Byron Stinson, who has been deeply involved in bringing red heifers to Israel, shares an exciting update on their progress as the historic ceremony draws near. “The rabbis have had possession of the cows now,” Stinson says, noting that the heifers reached the required age earlier this year. “They became of age back in February and March, and they’ve been preparing the things they need to be able to do the ceremony.”

Despite the ongoing conflict in the region, Stinson expresses optimism. “Of course, the war has been going on during that whole time, and the nation is really fighting to protect themselves. So it’s been complicated, but it’s moving forward,” he explains. Of the five cows originally brought to Israel, three still meet the strict requirements for the sacred ritual. “Out of the five, three are still pure and could be used for the ceremony. Two have started growing a couple of white or black hairs that disqualify them,” Stinson shares. However, these two heifers may still play a vital role in the future. “They’re still very good animals that could produce another red heifer.” Stinson continues to emphasize the significance of the red heifer ceremony, which holds deep biblical and prophetic meaning in Jewish tradition. The ashes of a pure red heifer, sacrificed in a specific manner, are required for the ritual purification necessary to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. “It’s only one needed for the ceremony,” Stinson explains, underscoring the rarity and importance of finding a heifer that fully meets the stringent requirements laid out in the Torah. The process has been carefully monitored, and while the selection has narrowed, hope remains strong that the upcoming ceremony could mark a monumental event in Israel’s spiritual landscape.

The heifers are currently in Shiloh, where previous red heifer ceremonies took place in ancient times. The ceremony itself is planned to take place on the Mount of Olives, a site steeped in religious history and significance. “We have the property on the Mount of Olives… it’s in our possession,” Stinson says.

For the ritual to be conducted properly, a priest who has been prepared according to biblical guidelines must be present. “We need to take one with a priest that’s prepared for this ceremony and do that on the Mount of Olives,” he reiterates.

Stinson believes that the current political and social challenges won’t stop the eventual fulfillment of this important, and consequential, tradition. “I think it’s important that they go ahead and follow the words of the Bible and do that, if they can.” Even if it doesn’t happen this year, Stinson expresses faith in God’s timing, saying, “It’ll happen when God’s ready.”

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