In a world which seems to be increasingly materialistic, it is like a breath of fresh air to learn about people who are working hard to combat this trend. One of those people is writer Yael Eckstein, who is also Senior Vice President of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.

Eckstein is a regular contributor to the Jerusalem Post, and has authored two books: Holy Land Reflections: A Collection of Inspirational Insights from Israel, and Spiritual Cooking with Yael. Eckstein’s articles in the JPost remind us to keep our priorities straight and be thankful for all the good in our lives. Her most recent articles discuss helping immigrants to Israel from countries where it is difficult to freely practice Judaism; the need for governments, organizations, and individuals to help the Druze community in Syria who are suffering from persecution and from Syria’s civil war; and the obligation and responsibility to care for aging, destitute Holocaust survivors.

Spiritual Cooking with Yael offers simple, healthy recipes while integrating words from the Bible, meditations, and spiritual teachings into each. The goal of the book, as Eckstein puts it, is to “transform the physical acts of cooking and eating into a spiritual experience using the proper thoughts and intentions.”

Her work with the IFCJ, as an overseer of all ministry programs and as a spokesperson, allows Eckstein to be “an advocate for those in need, and a passionate voice for the vision and mission (of IFCJ),” said IFCJ board chairman John French.

In a world which feels and looks to be overwhelmingly indifferent to the pain of others, it is inspiring to know there are people like Yael Eckstein working to help those in need.