Love Triangles: Discovering Jesus the Jew in Today's Israel

by Bobbie Ann Cole

A Jewish woman's unconventional quest to find Jesus in modern Israel

With candor and an intimate knowledge of the Land and its people, Bobbie Ann Cole takes you on some intriguing time travel to Israel such as to the ceremonial slaughtering of Passover lambs in the nearby temple, as Jesus died on the cross.
Her moving and compellingly-written autobiography of making Aliyah to Israel with her husband, Butch effectively interweaves Israel's ancient and modern Christian history with biblical references. She reveals the challenges that have faced Jewish believers from Peter and Paul on down to the present day, including her own. The underlying antagonism of her beloved Israel towards Messianic Jews leaves her sneaking around, keeping her true identity secret.
A blend of memoir, travelogue, historical document and investigative journalism, Love Triangles
is not like other Christian nonfiction books and books about the Bible. It's not about theological principals; it's about love.

- How Jesus the Jewish theologian used Jewish festivals to underscore His message.
- The story of Jesus' Bar Mitzvah.
- Why Jewish atheists may move to Israel but not believer Jews.
- Why Judaism rejects Jesus as Messiah.

218 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 10, 2015

About the author

A trail of miracles led me from a Jerusalem church and brokenness in my native UK, to meet and marry my "Boaz" in Atlantic Canada.

This is my life and also my story: She Does Not Fear the Snow, an Amazon #1 bestseller and a Munce 2012 prize winner (Westbow, a branch of Thomas Nelson)

My latest book is its sequel, “Love Triangles, Discovering Jesus the Jew in Today’s Israel.” This is my personal story of making Aliyah to Israel with my husband, Butch, where I embarked upon a quest to find Jesus in modern Israel. This book interweaves Israel’s ancient and modern history with biblical references. I reveal the challenges that have faced Jewish believers from Peter and Paul on down to the present day, including my own. The underlying antagonism of my beloved Israel towards Messianic Jews left me sneaking around, keeping my true identity secret.

As a Messianic Jew, I speak and write widely on meeting Jesus in His everyday world to help Christians appreciate the rich Jewish symbolism that would have been obvious to His listeners, and other believer Jews to understand the challenges we have always faced.

A qualified teacher in creative writing, I am author of the “Disciples Indeed Workbook” and creator of the Disciples Indeed Program which teaches folks how to tell their faith stories with confidence: http://testimonytrain.com.

Butch and I divide our time between my native UK and his native Canada.

Reviews

[Felicia Bridges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm just wrapping up a fabulous trip to Israel, complete with my very own tour guide, Bobbie Cole​, who has led me page by page to the most amazing places, described in such vivid detail that I can still smell the olive oil and taste the figs and dates. She provides an honest and compelling look at Jewish history as only someone with that heritage could while also relating the current issues faced by Christians, and especially Messianic Jews, in Israel. Have you ever dreamed of visiting the Holy Land and experiencing the places where Jesus walked? Have you wondered at the significance of customs and rituals that are not fully understood by us as Westerners, Americans, Christians? Have you considered how Jews who have come to recognize Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah are received in the country of their ancestry? Bobbie's book Love Triangles - Discovering Jesus the Jew in Today’s Israel will leave you feeling, like me, that you not only have a wonderful new friend in Bobbie, but have walked in the footprints of Jesus. OH - and it is FREE on Kindle, September 4-6!!! Don't miss this opportunity to travel to Israel free from the comfort of your own home.

[Dr. Cole Marie Mckinnon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bobbie Ann Cole reveals in “Love Triangles” the deep attachment she and other Messianic Jews like herself have to the Land of Israel. The country’s varied and stunning landscapes allow her to meet with Jesus and bring to life stories from the Gospels. The reader will understand through these encounters just how observant a Jew Jesus was. They will also learn just how difficult it is for Jewish believers to live in Israel today and how it has been this way since the time of Acts. Cole writes with heartfelt honesty. A must-read.

[Diogenes Ruiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Christian living in the US, I had no real insight into the struggles faced by Messianic Jews in Israel. This book is a fascinating look into that world as told by a gifted story teller. What makes this book work particularly well is how the author weaves her personal experience with reflections of scripture. This is the kind of book that would lend itself to religious discussion for Jew and Christian alike.

[T.S. Epperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Triangles is at once gritty and beautiful. The author speaks with an honesty and frankness that are at times startling, and yet, at the same time her compassion and care for all human beings is palpable. A beautiful treatment of complex and volatile issues, she provides a three-dimensional context which is extraordinary. I highly recommend this book.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

From time to time, I like to read books which allow me to step outside my intellectual comfort zone, books which I would not otherwise read, because when you do that, you can discover fresh ideas, insights, and new ways of looking at the world. This book was one such wonderful discovery and journey. I had long known about the tensions between Jews and Palestinians, and I have even read about Israel’s tendency to destroy Christian archaeology, while at the same time actively researching and promoting ancient Jewish sites. But until I read this book, I was totally unaware of those who choose to stand in the ‘middle’ ground within Israel, Jews you believe that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, and are so therefore treated as outcasts by their fellow Jewish countrymen, quietly persecuted by the authorities, and this book takes you into that world.
The author has written a book which is a wonderful balancing act. At times it opens the door on 3 or 4 thousand years of history, at other times it looks at the current political / religious / cultural situation, and at other times it feels like a travel book. But what is admirable about this book is that writer, herself a Messianic Jew, informs, but never really attacks, and shows compassion to those who have sought to throw difficulties across the path of her and her own family and friends. Because, for me, along with the history that I was previously unaware of, and which opened my eyes to several things, that is what makes this book such an enjoyable and memorable read... the writer’s own obvious warmth and humanity.

[Margaret Welwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bobbie Ann’s memoir, "She Does Not Fear the Snow," features a mysterious rug with a life-changing message—fashioned by an unknown weaver. Now Bobbie Ann is the weaver.

Old and New Testament Scriptures, the lives of her Jewish ancestors, ancient and recent history of the Land she claims, and events in her life and the lives of others form a rich tapestry. Perhaps you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, or a Jewish person wondering why Messianic Jews have embraced Yeshua as the Messiah, or one curious about a tiny country that’s so often in the headlines. This highly readable—even chatty—book will help you to understand more of the Carpenter Who changed the world, His followers, and His enemies.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Maribeth Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The author described people, places, and events in such a way that I was drawn in as though I was there. I felt some of the same emotions she described. Her book truly opens the readers eyes to the plight of Messianic Jews in Israel--how they were not treated well in Israel, much like the disciples in Jesus' day. I was glad to see in the latter chapters that many changes have been made in this area.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Jewish culture and the challenges Messianic Jews face in their faith.

[Letha Marchetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author speaks of “…the Bible coming to life everywhere they went.” I totally get this. The land of Israel speaks to me each time I visit.

I enjoyed the stories embedded in this book and the salient tidbits nestled in along the way. The oil garden, and what impact getting spices for Jesus' burial and using them would have had on Nicodemus were very insightful.

Reading along was a vicarious trip back to the beautiful land.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I particularly enjoyed learning about Jerusalem, how the city would have appeared to the pilgrim climbing Mount Zion in the time of Jesus, especially Herod’s wondrous temple building. Cole also describes the deep symbolism in how Jesus linked His acts and words to the Jewish festivals. For example, the crucifixion comes to life through her description of the slaughter of Passover lambs at the very moment Jesus suffered and died as does the Nativity seen through Joseph’s eyes.

[Dianne Sagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book.

I have been reading and studying the Old Testament and the early Christian church for the last few years, focusing on Jesus as a Jew. The early believers were Jews. I found this book to be a great source to help me understand the connection even better and to also understand more about the Messianic Jews. Thank you Bobbie for sharing your experiences.

[Joshua Pex]

Bobbie brings an intriguing firsthand account of the difficulties and struggles of messianic Jews to make Aliyah to Israel. This book is recommended to anyone interested in Israel and the return of Jews who believe in Yeshua to the Promised Land.

[Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story that blends the author's personal journey with biblical history in Israel. This book offers insights into the world of Messianic Jewish culture that is both entertaining and educational.

[Walter Slaughter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love Israel then you'll like - Love Triangles, Discovering Jesus the Jew in Today’s Israel by author Bobbie Ann Cole I recommend this great book to all!
Rev Walter Slaughter -

[Tina T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Triangles is a bold, intimate, and eye opening journey that brings Jesus back into his Jewish context right where history, faith, and modern Israel collide. Bobbie Ann Cole blends memoir, travel, and investigative insight with rare honesty, revealing the hidden struggles of Messianic Jews and the deep tensions between love, belief, and identity. Personal, courageous, and deeply human, this book doesn’t argue theology it invites understanding. A compelling must read for anyone seeking to see Jesus, Israel, and faith through a clearer, more authentic lens.

[Ellen Sprague Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful tale of life in current Israel that we as outsiders are never made aware of or even expected that such things go on! Very enlightening, informative and interesting.

[Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her memoir / travelogue Love Triangles, Bobbie Ann Cole writes about her love affair with Israel. When she and husband Butch move there, it is to fill a six-month time period till their rented property will again be available to them. However, after only three months they begin thinking of applying for permanent residency, called making Aliyah* when you’re Jewish (as Bobbie is).

There is one problem. Bobbie and Butch are Christians. The interpretation of the Jewish immigration policy in the last years has kept many Jews who believe Jesus is their Messiah from gaining permanent residency. This has Bobbie constantly on edge, worried that she’ll jeopardize her chances of immigrating. And so she guards what she says, avoids establishing intimate friendships with the locals, and even changes who she associates with.

Much of the book is descriptions of biblically familiar Israeli sites. In vivid and picturesque language Cole describes what she hears, sees, smells and touches. She also recalls what happened in the Bible places like Nazareth, Capernaum, the Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem and more. Repeatedly she mentions that in Israel she feels closer to Jesus than anywhere else in the world:

What I loved, but as someone relatively young in faith had never known before, was following Jesus all around the Land. That was a powerful incentive.

In our three months there, we had met Him in the Negev Desert, in Jerusalem’s Old City, and on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. ... We had discovered that even though the country was constantly on high military alert, there was what Butch referred to as ‘that safe, spiritual feeling,’ a serenity rooted in faith, a trust that God ‘has it.’” KL 129.

I found this book informational and inspiring in several ways. First, it opened my eyes to the way Jews who believe in Jesus are singled out as ineligible to become Israeli citizens. Second, Cole’s descriptions of modern Israel juxtaposed against her sometimes whimsical and imaginative retelling of what happened there in Bible stories made me want to visit Israel more than ever. And finally, through Cole’s story I have gained a new appreciation for Israel’s story and the love of the people for the land both past and present.

You’re probably wondering if Bobbie and Butch made Aliyah. Were they successful in immigrating? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

*'Aliyah' literally means ‘going up,’ a term originally used to describe how Jews from all over the ancient world would go up to the temple at the very top of Mount Zion in Jerusalem for Jewish pilgrimage festivals” – KL 768.

I received the Kindle edition of Love Triangles as a gift from the author for the purpose of writing a review.

[Janet Sketchley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part travelogue, part memoir, and part biblical exposition, Love Triangles is a an insightful read for Christians. The book's subtitle is Discovering Jesus the Jew in Today's Israel.

Bobbie Ann Cole and her husband went to Israel as short-term volunteers, and stayed for a few years as immigrants. Love Triangles paints a picture of a land of beauty as well as danger, rich in heritage and full of meaning for a Christian wanting to know Jesus better.

Bobbie Ann is a Messianic Jew, and her husband, Butch, is a Christian. She talks about Jesus' birth and death and certain instances of His life, and shows the extra layer of meaning which His Jewish culture would have given them. In some cases she expands the stories with some prayerful "what if" imaginings, for example Joseph's reaction to Mary's pregnancy. The book is clear that these are wonderings, not facts, but it does make a person stop and, well... wonder.

I'd like to re-read those sections of the book again, to deepen my understanding of Jesus' earthly life. That's definitely my favourite thread in the narrative.

The couple's experiences living in Israel are interesting, as well. I had no idea about the difficulty faced by Messianic Jews, who believe Jesus (Yeshua) is the Messiah. Bobbie And explains why this is so offensive to other Jews, and reveals that, although it may be changing, the immigration process is designed to accept Jew, Christian, atheist or believer in anything else, but to reject Jews who believe in Jesus.

Love Triangles will entertain and educate... and it will inspire Christians to pray for Jewish believers and for the chosen Land of Israel itself. The book actually ends with some suggested prayers.

Bobbie Ann Cole presently divides her time between Canada and the UK. She's also the author of the spiritual autobiography, She Does Not Fear the Snow. You can learn more about the author at her website, Testimony Train.

[Review copy from my personal library.]

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a true life story of a lady and her husband, and their journey to Israel. It seems that those who are Jewish, and yet claim Jesus as the Messiah face a lot of oppression from their homeland. They can even be denied citizenship to professing Jesus as God, yet being an atheist is accepted.
I have always been fascinated with the beliefs of the Jewish faith. Especially since it is so closely related to my own. The Jewish nation is after all God's chosen people. A good read to those wanting to learn more about those who are Messianic Jews.