Sandra Teplinsky | Former Attorney & Author of Why Still Care About Israel | Scripture, Antisemitism, and God’s Heart for Israel

Sandra Teplinsky is an American-Israeli Messianic Jew, former attorney, and author based in Jerusalem. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Sandra experienced antisemitism early in life—an upbringing that shaped both her faith journey and her long-term focus on helping the church understand Israel through a biblical lens. Through decades of study and ministry, she has written and updated Why Still Care About Israel to address common theological misconceptions, church-history blind spots, and the interpretive frameworks that still shape how many Christians think about Israel today.

In this episode of The Wow Factor, Brad sits down with Sandra to explore why so many people are asking the wrong questions about Israel, and why the better starting point is, “Who is our God, and what is He doing?” Sandra shares a defining calling moment from her time in Los Angeles during the late Jesus Movement era, where she describes sensing Jesus’ grief and love for the Jewish people. 

From there, the conversation moves into antisemitism, what it is, how it spreads, and how certain theological ideas can unintentionally fuel it. Sandra explains supersessionism (often called replacement theology), points listeners to Romans 9–11 as foundational, and describes why humility, repentance, and Scripture-led thinking matter as global hostility rises and Israel remains central in the news.

“Israel is the apple of God’s eye, whoever would harm Israel is like sticking a finger in the eye of God.” – Sandra Teplinsky

“The ultimate question isn’t, ‘Are you for this side or that side?’ The ultimate question is: Who is our God?” – Sandra Teplinsky

“Paul cautions Gentile believers: don’t be arrogant… Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the fullness comes in.” – Sandra Teplinsky

This Week on The Wow Factor:

• How Brad met Sandra through a chaotic Israel trip—and why her book stood out immediately
  
• Sandra’s childhood experience with antisemitism and how it shaped her pursuit of truth
  
• A working definition of antisemitism and why it’s not only external behavior
  
• Sandra’s Los Angeles calling moment and a lifelong focus on praying for Israel’s salvation
  
• “Apple of His eye” and what spiritual blindness can look like in the church
  
• Why Israel is rarely taught clearly in many Western churches and seminaries
  
• The impact of church-history interpretation shifts on modern theology
  
• Supersessionism / replacement theology: what it is and why it matters
  
• Romans 9–11 as a framework for God’s ongoing purposes for Israel
  
• End-times curiosity, modern Aliyah, and rising pressure on Jewish communities worldwide
  
• The story of “S” and how Scripture confronted hatred at the heart level
  
• Practical steps: humility, repentance, and asking the Holy Spirit to reveal wrong thinking
  
• Why blessing Israel can’t just be transactional—and needs to be rooted in loving God

Sandra Teplinsky’s Word of Wisdom:

Start with humility. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart, and let Scripture interpret Scripture. Caring about Israel isn’t meant to be a trend or an argument—it’s about aligning with the heart and character of God and learning to love who He loves.

Connect with Sandra Teplinsky:

• Light of Zion
• Sandra Teplinsky’s Books
• Additional Teachings & Resources

  Connect With Brad Formsma:

• WOW Factor Website  
• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn  
• Brad Formsma on Instagram  
• Brad Formsma on Facebook  
• Brad Formsma on X