With John S. Stevens' long-term interest in the subject of Israel, a radio interview with some old Yemeni rabbis motivated the author to publish his first book. In the interview, they tearfully explain how, due to persecution in Yemen, members of their congregation had to escape to Israel or New York. In "When the Rabbis Cry" (published by WestBow Press), Stevens asks this question - "How does the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Messiah and King of Israel, leave the nation of Israel?"

This book asserts that people need to pay close attention to the church in Israel. It explores how Israel itself is caught up in its relationship to its King and Messiah, and how the death and resurrection of Jesus has redefined Israel. "When the Rabbis Cry" will appeal to readers who maintain an interest in the Old and New Testaments or covenants, and those readers who must be asking questions about how the nation of Israel fits into God's purposes.

Stevens hopes to provide a greater understanding and excitement about how the faithful love of God for Israel and the world is being fulfilled. "The book attempts to dig deeper and look at Israel as a theological and spiritual question rather than political and historical viewpoint. In the end, the book does assert that God is vitally at work today, not at all hidden away, and that looking at the course of the world from a biblical perspective is surprisingly, perhaps, enriching."