surprising, it’s practically miraculous.

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In this episode, we’re getting real about something foundational, and often overlooked. Christianity didn’t appear out of nowhere. It’s deeply rooted in Jewish history, traditions, and prophecy. And when children begin to honor those roots, something beautiful happens. They grow in humility, respect, and gratitude.

We explore how understanding Jesus as the fulfillment, not the outsider, of Jewish culture reshapes the way kids engage with Scripture. From his teachings to his parables, everything becomes clearer when we connect the Old Testament to the New.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why Christianity’s Jewish roots are essential to understanding Jesus
• How teaching this connection fosters humility and reverence in children
• What it means to say Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament
• Creative, age-appropriate ways to explore these truths at home
• How family traditions like celebrating Shabbat can enrich spiritual life

Email me: Rachel@LinkstoMessiah.com

Coupon code for Shabbat Club: 5OFF

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In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of prophecy, exploring how God’s divine messages from the Old Testament are fulfilled in the New Testament. Prophecies are not just ancient predictions—they are a powerful testament to God's faithfulness, and when He speaks, it happens. Teaching children about prophecy helps them understand the reliability of God's Word and strengthens their faith in His promises. By instilling these truths early, we give them a foundational roadmap for life, guiding them through life's twists and turns with the assurance that they are part of God’s eternal story.

Send me an email: Rachel@LinkstoMessiah.com

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When life hits hard, some of us reach for chocolate. Personally, I reached for faith—and spoiler alert: it was way more powerful (though I do love a good truffle).

Today's episode was difficult and freeing as I open up about my heartbreaking loss of my son. With raw honesty and tear-sprinkled laughter, I share how I navigated the pain, questioned my path, and waited for divine DMs from above. Did God text back? Oh yes—and He brought community backup too.

Join me as I talk about the ministry I founded, Links to Messiah, and the little (and loud) moments that reminded her: I am not alone, and my work still matters. From listener love letters to goosebump-worthy "coincidences," I found hope in the chaos. And guess what? I am not done. I am planning faith-fueled family fun nights with a healthy side of storytelling, crafts, activities and spiritual snacks.

Whether you’ve questioned your purpose or just need a reminder that there’s still light in the grief, this episode is like a warm hug of encouragement from above!

Chapters

00:00
A Heavy Heart and Seeking Signs

03:02
Messages of Hope and Encouragement

05:58
Community and Future Events

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In this week's podcast, we delve into the heart of Passover, recounting the thrilling story of the Israelites' escape from Egypt as chronicled in Exodus. Join us as we unpack the rich symbolism of the Seder plate, the significance of the Afikomen, and the connection to these ancient traditions of the Christian faith, highlighting how Jesus embodies the ultimate Passover lamb. The episode wraps up with practical and free resource for listeners eager to bring the Passover celebration into their own homes.

00:00
Introduction to Passover Celebrations

02:24
The Story of Exodus and Moses

06:15
Understanding the Seder Plate

09:40
The Significance of the Afikomen

12:34
Conclusion and Resources for Passover

Do we have any Passover activity boxes left? Check here!

Grab our incredible, FREE resource: Passover Seder on Demand

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In this grand finale of our series on the Hebrew Names of God, we’re diving into Jehovah Shalom—the God of Peace. And let’s be honest, with the way the world (and our family dinners) can go, who doesn’t need a little more peace?

Join us for heartfelt reflections, relatable stories, and creative activities to teach your children how to be true peacemakers. Whether you're looking for divine wisdom or just a way to stop your kids from arguing over who gets the last cookie, this episode has something for you.

Pour yourself a cup of tea, find a quiet corner (if such a thing exists), and tune in! You might just find the shalom you've been looking for.

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Break out the groggers and put on your best costume—it's time for Purim! In this episode, we dive into the epic truths of Queen Esther, the brave Jewish heroine who saved her people (no pressure, right?).

But here’s the twist: God’s name isn’t mentioned once in the entire Book of Esther—yet His presence is everywhere, like a Jewish mother making sure you’ve eaten even when she’s not in the room. We’ll explore:

✨ How Esther’s courage reminds us of our own divine purpose.

✨ The surprising parallels between Esther’s bravery and the sacrifice of Jesus.

✨ A "God is at Work" scroll activity to help your family see that even when life feels uncertain, He’s always behind the scenes, pulling the strings (but not in a Fiddler on the Roof way).

So, grab your noisemakers, your best Queen Esther costume (or Mordechai beard), and let’s uncover the hidden miracles of Purim together.

Looking for some free, fun resources for your children for Purim?
Click here to grab yours!

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In this episode of Links to Messiah, host Rachel Kushner unpacks the name Jehovah Jireh— “The Lord Who Provides.” From Abraham and Isaac to our daily needs, we’re exploring how God meets us exactly where we are, even when we don’t see it coming (kind of like finding an extra $5 in your coat pocket from last winter!).

We’ll talk about:
✨ How God provides exactly what we need, exactly when we need it.
✨ Why trusting Him means letting go of our need to control everything (yes, even the grocery list).
✨ A special family activity—the Blessing Basket—to help kids recognize and celebrate God’s daily provisions.
✨ The story of Abraham and Isaac as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness.

So, grab a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and join us as we discover the joy of trusting in our ever-faithful Provider.

Here is a little teaser: next week, we celebrate the Jewish holiday called Purim. If you desire some fun free downloadables for your children, click here to grab them!

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