HaShomer was founded on a simple conviction: most believers have never truly understood Israel — and that gap matters. We exist to close it. Through biblical teaching, educational tours, speaking engagements, and a growing library of resources, we help individuals and congregations connect the timeless truths of Scripture to what God is doing in the world today.
We work with churches, small groups, and individuals who want to go deeper — people who sense that Israel is central to the biblical story but haven’t had a guide to help them see how. Whether that’s through one of our tours to the Land, a resource from our library, or a speaking engagement with your congregation, HaShomer is here to help you understand.
Tom Blackburn founded HaShomer with a passion for Israel and the Messiah that shaped everything we do today. His unwavering commitment to connecting Scripture to current world events laid the foundation for this ministry. Though Tom passed away in 2018, his legacy continues to inspire all that HaShomer does.
40+
Years of Ministry
100+
Articles & Resources
40+
Years of Rabbinical Ministry
1000s
Lives Transformed
Co-Director & Teaching Rabbi
A native of Cincinnati, Rabbi Jeff felt God’s call through Isaiah 6 while planning to attend law school. That conviction led him to earn a Master of Divinity and become a Messianic Jewish rabbi, leading congregations in Cincinnati and Indianapolis over a career spanning more than 40 years.
His passion is to open Adonai’s anointed Scriptures — with a special emphasis on God’s faithfulness to Israel and the Jewish people, and what that means for the nations of the world. Together with Tzipora Blackburn, Rabbi Jeff continues the work Tom Blackburn began.
HaShomer was founded on a simple conviction: most believers have never truly understood Israel — and that gap matters. We exist to close it. Through biblical teaching, educational tours, speaking engagements, and a growing library of resources, we help individuals and congregations connect the timeless truths of Scripture to what God is doing in the world today.
We work with churches, small groups, and individuals who want to go deeper — people who sense that Israel is central to the biblical story but haven’t had a guide to help them see how. Whether that’s through one of our tours to the Land, a resource from our library, or a speaking engagement with your congregation, HaShomer is here to help you understand.
In addition to our educational resources, we also offer assistance to other groups who are interested in planning their own tours to Israel. Our tours are designed to help people better understand Israel's place in G-d's plan and purpose, and to break down any fears or prejudices they may have about the country. We can help with logistics, custom itinerary planning, and other aspects of tour planning to ensure that the trip meets the needs and goals of the group.
At HaShomer, we are committed to promoting a deeper understanding of the Holy Scriptures, Israel, and current world events as they pertain to the fulfillment of biblical prophecy. We hope you will join us on a tour, at one of our speaking engagements, or through our educational resources to learn more about these important topics.
Tom Blackburn, a visionary and devoted servant of the G-D of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, left an indelible mark on the ministry of HaShomer. With a heart filled with passion for Israel and the Messiah, Tom dedicated his life to serving and uplifting both causes. His unwavering commitment to understanding the Scriptures and connecting them to current world events laid the foundation for HaShomer's mission.
Tom's newsletters, written during his time in the Land, became a beacon of truth and insight for countless individuals seeking a deeper understanding. Though Tom passed away in 2018, his legacy lives on, inspiring us to continue the vital work of promoting awareness, unity, and a profound appreciation for the Holy Scriptures, Israel, and the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
We honor Tom's vision and remain steadfast in carrying it forward, guiding others to discover the transformative power of faith in the Messiah and the timeless truths woven within the tapestry of Israel's journey.
Want to know what we believe? Read our full Statement of Faith — the theological convictions that ground everything HaShomer does.
Read Our Statement of Faith