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In the 1940s and 50s, congregations and missionaries in Israel adopted the term ''Messianic'' to counter negative connotations of European Christianity.<ref name = "Ariel_194" />
In the 1940s and 50s, congregations and missionaries in Israel adopted the term ''Messianic'' to counter negative connotations of European Christianity.<ref name = "Ariel_194" />


A major shift in the movement began in the 1960s and 70s, when congregations began calling themselves Messianic Jewish.<ref name=Feher1998p140>Feher, Shoshanah. ''Passing over Easter: Constructing the Boundaries of Messianic Judaism'', Rowman Altamira, 1998, ISBN 9780761989530, p. 140. "This interest in developing a Jewish ethnic identity may not be surprising when we consider the 1960s, when Messianic Judaism arose..."</ref> Martin Chernoff became the President of the Hebrew Christian Alliance Of America (HCAA) in 1971 (until 1975), and in June 1973, a motion was made to change the name of the HCAA to the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA) and the name was officially changed in June 1975. According to [[David A. Rausch]], "The name change, however, signified far more than a semantical expression — it represented an evolution in the thought processes and religious and philosophical outlook toward a more fervent expression of Jewish identity,"<ref name = "Rausch_MJ" /> and began to eliminate the elements of Christian worship that cannot be directly linked to their Jewish roots. <ref> http://books.google.com/books?id=HJRNlnUmWZwC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Feher,+Shoshanah.+Passing+over+Easter:+Constructing+the+Boundaries+of+Messianic+Judaism,&source=bl&ots=1VyknmXZyI&sig=pfdluEo1wMDgaCMOWata2aX7YB4&hl=en&ei=46IGTe_pNoH4sAOWqPDoBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CBMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false The Messianic movement has eliminated the elements of Christian worship that cannot be directly linked to their Jewish roots. Communion is therefore associated with Passover, since the Eucharist originated during Ushua’s Last Supper, held at Passover. In this way, Passover is given a new, Yshua-centered meaning.</ref>
Messianic Judaism arose in the 1960s.<ref name=Feher1998p140>Feher, Shoshanah. ''Passing over Easter: Constructing the Boundaries of Messianic Judaism'', Rowman Altamira, 1998, ISBN 9780761989530, p. 140. "This interest in developing a Jewish ethnic identity may not be surprising when we consider the 1960s, when Messianic Judaism arose..."</ref> Martin Chernoff became the President of the Hebrew Christian Alliance Of America (HCAA) in 1971 (until 1975), and in June 1973, a motion was made to change the name of the HCAA to the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA) and the name was officially changed in June 1975. According to [[David A. Rausch]], "The name change, however, signified far more than a semantical expression — it represented an evolution in the thought processes and religious and philosophical outlook toward a more fervent expression of Jewish identity,"<ref name = "Rausch_MJ" /> and began to eliminate the elements of Christian worship that cannot be directly linked to their Jewish roots. <ref> http://books.google.com/books?id=HJRNlnUmWZwC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Feher,+Shoshanah.+Passing+over+Easter:+Constructing+the+Boundaries+of+Messianic+Judaism,&source=bl&ots=1VyknmXZyI&sig=pfdluEo1wMDgaCMOWata2aX7YB4&hl=en&ei=46IGTe_pNoH4sAOWqPDoBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CBMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false The Messianic movement has eliminated the elements of Christian worship that cannot be directly linked to their Jewish roots. Communion is therefore associated with Passover, since the Eucharist originated during Ushua’s Last Supper, held at Passover. In this way, Passover is given a new, Yshua-centered meaning.</ref>


The [[Messianic Israel Alliance]], an organization of over 130 Messianic congregations and ministries, was formed in 1999.<ref>[http://www.messianicisrael.com/who-we-are.html Who We Are], Messianic Israel Alliance website. Accessed September 5, 2010.</ref>
The [[Messianic Israel Alliance]], an organization of over 130 Messianic congregations and ministries, was formed in 1999.<ref>[http://www.messianicisrael.com/who-we-are.html Who We Are], Messianic Israel Alliance website. Accessed September 5, 2010.</ref>

Revision as of 01:31, 15 December 2010

This article is about a religious movement or sect. For the Jewish religion, see Judaism. For the messiah in Judaism, see Jewish messianism. For specific messianic claimants, see Jewish Messiah claimants.
This article is part of a series on
Messianic Judaism
Messianic Judaism
Theology and practice
Religious texts
Related movements
Opposition
The Baruch HaShem house of worship in Dallas, Texas

Messianic Judaism is a religious movement that adds to Evangelical Christian theology some elements of Jewish terminology and ritual.[1][2][3][4][5] In 2003, there were at least 150 Messianic houses of worship in the United States and over 400 worldwide, often members of larger Messianic organizations or alliances.[6] In 2008, the movement was reported to have between 6,000 and 15,000 members in Israel.[7][8]

Messianic Judaism states that Jesus is not merely a man, but also "God the Son" (one person of the Trinity),[9][10][11][12] and that salvation is only achieved through acceptance of Jesus as one's savior.[13] Any Jewish laws or customs that are followed are cultural and do not contribute to attaining salvation.[1] Belief in the messiahship and divinity of Jesus, which Messianic Judaism shares, is viewed by Christian denominations[14] and Jewish religious movements[15] as being a defining distinction between Christianity and Judaism.[16][17][18][19][20]

Some members of the movement are ethnically[14][21] Jewish, and some of them argue that Messianic Judaism is a sect of Judaism.[22] Jewish organizations and religious movements reject this, stating that Messianic Judaism is a Christian sect.[15] The Supreme Court of Israel has ruled that the Law of Return should treat Jews who convert to Messianic Judaism the same way it treats Jews who convert to Christianity.[23] Mainstream Christian groups generally accept Messianic Judaism as a form of Christianity.[14]

Identity

Adherents to Messianic Judaism are described as Messianic Jews, Messianic Believers, or Messianics for short.[24] Although terms used to identify adherents of Messianic Judaism are frequently disputed, the terms used generally describe someone who holds to the belief that Jesus is the Messiah and who embraces "the covenantal responsibility of Jewish life and identity rooted in Torah, expressed in tradition, and renewed and applied in the context of the New Covenant."[25] "Messianic Judaism" is a relatively new term, coined as recently as 1895 to help separate the practices of its followers from those of common Christianity as a whole, and in order to more closely align its pratices with that of biblical and historical Judaism.[26]

Despite the central theological importance accorded Jesus, Messianic Judaism sees itself as related to Judaism.[27] Followers of Messianic Judaism call their religious leaders rabbis, they call their houses of worship synagogues, and their articles of faith emphasize what they call their Jewishness.[28] Messianic Jews differ from Jews who are Christians in that they emphasize Judaism in orientation, practice and worship, rather than following Christian hierarchies, organizational forms and habits. [29] It is seen by them as a return to Biblical Judaism, "removing 2000 years of non-biblical teachings and restoring Torah observance to the body of believers" in the words of one self-idetified follower of the movement.[30]

History

See also: Messianic Movement

Beginning in the 19th century, some groups had attempted to create congregations and societies of Jewish believers in Jesus. The first congregations of Jewish converts to Christianity were established in Great Britain as early as 1860. [31] In the 1890s, immigrant Jews worshipping at the “Hope of Israel” mission in New York’s Lower East Side expressed theit Christian faith while retaining Jewish rites and customs. [32] In the 1940s and 50s, congregations and missionaries in Israel adopted the term Messianic to counter negative connotations of European Christianity.[2]

Messianic Judaism arose in the 1960s.[21] Martin Chernoff became the President of the Hebrew Christian Alliance Of America (HCAA) in 1971 (until 1975), and in June 1973, a motion was made to change the name of the HCAA to the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA) and the name was officially changed in June 1975. According to David A. Rausch, "The name change, however, signified far more than a semantical expression — it represented an evolution in the thought processes and religious and philosophical outlook toward a more fervent expression of Jewish identity,"[33] and began to eliminate the elements of Christian worship that cannot be directly linked to their Jewish roots. [34]

The Messianic Israel Alliance, an organization of over 130 Messianic congregations and ministries, was formed in 1999.[35]

Controversy

Authenticity

Jewish leaders dispute the Jewishness of the movement. "He’s not running a Jewish synagogue," says Rabbi Tovia Singer, founder of an organization dedicated to opposing Christian proselytizing, speaking of Messianic rabbis in general. "It’s a church designed to appear as if it were a synagogue and I’m there to expose him. What these irresponsible extremist Christians do is a form of consumer fraud."[36] Religious leaders across the Jewish spectrum have all declared that Messianic Jews are not Jews.[15]

The US Navy made a decision that Messianic Jewish chaplains must wear as their insignia the Christian cross, and not the tablets of the law, the insignia of Jewish chaplains. According to Yeshiva World News, a website covering stories of Jewish interest, the Navy Uniform Board commanded that Michael Hiles, a candidate for chaplaincy, wear the Christian insignia. Hiles resigned from the program, rather than wear the cross.[37] Rabbi Eric Tokajer, a spokesman for the Messianic Jewish movement, responded that "This decision essentially bars Messianic Jews from serving as chaplains within the U.S. Navy because it would require them to wear an insignia inconsistent with their faith and belief system."[38]

Supersessionism

Historically, Christianity has featured supersessionism (replacement theology), which implies or outright states that Christianity has superseded Judaism, that the Mosaic Covenant of the First Testament is superseded by the New Covenant of Jesus, wherein the merciful grace of God and not obedience to the Torah is required for salvation.[39] This is sometimes complemented with God moving the status of "God's people" from Israel, as described in the Hebrew bible, to the Christian Church. Messianic Judaism, in varying degrees, challenges both thoughts, and instead believes that although Israel has rejected Jesus, it has not forfeited its place as God's chosen people (Matthew 5:17). Messianic Judaism cites Romans 11:29: "for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable." The core of supersessionism, in which the First Testament covenant is canceled, is less agreed upon. Though the mitzvot may or may not be necessary, most are still followed, especially keeping Sabbath and other holy days. Some followers of the movement believe that Jews can still find favor with God through the Torah without accepting Jesus, as did Moses, David, and the Prophets.

Generally, Messianic doctrine opposes supersessionism / replacement theology.[40]

Theology

Messianic Jewish theology is the study of God and Scripture from a Messianic Jewish perspective. Many Messianics affirm the Trinity — the God the Father; God the Son; and the Holy Spirit — as three representations of the same divinity,[10][11] a belief which is considered idolatrous according to Judaism.[16][41]

Canon

[citation needed]

Canon:

  1. Torah [תורה] meaning one or all of: "The Law"; "Teaching"; "Instruction"
  2. Nevi'im [נביאים] meaning: "Prophets"
  3. Ketuvim [כתובים] meaning "Writings" or "Hagiographa"
  4. Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
  5. Acts
  6. Pauline Epistles
  7. General Epistles of Hebrews, James, Peter, John, and Jude
  8. Revelation

Dr Stern has produced a Messianic Jewish version of the Bible called the Complete Jewish Bible, a translation using more Hebrew idioms and loanwords (such as shalom instead of peace), and using Hebrew transliterations of names (for example, Miryam and Yosef for Mary and Joseph). It is widely used within the Messianic community.[42]

Scriptural commentary

Some Messianic communities believe that the rabbinic commentaries such as the Mishnah and the Talmud, while historically informative and useful in understanding tradition, are not normative and may not be followed where they differ from the messianic scriptures.[43] Other Messianic believers call rabbinic commentaries such as the Mishnah and the Talmud "dangerous".[44][unreliable source?] These people believe that followers of rabbinic and halakhic explanations and commentaries are not believers in Jesus as the Messiah.[44][unreliable source?][45] Furthermore, Messianic believers deny the authority of the Pharisees, believing that they were superseded, and contradicted, by Messianism.[44][unreliable source?]

There are a number of Messianic commentaries on various books of the Bible, both Tanakh and New Testament texts, such as Matthew, Acts, Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews. David H. Stern has released a one-volume Jewish New Testament Commentary, but it overlooks many of the issues of composition, history, date and setting, and only provides select explanatory notes from a Messianic Jewish point of view.[according to whom?] Other noted New Testament commentary authors include: Joseph Shulam, who has written commentaries on Acts, Romans, and Galatians; Arnold Fruchtenbaum of Ariel Ministries, who has written commentaries on the Epistles, Judges & Ruth, and Genesis, and 7 systematic doctrinal studies; Tim Hegg of TorahResource, who has written commentaries on Romans, Galatians, Hebrews, and is presently examining Matthew; Daniel Thomas Lancaster, who has written extensively for the First Fruits of Zion Torah Club series; Stuart Sacks, author of Hebrews Through a Hebrews' Eyes; and J.K. McKee of TNN Online who has written several volumes under the byline "for the Practical Messianic" (James, Hebrews, Philippians, Galatians, and both a Tanach and Apostolic Scriptures Survey).

Core doctrines

This section lists some of the main beliefs and doctrines present in Messianic Judaism

  1. God – Messianic Jews believe in God (Adonai of the Bible), and that he is all-powerful, omni-present, eternal, exists outside of creation, and is infinitely significant and benevolent. Messianic Jews affirm the Shema<ref"Shema Means 'hear' and is the quintessential Jewish text from Dvarim/Deuteronomy 6:4.: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD" showing the uniqueness of the G-d of Israel. Israel didn't require many gods (like harvest gods, fertility gods, fire gods) The God of Israel is unique and infinite – He alone is sovereign. The Shema is a confirmation in Torah that Yahveh is a compound unity ("echad") not as is commonly misunderstood".</ref> Some who call themselves Messianic profess only a Jewish view of monotheism, but this is not common.[46] Most Messianic Jews affirm a triune (trinitarian) view of God,[10] believing that God is a complex being.[47]
  2. Yeshua as Messiah – Jesus of Nazareth is the Jewish Messiah in Messianic Judaism. They acknowledge Jesus as "the Torah (Word) made flesh" (John, 1:14); he is HaShem.[10][11] He is also the "chief teacher and rabbi" whose life should be copied.[48] Any congregation that does not ascribe divinity to Jesus as the human-born son of the Spirit of God (such as those that consider him a man who only became Messiah) is outside mainstream Messianic Jewish belief.[49]
  3. Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) - The third person of the Trinity is the Holy Spirit, found in scripture as co-creator (Genesis 1:2) and inspirer of prophets (I Sam 19:23-24, II Sam. 23:1-3). According to the teachings of Messianic Judaism, in the earthly life of Jesus, the Holy Spirit was the dove at baptism (Matt 3:16) and the giver of tongues in Acts 2.[50]
  4. Written Torah – Messianics, with few exceptions, consider the written Torah (Pentateuch), the five books of Moses, to remain fully in force. They believe it is a continuing covenant that is to be observed both morally and ritually by those who profess faith in God.[51] They believe that Jesus taught and re-affirmed the Torah, rather than did away with it.[52]
  5. Israel – It is believed that the Children of Israel were, remain, and will continue to be the chosen people of the God, and are central to his plans for existence. Virtually all Messianics (whether Jewish or non-Jewish) can be said to oppose supersessionism (popularly referred to as replacement theology), the view that the Church has replaced Israel in the mind and plans of God.[53]
  6. The Bible – The Tanakh and the Apostolic Writings (sometimes called the "B’rit Chadasha") are usually considered to be the established and divinely inspired Biblical scriptures by Messianic Jews. [54]
  7. Biblical eschatology – Most Messianics hold all of the following eschatological beliefs: the End of Days, the Second Coming of Jesus as the conquering Messiah, the re-gathering of Israel, a rebuilt Third Temple, a Resurrection of the Dead (and that Jesus was resurrected after his death), and the Millennial Sabbath.
  8. Oral Law – There is no single interpretation on the use of Talmud by Messianic congregations. Most Messianic congregations and synagogues can be said to believe that the oral traditions are subservient to the written Torah, and where there is a conflict between Torah and Talmud, the plain interpretation of Torah take precedence.[55] Some congregations believe that adherence to the Oral Law, as encompassed by the Talmud, is against Messianic beliefs, since Talmud was not written until after the whole of the affirmed canon (begun 70 CE, completed approx 500 CE).[56] A few congregations believe that adherence to the Talmud is outright dangerous.[44][unreliable source?] Other congregations are selective in their applications of Talmudic law.[57][58][59] Still others encourage a serious observance of the Jewish Halakha.[60]

Additional doctrines

  1. Sin and atonement – Messianics define sin as transgression of the Torah (Law/Instruction) of God (1 John 3: 4–5). Messianics hold to a belief that all sin (whether committed yet or not) is already atoned for because of Jesus's death and resurrection.[61]
  2. Faith and works – [citation needed]
  3. Evangelism – Messianics believe God's people have a responsibility to spread his name and fame to all nations (Psalms 96:3, Ezekiel 3:18–19)[62][63]

People of God

According to the (Messianic) Jerusalem Council, "the people of Israel are members of the covenant HaShem made with Avraham, Yitzhak, and Ya'akov. Covenant membership is extended to converts to Judaism from the nations, as well as to the descendants of covenant members. Israel is a nation of nations and their descendants, or more specifically a people group called out from other people groups to be a people separated unto HaShem for his purposes. HaShem's promise of covenantal blessings and curses as described in the Torah are unique to Am Yisrael (People of Israel), and to no other nation or people group. The bible describes an Israelite as one descended from Ya'akov ben Yitzhak ben Avraham, or one who has been converted or adopted into that group by either human or spiritual means." [64]

According to Messianic Judaism, Jews are those who are born of a Jewish mother or have undergone halakhic conversion to Judaism. An exception is also made for those born of Jewish fathers only if the individual claims Jewish identity, similar to Reform Judaism. The statement of the Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council on Jewish identity[65] is often disputed among Messianic believers who either don't find it necessary or discourage halakhic conversion by believing the Romans 2:29 teaching (that a "Jew" is not one who is one "outwardly" but is one who is a Jew in his heart). They also believe that by accepting Jesus into their hearts and confessing that he is Lord, salvation is received.[66]

Messianic believers from the nations are also considered a part of the People of God. Depending on their status within various Messianic Jewish groups, such as the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations, an allowance for formal conversion is made based on their understanding that Messianic converts are not automatically considered Jewish. The reasoning for this variance is as follows: While Titus may have been the norm in the epistles, a Gentile not converted to Judaism, Paul nevertheless made an exception for Timothy, whom he circumcised and brought under the Covenant, probably because though Timothy's father was Greek, his mother was Jewish. According to the statement of the Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council regarding Conversion,[67] converts to Judaism do not in any way have a higher status within Messianic Judaism than the Messianic believers who are considered by the UMJC to still be gentiles who are attached to their communities.

One Law theology

One Law theology teaches that anyone who is a part of Israel is obligated to observe the Covenant and its provisions as outlined in the Torah. Dan Juster of Tikkun, and Russ Resnik of the UMJC, have argued against One Law theology's insistence on Gentiles being required to observe the entirety of Torah in the same way Jews are.[68] Tim Hegg from FFOZ responded to their article defending what he believes to be the biblical teaching of "One Law" theology and its implications concerning the obligations of Torah obedience by new Messianic believers from the nations.[69]

Two House Theology

Two House Theology comes from the idea that the "House of Judah" in scripture refers to Jews, and the "House of Israel" refers to the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel, or Ephraim. Where scripture states the House of Israel and Judah will again be "one stick" (Ezekiel 37:15–23), it is believed to be referring to the End Times, right before Jesus returns, that many of those descended from Israel will come back to Israel. This theology postulates that the reason why so many so-called gentiles are coming into Messianic Judaism is that the vast majority of them are really Israelites and just don't know it yet. They believe a majority of the people who considered themselves as gentiles coming into Messianic Judaism are those of the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel. Like One Law groups, the Two House movement appears at first glance to have much in common with Messianic Judaism because of their belief in the ongoing validity of the Mosaic Covenant. While much of the Two House teaching is based on interpretations of Biblical prophecy, the biggest disagreements are due to inability to identify the genealogy of the ten lost tribes. Organizations such as the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America and Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations have opposed the Two House teaching[70] [citation needed]

Jewish Paul

Messianics understand (as suggested by some recent scholars[71]) that Paul the Apostle (who is often referred to as Sha’ul, his speculative Hebrew name) remained a Jewish Pharisee even as a believer until his death (see Paul of Tarsus and Judaism). [citation needed][citation needed]

Conversion to Messianic Judaism

Messianic perspectives on "Who is a Jew" vary. The Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council, a global Messianic body, acknowledges a Jew as one born to one or two Jewish parents, and has undertaken public and formal acts of identification with the Jewish faith and people. It also affirms Reform traditions that explicitly allow for cases when an adult born of a Jewish father and a non-Jewish mother reclaims his or her Jewish inheritance as an adult.[72] Some within the Ephraimite movement seek to convert themselves for identification with Israel, but most Messianic governing bodies acknowledge the presence of gentiles in the congregations, and do not see a need for them to convert to worship in the Messianic style and understanding. When conversion is sincerely desired by a Messianic believer in Jesus, Messianic Jewish halachic standards (including circumcision) are imposed to maintain integrity among the world Messianic Jewish community.[73][13][74]

Comparisons

Judaism

Main article: Judaism's view of Jesus

Jewish theology rejects the idea that the messiah, or any human being, is a divinity, and such an idea has always been regarded as idolatrous.[16] Further, Judaism does not view the role of the messiah to be the salvation of the world from its sins, an integral part of Christian theology.[75][66] Judaism does not accept Jesus as the biblical messiah, nor does it assign him any religious role at all. Contrary to Christian beliefs, Judaism rejects Jesus as a messiah, because:

  1. Jesus did not fulfill the messianic prophecies of Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Zachariah.
  2. Jesus did not embody the personal qualifications of the Messiah
    • Jesus was not a prophet, prophecy having ended with Malachi approximately 350 years prior to Jesus's birth.
    • Jesus was not a scion of the house of David, as tribal affiliation in Judaism is solely patrilineal, and Jesus is claimed to be the son of God, not man.
    • Jesus did not lead the Jews back to full Torah observance, instead contradicting the Written and Oral Laws in he New Testament.
  3. Biblical verses "referring" to Jesus are mistranslations, including those relating to virgin birth and suffering servitude.
  4. Jewish belief is based on national revelation, not on miraculous events performed for small groups, and there was no mass revelation similar to the one at Sinai.[76]

In response, Messianic Judaism finds links between Hebrew bible prophecies and what they perceive as their fulfillment in the New Testament.[77]

Jesus

Part of a series on
Jesus
Jesus in Christianity
Jesus in Islam
Background
Jesus in history
Perspectives on Jesus
Jesus in culture

The place of Jesus in Messianic Judaism is usually clearly defined. They affirm his Jewishness and that of all the original disciples. Messianic Judaism asserts that Jesus is the word of God become manifest (John 1:1;14), a belief that is identical with normative Christian doctrine regarding the nature and identity of the son of God. Furthermore, Messianic Judaism generally asserts that the Messiah has a dual aspect as revealed in Scripture.[78] Messianics believe Jesus' first role as Messiah was first to rescue the world from from spiritual bondage, and that he will return again to rescue the world from physical oppression and establish his unending Kingdom – again, a belief that is identical to the normative Christian view of the Messiah. George Berkley writes that Messianics "worship not just God but Jesus" whom they call Yeshua.[79]

Doctrines

As with many religious faiths, the exact tenets held vary from congregation to congregation. In general, essential doctrines of Messianic Judaism include views on God (omnipotent, omnipresent, eternal, outside creation, infinitely significant and benevolent – viewpoints on the Trinity vary), Jesus is believed to be the Jewish Messiah though views on his divinity vary), written Torah (with a few exceptions, Messianics believe that Jesus taught and reaffirmed the Torah and that it remains fully in force), Israel (the Children of Israel are central to God's plan, replacement theology is opposed), the Bible (Tanakh and the New Testament are usually considered the divinely inspired Scripture, though Messianics are more open to criticism of the New Testament canon than is Christianity), eschatology (similar to many evangelical Christian views), and oral law (observance varies, but virtually all deem these traditions subservient to the written Torah). Certain additional doctrines, including sin and atonement and faith and works, are more open to differences in interpretation.[80]

People of God

There exist among Messianics a number of perspectives regarding who exactly makes up God's chosen people. These are 'covenant membership, and halakhic definitions. Most commonly, Israel is seen as distinct from Ekklesia; Messianic Jews, being a part of both Israel and Ekklesia, are seen as the necessary link of the 'Gentile' People of God to the commonwealth of God's people of Israel. The two-house view, and the one law/grafted-in view are held by many identifying as Messianic, although some Messianic groups do not espouse these theologies.[81]

Eschatology

Many Messianics believe that all of the moedim, indeed the entire Torah, intrinsically hint at the Messiah, and thus no study of the End Times is complete without understanding the major Jewish Festivals in the larger prophetic context. To these believers, Passover, First Fruits, and Shavuot were fulfilled in Jesus's first coming, and Yom Teruah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot will be at his second. Many Messianics believe in a literal 7000 year period for the human history of the world, with a Messianic Millennial Sabbath Kingdom before a final judgment.[82]

Torah

[citation needed] Generally, "Torah observant" congregations observe Jewish Law, biblical feasts, and Sabbath, although they do not teach that Gentiles need observe Torah. While most traditional Christians deny that the ritual laws and specific civil laws of the Pentateuch (though still affirming that Torah is the word of God) apply directly to themselves, passages[83] regarding Torah observance in the New Testament are cited by Messianics that Torah was not abolished for Jews. They point out that in Acts 21 we find that the Jewish believers in Jerusalem are "zealous for Torah" and that Paul himself never stopped being observant. Most Messianics believe that observance of the Torah brings about sanctification, not salvation, which was to be produced only by the Messiah.[84]

Religious practices

Holiday observances

Worship services are generally held on Friday evenings (Erev Shabbat) or Saturday mornings.[85][86] The Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council recommends the observance of Jewish holidays.[87] Most larger Messianic Jewish congregations follow Jewish custom in celebrating seven key holidays (Pesach or Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, and Purim). Celebration of other holidays is less widespread.

Dietary laws

The dietary laws of Judaism are a subject of continued debate among Messianic Jews.[85][88] Most avoid pork and shellfish, but there is division on more strict adherence to kosher dietary laws.

Messianic music

There are recording artists who consider their music to be Messianic in message including Joel Chernoff of Lamb,[89] Paul Wilbur, and Marty Goetz. Many of these artists have been influenced by Jewish music and often incorporate Hebrew phrases into their lyrics.[90][91] Other Messianic artists, such as Ted Pearce[92] and Chuck King,[93] are not Jewish in heritage, but have begun to lead a new generation of scripture-based Messianic-style music.

Artists such as Aviad Cohen (also known as 50 Shekel) provide Messianic lyrics in rap, hip hop and techno styles.[94]

Messianic organizations

Main article: List of Messianic Jewish organizations

Many Messianic organizations exist that address issues concerning Messianic religious practice. Chief among them are:

  • The Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MJAA)[95]
  • Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC)
  • Chosen People Ministries (CPM)
  • Coalition of Torah Observant Messianic Congregations (CTOMC)[96]
  • Union of Nazarene Yisraelite Congregations (UONYC)
  • Union of Conservative Messianic Synagogues (UCMJS)[97]
  • The International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues (IAMCS).[98]
  • HaYesod ("the foundation") is a discipleship course that respectfully explores the Jewish foundation of Christianity. There are currently 259 HaYesod study groups of 5 or more members.[99]
  • The Jerusalem Council, an organization seeking to become a ruling council for Messianic believers worldwide.[100] It is in the process of publishing a set of Messianic halakha that the "majority of orthodox Messianic Jews accept."[58]
  • The Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council, many of whose members are affiliated with the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations, has published its standards of Messianic Torah observance.[101]
  • Jews for Jesus is an evangelizing organization that does not create or sponsor Messianic congregations.[102] Some Messianic believers do not consider Jews for Jesus to be a Messianic Jewish organization.[103]

Jewish objections

Jewish objections to Messianic Judaism are numerous, and often begin with objections to the term "Messianic Judaism" itself: It is objected that Judaism is a messianic religion, but that its messiah is not Jesus,[76] thus the term is misleading.[20] Use of "Judaism" in the term is also considered misleading and as a subversive tactic used for missionary purposes. Messianic Jews are only considered eligible for the State of Israel's Law of Return if they can also claim Jewish descent.[23] An assistant to one of the two lawyers involved with an April 2008 Supreme Court of Israel case explained to the Jerusalem Post that Messianics who are not Jewish according to Jewish law, but who had sufficient Jewish descent to qualify under the Law of Return, could claim automatic new immigrant status and citizenship despite being Messianics.[104]

Several anti-missionary organizations, such as Outreach Judaism and Jews for Judaism oppose Messianic Judaism on theological grounds, usually from an Orthodox Jewish perspective. In recent years these organizations have noticeably narrowed their focus from countering the missionizing of Jews in the name of Christianity in general to countering the spread of Messianic Judaism in particular. The Jewish anti-missionary organizations view the latter (Messianic Judaism) as a more threatening and subversive form of missionary activity than the former (openly missionizing in the name of Christianity).

Denominations and organizations

All denominations of Judaism, as well as national Jewish organizations, reject Messianic Judaism being a form of Judaism, often on the grounds that belief in Jesus as the Messiah is an insuperable dividing line between Christianity and Judaism.[17][15] [105]

According to the Central Conference of American Rabbis (Reform):

"For us in the Jewish community, anyone who claims that Jesus is their savior is no longer a Jew and is an apostate. Through that belief she has placed herself outside the Jewish community. Whether she cares to define herself as a Christian or as a 'fulfilled Jew,' 'Messianic Jew,' or any other designation is irrelevant; to us, she is clearly a Christian."[106]

Concerning Christian-Jewish reconciliation and Christian missions to the Jews, Emil Fackenheim wrote:

"…Except in relations with Christians, the Christ of Christianity is not a Jewish issue. There simply can be no dialogue worthy of the name unless Christians accept — nay, treasure — the fact that Jews through the two millennia of Christianity have had an agenda of their own. There can be no Jewish-Christian dialogue worthy of the name unless one Christian activity is abandoned, missions to the Jews. It must be abandoned, moreover, not as a temporary strategy but in principle, as a bimillennial theological mistake. The cost of that mistake in Christian love and Jewish blood one hesitates to contemplate.

…A post-Holocaust Jew can still view Christian attempts to convert Jews as sincere and well intended. But even as such they are no longer acceptable: They have become attempts to do in one way what Hitler did in another."[107]

Canadian B'nai Brith considers messianic activities as antisemitic incidents:

"One of the more alarming trends in antisemitic activity in Canada in 1998 was the growing number of incidents involving messianic organizations posing as "synagogues". These missionizing organizations are in fact evangelical Christian proselytizing groups, whose purpose is specifically to target members of the Jewish community for conversion. They fraudulently represent themselves as Jews, and these so-called synagogues are elaborately disguised Christian churches."[108]

Israeli citizenship

The state of Israel grants Aliyah (right of return) and citizenship to Jews, and to those with Jewish parents or grandparents who are not considered Jews according to halacha, e.g. people who have a Jewish father but a non-Jewish mother. Specifically excluded were any “person who has been a Jew and has voluntarily changed his religion.” An Israeli Supreme Court decision in 1989 ruled that Messianic Judaism constituted another religion.[109] The Israeli government therefore rejected as a matter of course applications from Messianic Jews under the Law of Return.

On April 16, 2008, the Supreme Court of Israel ruled in a case brought by a number of Messianic Jews with Jewish fathers and grandfathers. Their applications for Aliyah had been rejected on the grounds that they were Messianic Jews. The argument was made by the applicants that they had never been Jews according to halacha, and were not therefore excluded by the conversion clause. This argument was upheld in the ruling.[104][110][111]

Claims of discrimination against Messianic Jews

The International Religious Freedom Report 2008, released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor in the US states that discrimination against Messianic Jews in Israel is increasing.[112] Some acts of violence have also occurred such as incident on March 20, 2008, a bomb concealed as a Purim gift basket was delivered to the house of a prominent Messianic Jewish family in Ariel, in the West Bank, which severely wounded the son.[113]

This antagonism has led to harassment and some violence, especially in Israel, where there is a large and militant Orthodox community. Several Orthodox organizations, including Yad L'Achim, are dedicated to rooting out missionary activity in Israel, including the Messianic Jewish congregations. One tactic is to plaster posters asking Israelis to boycott shops where Messianic Jews are owners or employees; another is to report Messianic Jews to the Interior ministry, which is charged with enforcing an Israeli law forbidding proselytizing.[114] In another incident, the mayor of Or Yehuda, a suburb of Tel Aviv, held a public book-burning of literature passed out to Ethiopian immigrants. He later apologized for the action.[7]

See also

Ancient Christian movements of Jews
Syncretic religions adopting elements of Judaism
Syncretic religions adopting elements of Christianity

References

  1. ^ a b Ariel, Yaakov (2006). "Judaism and Christianity Unite! The Unique Culture of Messianic Judaism". In Gallagher, Eugene V.; Ashcraft, W. Michael (eds.). Jewish and Christian Traditions. Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America. Vol. Vol. 2. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 191. ISBN 978-0275987145. OCLC 315689134. LCCN 20-6. While Christianity started in the first century of the Common Era as a Jewish group, it quickly separated from Judaism and claimed to replace it; ever since the relationship between the two traditions has often been strained. But in the twentieth century groups of young Jews claimed that they had overcome the historical differences between the two religions and amalgamated Jewish identity and customs with the Christian faith. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); |volume= has extra text (help); External link in |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ a b Ariel, Yaakov (2006). "Judaism and Christianity Unite! The Unique Culture of Messianic Judaism". In Gallagher, Eugene V.; Ashcraft, W. Michael (eds.). Jewish and Christian Traditions. Introduction to New and Alternative Religions in America. Vol. Vol. 2. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Publishing Group. pp. 194–195. ISBN 978-0275987145. OCLC 315689134. LCCN 20-6. When the term resurfaced in Israel in the 1940s and 1950s, it designated all Jews who accepted Christianity in its Protestant evangelical form. Missionaries such as the Southern Baptist Robert Lindsey noted that for Israeli Jews, the term nozrim, "Christians" in Hebrew, meant, almost automatically, an alien, hostile religion. Because such a term made it nearly impossible to convince Jews that Christianity was their religion, missionaries sought a more neutral term, one that did not arouse negative feelings. They chose Meshichyim, Messianic, to overcome the suspicion and antagonism of the term nozrim. Meshichyim as a term also had the advantage of emphasizing messianism as a major component of the Christian evangelical belief that the missions and communities of Jewish converts to Christianity propagated. It conveyed the sense of a new, innovative religion rather that[sic] an old, unfavorable one. The term was used in reference to those Jews who accepted Jesus as their personal savior, and did not apply to Jews accepting Roman Catholicism who in Israel have called themselves Hebrew Christians. The term Messianic Judaism was adopted in the United States in the early 1970s by those converts to evangelical Christianity who advocated a more assertive attitude on the part of converts towards their Jewish roots and heritage. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); |volume= has extra text (help); External link in |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ Cohn-Sherbok, Dan (2000). "Messianic Jewish mission". Messianic Judaism. London: Continuum International Publishing Group. p. 179. ISBN 9780826454584. OCLC 42719687. Retrieved August 10, 2010. Evangelism of the Jewish people is thus at the heart of the Messianic movement. {{cite book}}: External link in |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ Ariel, Yaakov S. (2000). "Chapter 20: The Rise of Messianic Judaism". Evangelizing the chosen people: missions to the Jews in America, 1880–2000 (Google Books). Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press. p. 223. ISBN 9780807848807. OCLC 43708450. Retrieved August 10, 2010. Messianic Judaism, although it advocated the idea of an independent movement of Jewish converts, remained the offspring of the missionary movement, and the ties would never be broken. The rise of Messianic Judaism was, in many ways, a logical outcome of the ideology and rhetoric of the movement to evangelize the Jews as well as its early sponsorship of various forms of Hebrew Christian expressions. The missions have promoted the message that Jews who had embraced Christianity were not betraying their heritage or even their faith but were actually fulfilling their true Jewish selves by becoming Christians. The missions also promoted the dispensationalist idea that the Church equals the body of the true Christian believers and that Christians were defined by their acceptance of Jesus as their personal Savior and not by their affiliations with specific denominations and particular liturgies or modes of prayer. Missions had been using Jewish symbols in their buildings and literature and called their centers by Hebrew names such as Emanuel or Beth Sar Shalom. Similarly, the missions' publications featured Jewish religious symbols and practices such as the lighting of a menorah. Although missionaries to the Jews were alarmed when they first confronted the more assertive and independent movement of Messianic Judaism, it was they who were responsible for its conception and indirectly for its birth. The ideology, rhetoric, and symbols they had promoted for generations provided the background for the rise of a new movement that missionaries at first rejected as going too far but later accepted and even embraced. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |chapterurl= (help)
  5. ^ Shoshanah, Feher.Passing over Easter: Constructing the Boundaries of Messianic Judaism http://books.google.com/books?id=HJRNlnUmWZwC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Feher,+Shoshanah.+Passing+over+Easter:+Constructing+the+Boundaries+of+Messianic+Judaism,&source=bl&ots=1VyknmXZyI&sig=pfdluEo1wMDgaCMOWata2aX7YB4&hl=en&ei=46IGTe_pNoH4sAOWqPDoBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CBMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false The Messianic movement has eliminated the elements of Christian worship that cannot be directly linked to their Jewish roots. Communion is therefore associated with Passover, since the Eucharist originated during Ushua’s Last Supper, held at Passover. In this way, Passover is given a new, Yshua-centered meaning. Passover is only one example of the constant decoding and recoding of Jewish ritual by Messianic Judaism. This decoding and recoding – ‘’’the infusion of Jewish ritual and cultural norms with Christian symbolism’’’, and, to a lesser extent, the infusion of Christianity with Jewish symbolism – is a central theme of this book.
  6. ^ Schoeman, Roy H. (2003). Salvation is from the Jews: the role of Judaism in salvation history from Abraham to the Second Coming. San Francisco, California: Ignatius Press. p. 351. ISBN 089870975X. LCCN 20-3. By the mid 1970s, Time magazine placed the number of Messianic Jews in the U.S. at over 50,000; by 1993 this number had grown to 160,000 in the U.S. and about 350,000 worldwide (1989 estimate).…There are currently over 400 Messianic synagogues worldwide, with at least 150 in the U.S.
  7. ^ a b McGirk, Tim (June 6, 2008). "Israel's Messianic Jews Under Attack". Time. Retrieved August 4, 2010.
  8. ^ Wagner, Matthew (June 26, 2006). "Messianic Jews to protest 'discrimination'". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 2008. Retrieved August 9, 2010. There are an estimated 12,000 Messianic Jews living in Israel, most of whom made aliya under the Law of Return. There are about a quarter of a million Messianic Jews living in the US. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |archivedate= (help)
  9. ^ Cohn-Sherbok, Dan (2000). "Messianic Jewish theology". Messianic Judaism. London: Continuum International Publishing Group. p. 170. ISBN 9780826454584. OCLC 42719687. Retrieved August 10, 2010. Regarding the doctrine of God, Messianic Jews are united in their belief in the Trinity. Despite the use of the Shema in the liturgy, the conviction that God is triune is a central feature of the faith.…For Messianic Jews the concept of the trinity sounds overly Gentile; hence, within Messianic Judaism, a different terminology is used to depict the same divine reality. Nonetheless, the belief God is triune is based on the conviction that Yeshua is God. {{cite book}}: External link in |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ a b c d "What are the Standards of the UMJC?". FAQ. Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations. 2004. Retrieved September 13, 2010. 1. We believe that there is one G-d, eternally existent in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
    2. We believe in the deity of the L-RD Yeshua, the Messiah, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.     {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  11. ^ a b c Israel b. Betzalel (2009). "Trinitarianism". JerusalemCouncil.org. Retrieved 2009-07-03. This then is who Yeshua is: He is not just a man, and as a man, he is not from Adam, but from God. He is the Word of HaShem, the Memra, the Davar, the Righteous One, he didn't become righteous, he is righteous. He is called God's Son, he is the agent of HaShem called HaShem, and he is "HaShem" who we interact with and not die.
  12. ^ "Our Beliefs". Memphis, TN: B'rit Hadasha Messianic Jewish Synagogue. 2005. Retrieved October 20, 2010. WE BELIEVE:…
    • There is one God as declared in the Shema [Deuteronomy 6:4], who is "Echad," a compound unity, eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit [Isaiah 48:16-17; Ephesians 4:4-6].
    • In the Deity of our Lord, Messiah Yeshua, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious atoning death, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, in His personal future return to this earth in power and glory to rule. {{cite web}}: line feed character in |quote= at position 19 (help)
  13. ^ a b "Do I need to be Circumcised?". JerusalemCouncil.org. Feb 10, 2009. Retrieved August 18, 2010. To convert to the Jewish sect of HaDerech, accepting Yeshua as your King is the first act after one's heart turns toward HaShem and His Torah – as one can not obey a commandment of God if they first do not love God, and we love God by following his Messiah. Without first accepting Yeshua as the King and thus obeying Him, then getting circumcised for the purpose of Jewish conversion only gains you access to the Jewish community. It means nothing when it comes to inheriting a place in the World to Come.…Getting circumcised apart from desiring to be obedient to HaShem, and apart from accepting Yeshua as your King, is nothing but a surgical procedure, or worse, could lead to you believe that Jewish identity grants you a portion in the World to Come – at which point, what good is Messiah Yeshua, the Word of HaShem to you? He would have died for nothing!…As a convert from the nations, part of your obligation in keeping the Covenant, if you are a male, is to get circumcised in fulfillment of the commandment regarding circumcision. Circumcision is not an absolute requirement of being a Covenant member (that is, being made righteous before HaShem, and thus obtaining eternal life), but it is a requirement of obedience to God's commandments, because circumcision is commanded for those who are of the seed of Abraham, whether born into the family, adopted, or converted.…If after reading all of this you understand what circumcision is, and that is an act of obedience, rather than an act of gaining favor before HaShem for the purpose of receiving eternal life, then if you are male believer in Yeshua the Messiah for the redemption from death, the consequence of your sin of rebellion against Him, then pursue circumcision, and thus conversion into Judaism, as an act of obedience to the Messiah.
  14. ^ a b c
    • Harries, Richard (2003). "Should Christians Try to Convert Jews?". After the evil: Christianity and Judaism in the shadow of the Holocaust. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. pp. g. 119. ISBN 0199263132. LCCN 20-3. Thirdly, there is Jews for Jesus or, more generally, Messianic Judaism. This is a movement of people often of Jewish background who have come to believe Jesus is the expected Jewish messiah.…They often have congregations independent of other churches and specifically target Jews for conversion to their form of Christianity. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
    • Kessler, Edward (2005). "Messianic Jews". In Edward Kessler and Neil Wenborn (eds.) (ed.). A dictionary of Jewish-Christian relations. Cambridge; New York: Cambridge University Press. pp. 292–293. ISBN 9780521826921. OCLC 60340826. LCCN 20-5. Messianic Judaism is proactive in seeking Jewish converts and is condemned by the vast majority of the Jewish community. Although a Jewish convert to Christianity may still be categorised a Jew according to a strict interpretation of the halakhah (Jewish law), most Jews are adamantly opposed to the idea that one can convert to Christianity and still remoan a Jew or be considered part of Jewish life. From a mainstream Christian perspective Messianic Judaisms can also provoke hostility for misrepresenting Christianity. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); |editor= has generic name (help); |format= requires |url= (help); External link in |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help)
    • Harris-Shapiro, Carol (1999). "Studying the Messianic Jews". Messianic Judaism: a rabbi’s journey through religious change in America. Boston, MA: Beacon Press. pp. g. 3. ISBN 0807010405. OCLC 45729039. LCCN 98-0 – 0. And while many evangelical Churches are openly supportive of Messianic Judaism, they treat it as an ethnic church squarely within evangelical Christianity, rather than as a separate entity. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); |format= requires |url= (help); External link in |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help)
  15. ^ a b c d
    Orthodox
    Simmons, Shraga. "Why Jews Don't Believe in Jesus". Aish HaTorah. Retrieved July 28, 2010. Jews do not accept Jesus as the messiah because:
    1. Jesus did not fulfill the messianic prophecies.
    2. Jesus did not embody the personal qualifications of the Messiah.
    3. Biblical verses "referring" to Jesus are mistranslations.
    4. Jewish belief is based on national revelation. {{cite web}}: line feed character in |quote= at position 55 (help)
    Conservative
    Waxman, Jonathan (2006). "Messianic Jews Are Not Jews". United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Archived from the original on June 28, 2006. Retrieved 2007-02-14. Hebrew Christian, Jewish Christian, Jew for Jesus, Messianic Jew, Fulfilled Jew. The name may have changed over the course of time, but all of the names reflect the same phenomenon: one who asserts that s/he is straddling the theological fence between Christianity and Judaism, but in truth is firmly on the Christian side.…we must affirm as did the Israeli Supreme Court in the well-known Brother Daniel case that to adopt Christianity is to have crossed the line out of the Jewish community.
    Reform
    "Missionary Impossible". Hebrew Union College. August 9, 1999. Retrieved 2007-02-14. Missionary Impossible, an imaginative video and curriculum guide for teachers, educators, and rabbis to teach Jewish youth how to recognize and respond to "Jews-for-Jesus," "Messianic Jews," and other Christian proselytizers, has been produced by six rabbinic students at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion's Cincinnati School. The students created the video as a tool for teaching why Jewish college and high school youth and Jews in intermarried couples are primary targets of Christian missionaries.
    Reconstructionist/Renewal
    "FAQ's About Jewish Renewal". Aleph.org. 2007. Retrieved 2007-12-20. What is ALEPH's position on so called messianic Judaism? ALEPH has a policy of respect for other spiritual traditions, but objects to deceptive practices and will not collaborate with denominations which actively target Jews for recruitment. Our position on so-called "Messianic Judaism" is that it is Christianity and its proponents would be more honest to call it that. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  16. ^ a b c "Why Jews Don't Believe in Jesus". Ask the Rabbi. Jerusalem: Ohr Somayach. 2000. Retrieved July 28, 2010. The Christian idea of a trinity contradicts the most basic tenet of Judaism – that G-d is One. Jews have declared their belief in a single unified G-d twice daily ever since the giving of the Torah at Sinai – almost two thousand years before Christianity. The trinity suggests a three part deity: The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19). In Jewish law, worship of a three-part god is considered idolatry; one of the three cardinal sins for which a person should rather give up his life than transgress. The idea of the trinity is absolutely incompatible with Judaism.
  17. ^ a b Kaplan, Dana Evan (2005). "Introduction". In Dana Evan Kaplan (ed.) (ed.). The Cambridge companion to American Judaism. Cambridge Companions to Religion. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press. p. 9. ISBN 0521822041. LCCN 20-4. For most American Jews, it is acceptable to blend some degree of foreign spiritual elements with Judaism. The one exception is Christianity, which is perceived to be incompatible with any form of Jewishness.…Messianic Jewish groups are thus seen as antithetical to Judaism and are completely rejected by the majority of Jews. {{cite book}}: |editor= has generic name (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  18. ^ "What is HaDerech (Messianic Judaism)?". FAQ. The Jerusalem Council. February 10, 2009. Retrieved August 9, 2010.
  19. ^ Drazin, Michael (1990). Their Hollow Inheritance: A Comprehensive Refutation of the New Testament and Its Missionaries. New York: Feldheim Publishers. ISBN 978-9652290700. OCLC 29551513. Retrieved July 28, 2010. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  20. ^ a b Lotker, Michael (2004). "It's More About What is the Messiah than Who is the Messiah". A Christian’s guide to Judaism. New York, NY: Paulist Press. pp. g. 35. ISBN 0809142325. LCCN 20-3. It should now be clear to you why Jews have such a problem with 'Jews for Jesus' or other presentations of Messianic Judaism. I have no difficulty with Christianity. I even accept those Christians who would want me to convert to Christianity so long as they don't use coercion or duplicity and are willing to listen in good faith to my reasons for being Jewish. I do have a major problem with those Christians who would try to mislead me and other Jews into believing that one can be both Jewish and Christian. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  21. ^ a b Feher, Shoshanah. Passing over Easter: Constructing the Boundaries of Messianic Judaism, Rowman Altamira, 1998, ISBN 9780761989530, p. 140. "This interest in developing a Jewish ethnic identity may not be surprising when we consider the 1960s, when Messianic Judaism arose..."
  22. ^
  23. ^ a b Berman, Daphna (June 10, 2006). "Aliyah with a cat, a dog and Jesus". Haaretz. Retrieved August 9, 2010. In rejecting their petition, Supreme Court Justice Menachem Elon cited their belief in Jesus. 'In the last two thousand years of history…the Jewish people have decided that messianic Jews do not belong to the Jewish nation…and have no right to force themselves on it,' he wrote, concluding that 'those who believe in Jesus, are, in fact Christians.'
  24. ^ "MessianicLife.com". Perfect Word Ministries. 2004. Retrieved 2007-02-15. As believers in the Messiah Yeshua, we are called to live a life of practical application as ordered by the Spirit. MessianicLife.com is designed to help Messianic believers have a closer walk with Yeshua, to aid Messianic families in living out the fullness of the abundant life promised in Messiah, and to exhort all of us to pass that fulfilled life on to the next generation.
  25. ^ Resnick, Russ (2002). "Defining Messianic Judaism" (PDF). Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations Theology Committee. Retrieved August 9, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  26. ^ Rausch, David A. (1982). "The Messianic Jewish Congregational Movement". The Christian Century. 99 (28): 926. Retrieved August 9, 2010. As I interviewed their leaders across the United States, I found a prevalent belief that they had coined the term "Messianic Judaism." Others thought that the term had originated within the past ten or 20 years. Most of their opponents also agreed that this was so. In fact, both the term "Messianic Judaism" and the frustration with the movement go back to the 19th century. During 1895 Our Hope magazine, which became a bulwark in the fundamentalist-evangelical movement under the editorship of Arno C. Gaebelein, carried the subtitle "A Monthly Devoted to the Study of Prophecy and to Messianic Judaism." {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  27. ^ http://www.christianindex.org/1657.article "Missional churches are indigenous. Churches that are indigenous have taken root in the soil and reflect, to some degree, the culture of their community... The messianic congregation (is)... in this case indigenous to Jewish culture."
  28. ^ "What We Believe". International Alliance of Messianic Congregations & Synagogues. 2010. Retrieved August 9, 2010. We recognize that Jewish people (physical descendants of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob, whether through the mother's or the father's blood-line) who place their faith in Israel's Messiah, Yeshua, continue to be Jewish according to the Scriptures (Rom. 2:28–29). Gentiles who place their faith in Yeshua, are "grafted into" the Jewish olive tree of faith (Rom. 11:17–25) becoming spiritual sons and daughters of Abraham (Gal. 3:28–29).
  29. ^ http://ourrabbis.org/main/ The Messianic Jewish movement consists mainly of people unaccustomed to or uncomfortable with a traditionally observant Jewish life, and those we are seeking to reach for Yeshua generally have a similar background. In large part this results from the high rate of secularization and assimilation among twenty-first century Jews. However, this profile also fits our vocation as a movement for Yeshua within the Jewish world. Just as he came to seek and save the lost, and devoted his energy especially to reaching the disenfranchised among the Jewish people, so our mission is directed primarily to Jews who have little knowledge of or attachment to traditional Jewish practice.
  30. ^ "Shalom Chaverim". lightofmashiach.org. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  31. ^ Ariel, Yaakov S. (2000). "Chapter 20: The Rise of Messianic Judaism". Evangelizing the chosen people: missions to the Jews in America, 1880–2000 (Google Books). Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press. p. 223. ISBN 9780807848807. OCLC 43708450. Retrieved December 11, 2010. Even before the rise of messianic Judaism, there were groups that promoted the creation of congregations of Jewish believers in Jesus. …In the nineteenth century many attempts were made in the United States to create Hebrew Christian Brotherhoods, designed as centers for Jews who converted to Christianity. …Jewish converts established t heir own organization in Great Britain as early as 1860 and in the United States in 1915. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |chapterurl= (help)
  32. ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=r3hCgIZB790C&printsec=frontcover&vq=advocated+offspring+rhetoric+Shalom#v=onepage&q=advocated%20offspring%20rhetoric%20Shalom&f=false In the 1890s, an unusual religious group convened on the Lower East Side of New York: immigrant Jews who had accepted the Christian faith yet contained to retain Jewish rites and customs. Established by Methodist missionaries, the “Hope of Israel” mission aimed at propagating the Christian gospel among the Jews, while promoting the idea that Jewish converts should not abandon their cultural and religious heritage.
  33. ^ Rausch, David A. (1982). Messianic Judaism Its History Theology and Polity. Texts and Studies in Religion. Vol. V. 14. New York: Edwin Mellen Press. p. 77. ISBN 0889468028. OCLC 8907267. LCCN 82-0 – 0.
  34. ^ http://books.google.com/books?id=HJRNlnUmWZwC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Feher,+Shoshanah.+Passing+over+Easter:+Constructing+the+Boundaries+of+Messianic+Judaism,&source=bl&ots=1VyknmXZyI&sig=pfdluEo1wMDgaCMOWata2aX7YB4&hl=en&ei=46IGTe_pNoH4sAOWqPDoBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&sqi=2&ved=0CBMQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false The Messianic movement has eliminated the elements of Christian worship that cannot be directly linked to their Jewish roots. Communion is therefore associated with Passover, since the Eucharist originated during Ushua’s Last Supper, held at Passover. In this way, Passover is given a new, Yshua-centered meaning.
  35. ^ Who We Are, Messianic Israel Alliance website. Accessed September 5, 2010.
  36. ^ Yonke, David (February 11, 2006). "Rabbi says Messianic Jews are Christians in disguise" (WP:Convenience link). The Blade. Toledo, Ohio. Retrieved August 10, 2010.
  37. ^ "US Navy Tells Messianic Jewish Chaplain He Must Wear Cross". The Yeshiva World News. December 23, 2008. Retrieved August 10, 2010.
  38. ^ Tokajer, Eric (December 29, 2008). "Messianic Jew Barred from Serving as Jewish Chaplain by US Navy". Pensacola, Florida: Messianic Daily News. Retrieved August 10, 2010.
  39. ^ "Supersessionism". nabion.org. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |ccessdate= ignored (help)
  40. ^ Koziar, Pete. "Winds of Doctrine: Replacement Theology". messianicassociation.org. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  41. ^ Schochet, Jacob Immanuel (July 29, 1999). "Judaism has no place for those who betray their roots". Canadian Jewish News. For a Jew, however, any form of shituf is tantamount to idolatry in the fullest sense of the word. There is then no way that a Jew can ever accept Jesus as a deity, mediator or savior (messiah), or even as a prophet, without betraying Judaism.
  42. ^ "the Complete Jewish Bible restores the Jewish unity of the Bible. Also for the first time the information needed for the synagogue readings from the Torah and the Prophets is completely integrated with similar use of the B'rit Hadashah".
  43. ^
    • "About Halakha Shel HaDerech". JerusalemCouncil.org. Retrieved 2008-09-18. Accepted halakha follows the centrality of the written Torah as the final arbiter and standard for behavior and right living. Primary consideration is given to the teachings of the Messiah, Yeshua, and those of his immediate disciples. Other sources include traditional rabbinic Judaism, with emphasis on understandings and traditions accepted during the period of the Taanitic Sages (Jewish teachers that existed during the time of the 2nd Temple period), as well as accepted halakha practiced by the majority of the Israelite community today. [dead link]
    • "What is Torah?". FFOZ. Retrieved 2008-09-18. …there is undeniable value in reading and studying the Talmud and other rabbinic writings.
    • Leman, Derek. "Why MJ Needs Talmud Study". Messianic Jewish Musings. Retrieved 2008-09-18. If we seriously believe that Messianic Judaism is a Judaism, and if Torah living is important to us, then there are a number of reasons why we must take on the difficult task of learning Talmud. In the first place, Talmud is a historical document without compare. In Talmud we find historical details about the life of Israel, the origins of customs, procedures from the Second Temple*, and so on. More than that, Talmud is a Jewish way of thought about subjects important from a Jewish frame of reference. It is a guide for Messianic Judaism in forming halakhah*, not as a book of halakhic decisions, but a guide to the kinds of questions that must be asked and the areas of life that require halakhic rulings.
    • Kravitz, Chaia. "To Convert, or Not?". Messianic Jewish Online. Archived from the original on January 5, 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-18. As long as what one is following in the Talmud does not contradict the Torah or other Biblical books, God's inspired Word, then there is nothing wrong with following (it)...
    • "Vayechi". Beit Shalom Messianic Synagogue. Archived from the original on January 5, 2008. Retrieved 2008-09-18. [T]he Mishnah as a part of the Talmud, and the Talmuds, both Jerusalem and Babylonian, have much value for us. We see in many cases that what is said there is paralleled by Yeshua's words. And while we can learn from the Talmuds, we must be careful to not give their words the weight of the Scriptures. HaShem's Word from Genesis to Revelation is our ultimate authority. While there are many things in the Talmuds that we view as wonderful traditions, and even descriptions of the way to do certain things, we cannot give them the same level of authority as Scripture. So, with this in mind, realize that as I bring you certain portions from the Talmuds that they are here to help us understand what we already believe as shown in Scripture, and their words are not authoritative unless they are in full agreement with the written Torah.
  44. ^ a b c d "So, What Exactly is a Messianic Congregation?". RabbiYeshua.com. Kehilat Sar Shalom. 2001. Retrieved 2007-02-20. When we begin to study and observe Torah to become like Messiah, there are pitfalls we must avoid. One such pitfall is the study of Mishnah and Talmud (Rabbinic traditional Law). There are many people and congregations that place a great emphasis on rabbinic legal works, such as the Mishnah and the Talmud in search of their Hebrew roots. People are looking to the rabbis for answers on how to keep God's commands, but if one looks into the Mishnah and does what it says, he or she is not a follower of the Messiah. Or, if one looks into the Talmud and does what it says, he or she is not a follower of the Messiah – he or she is a follower of the rabbis because Rabbi Yeshua, the Messiah, is not quoted there.…Rabbinic Judaism is not Messianic Judaism. Rabbinic Judaism is not founded in Messiah. Rabbinic Judaism, for the most part, is founded in the yeast – the teachings of the Pharisees. Yeshua's teachings and the discipleship that He brought His students through was not Rabbinic Judaism. There is a real danger in Rabbinics. There is a real danger in Mishnah and Talmud. No one involved in Rabbinics has ever come out on the other side more righteous than when he or she entered. He or she may look "holier than thou" – but they do not have the life changing experience clearly represented in the lives of the believers of the Messianic communities of the first century.
  45. ^ Bernay, Adam J. (December 3, 2007). "Who we are". Beit-tefillah.com. Archived from the original on 2008-04-09. Retrieved 2007-12-20. "Orthodox Messianic" groups (they go by many names) teach that you must keep the commandments in order to be saved, and not just the commandments in the Scripture, but the traditional rules as coined by Judaism since the Temple was destroyed... essentially, they teach that we must keep Orthodox Judaism, but with the addition of Yeshua. We do NOT teach this in any way, shape, or form. Some of the traditions are right and good, and in keeping with the commandments. Others are not. Only by studying to show ourselves approved of God can we rightly divide the word of truth and discover how God calls us to live. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  46. ^ Kerstetter, Adam Yisroel (2007). "Who Do You Say That I Am? An introduction to the true Messiah from a non-Trinitarian view". Archived from the original on April 1, 2008. Retrieved August 11, 2010. The material presented below has been researched to great lengths and is based totally on the Scriptures. I have examined both sides of the subject and can assure you that I have no ax to grind, but have found that the information on the Trinity is without any foundation, nor is it supported by the language of the Scripture. Let me state that I believe in our Heavenly Father and in his Son Y'shua (Jesus) and that the Father sent Y'shua to be a way back to Him and a means for our salvation, but I do not believe the Scripture supports the idea of the Moshiach (Messiah) being G-d of very G-d. When wrong ideas of the Mashiach are espoused they put us on the course of misinterpretations and a misconception of who our Mashiach and his Heavenly Father are. These misconceptions and misinterpretations lead us further away from the truth and ultimately further away from the Father who is the only true G-d. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; March 30, 2008 suggested (help)
  47. ^ "Everything you need to grow a Messianic Synagogue" (PDF). p. 19.
  48. ^ "Our Mission and Message". First Fruits of Zion. 2010. p. 14. Retrieved September 9, 2010.
  49. ^ "Doctrinal Statement". Lev HaShem Messianic Synagogue. 2004. Retrieved August 17, 2010. We believe that Yeshua HaMashiach is the Jewish Messiah. "Therefore, the L-rd Himself will give you a sign: the virgin shall be with child and will give birth to a Son, and will call Him Immanuel (G-d with us)". Yeshayahu 7:14. We believe in His virgin birth conceived by the Ruach HaKodesh. We do not believe that a man can become G-d. "For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us, dominion will rest on his shoulders, and he will be given the name PELE-YOETZ, EL GIBBOR, AVI-AD SAR SHALOM (Wonderful Counselor, Mighty G-d, Father of Eternity, Prince of Peace)Yeshayahu 9:6–7. "That in honor of HaShem (the Name), Yeshua took the form of humanity and that G-d has given Him the name above every name". Philippians 2:6–11
  50. ^ "What be believe".
  51. ^ "Halakha Shel HaDerech – Messianic Halakha – 2.1 Identity – 2.1.5 Torah". The Jerusalem Council. JerusalemCouncil.org. 2008. Archived from the original on 2008-06-10. Retrieved 2008-03-28. The Torah is the foundational and complete description of the obligations of covenant members (Deut 32:46–47). Covenant members are obligated to obey the Torah (teaching and instruction of HaShem) out of love for HaShem (Deut 6:5) and his ways (Deut 7:12, Deut 10:12–13), and out of love for others (Lev 19:18). The Messiah stands as the living role model in how to observe these obligations fully (Deut 18:15–19) as he is the Living Torah made flesh (Gen 1:1, Gen 1:27, Gen 15:1, Gen 17:13, Ex 33:11, Num 15:31, Deut 5:5, Deut 8:3).
  52. ^ "Statement of Faith". Kehilat T'Nuvah. graftedin.com. 2007. Retrieved 2008-01-07. We believe that the Torah (five books of Moses) is a comprehensive summary of HaShem's foundational laws and ways, as found in both the new and older covenant (Ex. 19&20; Deut. 5; Jer. 31:31–34; Heb. 8:10; Matt. 5:17–19). Therefore we encourage all believers, both Jews and Gentiles, to affirm, embrace, and practice these foundational laws and ways as clarified through the teachings of Messiah Yeshua (Matt. 5:17–19; I Cor. 7:19; Rev. 14:12).
  53. ^ "Statement of Faith". Kehilat T'Nuvah. graftedin.com. 2007. Retrieved 2008-01-07. Just as the prophet Isaiah foretold (Isa. 56), Yahweh is gathering many from the nations to those whom He already gathered (Israel). Together these individuals comprise the universal church (covenant community of Yahweh). These Jews and Gentiles in Messiah collectively are called Israel throughout the Scriptures. There is no other "church" or covenant community; just one new man, one torah, one Messiah, one Spirit, one God.
  54. ^ http://ourrabbis.org/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=28 Within Tanakh, Jewish tradition has always regarded the Torah (i.e., the Pentateuch) as possessing unique authority in the development of Halakhah. While the Prophets and the Writings amplify and clarify the intent of the Torah, the Torah is always foundational in matters of Halakhah.
  55. ^ http://jerusalemcouncil.org/articles/apologetics/messanic-apologetics-101/ The Jerusalem Council, a Global Association of Orthodox Jewish Believers, teaches 'This is based on the premise that one can not add to nor take away from the Torah, as in Deut 13:1...This is also why one’s beliefs about Mashiach can not rest on one’s understanding of the Prophets and Writings alone (or any tradition derived therefrom), apart from the Torah!'
  56. ^ "The phrase sefer torah ("Book of the Law," occurs twenty times in the Tanakh, while there are no references whatsoever to an Oral Torah (torah she-be'al peh) in the entire Tanakh. As for the supposed hints to the Oral Torah within the Scriptures, all of them can be easily explained. What then will you follow: the sure and certain testimony of the written Word, or the traditions of men, no matter how beautiful those traditions might be? In many cases, the Talmudic interpretation of the Scriptures contradicts the plain sense of the Torah".
  57. ^ http://www.ctomc.ca/sof.html The Torah in our usage never refers to the Talmud but, while we do not consider the Talmud or any other commentary on the Scriptures as the Word of G-d, we believe that the writings of Oral Tradition, such as the Talmud, the Mishnah, and the Midrash Rabbah, also contain further insight into the character of G-d and His dealings with His people.
  58. ^ a b "Mission, Vision, & Purpose of the Jerusalem Council". JerusalemCouncil.org. JerusalemCouncil.org. 2007. Retrieved 2007-12-23. Cite error: The named reference "JC2" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  59. ^ "Authoritative Sources in Halakhic Decision Making". Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council. ourrabbis.org. 2007. Archived from the original on June 26, 2008. Retrieved 2008-01-07. In Jewish tradition as a whole, Scripture is of paramount importance and authority in the development of Halakhah. In principle, issues become "Halakhic" because they are connected to some area of life in which Scripture reveals certain authoritative norms. In addressing those issues, Scripture is not the only resource consulted. However, it is always the source of greatest sanctity. Thus, when Rabbinic literature distinguishes between laws that are d'oraita (biblically mandated) and those that are d'rabbanan (rabbinically mandated), precedence is always given to those that are d'oraita.
  60. ^ "In Search of Messianic Jewish Thought". GoogleCache. GoogleCache. 2007. Retrieved 2008-01-07. John Fischer affirms that Yeshua himself supported the traditions of the Pharisees which were very close to what later became rabbinic halacha. Messianic Jews today should not only take note of rabbinic tradition but incorporate it into Messianic Jewish halachah. The biblical pattern for Fischer is that "Yeshua, the Apostles, and the early Messianic Jews all deeply respected the traditions and devoutly observed them, and in so doing, set a useful pattern for us to follow." Citing Fischer, John, 'Would Yeshua Support Halacha?' in Kesher: A Journal of Messianic Judaism, Albuquerque, NM: UMJC, 1997, pp. 51–81.
  61. ^ "Everything you need to grow a Messianic Synagogue" (PDF). pp. 5–6.
  62. ^ "Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples' and 'I have appointed thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; and when thou shalt hear a word at My mouth, thou shalt give them warning from Me. ... Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he took warning; and thou hast delivered thy soul".
  63. ^ Nadler, Sam (c. 2009). "Messianic Discipleship". Word of Messiah Ministries. pp. 37–38.
  64. ^ "2.1 Identity". JerusalemCouncil.org. Archived from the original on June 10, 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-12.
  65. ^ "Jewish Status". Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved 2007-11-19.
  66. ^ a b "What are the Standards of the UMJC?". FAQ. Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations. 2004. Retrieved September 13, 2010. Yeshua is the Messiah promised to Israel in the Torah and prophets. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, He provided the atoning sacrifice that gives assurance of eternal life to those who genuinely trust in Him. Jewish people, along with all people, need the spiritual redemption that is only available in Messiah Yeshua, and need to put their trust in Him and His sacrificial work. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  67. ^ "The Case for Conversion: Welcoming Non-Jews into Messianic Jewish Space". Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council. Archived from the original on September 28, 2007. Retrieved 2007-11-19.
  68. ^ One Law Movements; a Challenge to the Messianic Jewish Community January 28, 2005
  69. ^ One Law Movements A Response to Russ Resnik & Daniel Juster
  70. ^ MJAA position paper:The Ephraimite Error[dead link]
  71. ^ Brad H. Young (1997). Paul the Jewish Theologian: A Pharisee among Christians, Jews, and Gentiles. Hendrickson Publishers. p. 1. ISBN 1565632486. Paul calls himself a Pharisee. We should listen to what Paul tells us about himself. In fact, there is no evidence anywhere in the New Testament, that he departed from his firm convictions as a Pharisee. [Note that others cite I Cor. 9:20–21 as evidence that he no longer strictly followed the Torah and as explaining why he sometimes did so in front of his fellow Jews.]
  72. ^ >"For those beyond childhood claiming Jewish identity, other public acts or declarations may be added or substituted after consultation with their rabbi". Retrieved September 22, 2010.
  73. ^ "Jewish Conversion Process". JerusalemCouncil.org. February 10, 2009. Retrieved August 18, 2010. The process of Jewish Conversion is: 1. Repent by keeping the Covenant (Return to the Torah, get circumcised if male, and commit to the Torah).…2. Believe Yeshua is the Messiah, and that he is coming as the King (Obey everything He commands, which is the Torah).…3. Be immersed in the name of Yeshua, witnessed by others (Go through a mikveh in his name).
  74. ^ "The Case for Conversion: Welcoming Non-Jews into Messianic Jewish Space". OurRabbis.org. OurRabbis.org. 2008. Archived from the original on March 29, 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-02.
  75. ^ Grudem, Wayne A. (1994). "The Atonement". Systematic theology: an introduction to biblical doctrine (Google Books). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan. p. 569. ISBN 9780310286707. OCLC 29952151. Retrieved September 13, 2010. Jesus understood that God's plan of redemption…made it necessary for the Messiah to die for the sins of his people. {{cite book}}: External link in |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help)
  76. ^ a b Simmons, Shraga (March 6, 2004). "Why Jews Don't Believe in Jesus". Aish HaTorah. Retrieved September 13, 2010.
  77. ^ http://www.wordofmessiah.org/jewish_answers.htm Nadler, Sam, PdD. 'Messiah's Birth, Lineage, & Deity' Note Dr Nadler is a past president of Chosen People Ministries and an active Messianic Rabbi.
  78. ^ See Messiah#Christian view for further elaboration
  79. ^ Berkley, George E. (1997). "And Collapse…and Collapse". Jews. Boston, MA: Branden Books. pp. g. 129. ISBN 0828320276. LCCN 96-0 – 0. A more rapidly growing organization [than Jews for Jesus] is the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America which seeks to incorporate many of the trappings of Judaism with the tenets of Christianity. Its congregants assemble on Friday evening and Saturday morning, recite Hebrew prayers, and sometimes even wear talliot (prayer shawls). But they worship not just God but Jesus, whom they call Yeshua. {{cite book}}: External link in |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  80. ^ "Typical Messianic Statement of Faith". Messianic Jewish Alliance of America. 2007. Archived from the original on April 5, 2007. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
  81. ^ "Who Is A Jew? Messianic Style". Chaia Kravitz. MessianicJewishOnline.com. 2007. Archived from the original on August 11, 2007. Retrieved 2007-08-23. In Messianic Judaism, children are generally regarded as being Jewish with one Jewish parent. Since we are one in Messiah, both Jew and Gentile, there is not sharp division between the two groups. Therefore, if a Gentile has a heart for Israel and God's Torah, as well as being a Believer in Yeshua, and this person marries a Jewish Believer, it is not considered an "intermarriage" in the same way Rabbinic Judaism sees it, since both partners are on the same spiritual plane. Children born from this union are part of God's Chosen, just like the Gentile parent who has been grafted in to the vine of Israel through His grace.
  82. ^ "Holiday Chart". Heartofwisdom.com. biblicalholidays.com. 2007. Retrieved 2007-08-23.
  83. ^ Matthew 5:17–19, Matthew 28:19–20, 1 John 3:4, Romans 3:3
  84. ^ Lancaster and Berkowitz
  85. ^ a b Reinckens, Rick (2002). "Frequently Asked Questions". MessianicJews. Info. Retrieved 2007-02-15.
  86. ^ "Shabbat". Archived from the original on 2008-01-27. Retrieved 2008-02-09.
  87. ^ "Holidays". Archived from the original on 2008-01-27. Retrieved 2008-02-09.
  88. ^ "Kashrut". Archived from the original on January 27, 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-09.
  89. ^ "Joel Chernoff". Lamb Messianic Music. 2006.
  90. ^ "Kadosh". allthelyrics.com. Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  91. ^ The Watchman CD. Retrieved 10-12-2010. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  92. ^ "Ted Pearce Official site".
  93. ^ The Feast of Tabernacles CD.
  94. ^ Cohen, Aviad. "Forgiven CD".
  95. ^ "The Association of Messianic Congregations (AMC) homepage". Retrieved 8 December 2010.
  96. ^ "Coalition of Torah Observant Messianic Congregations (CTOMC) homepage".
  97. ^ "Union of Conservative Messianic Synagogues (UCMJS)".
  98. ^ "The International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues (IAMCS) homepage".
  99. ^ "HaYesod homepage".
  100. ^ "Mission, Vision, & Purpose of the Jerusalem Council". JerusalemCouncil.org. JerusalemCouncil.org. 2007. Retrieved 2007-12-23. Our vision also includes the hope of re-appointing a beit din for Messianic believers worldwide, to be called the Jerusalem Council, or Beit HaDin HaYerushalmi, modeled after the original, and submitted to the new Jewish Sanhedrin in issues that do not contradict obedient faith to Messiah Yeshua or his teachings; to provide guidance in issues that may conflict with the Sanhedrin, or in issues that contradict the primacy of the written Word of God, or in issues which may divide the Body of Messiah; to promote the unity of the Body of Messiah worldwide by Spirit-led direction through means of accountability, open dialogue, reasoned doctrine, and sound leadership; and to provide corporate and individual edification by providing apologetic, midrashic, and halakhic guidance for the Body of Messiah.
  101. ^ "Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council Standards of Observance". ourrabbis.org. Messianic Jewish Rabbinical Council. 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-30. At that time a set of Messianic Jewish leaders from New England invited some of their colleagues from outside the region to join them in working on a common set of halakhic standards for themselves and their congregations. While other areas of Messianic Jewish life are of profound importance, such as worship, ethics, education, and social concern, we believed that halakhic standards had received far less attention than their place in Messianic Jewish life warranted.
  102. ^
    • "what we do". jewsforjesus.org. Retrieved 2010-07-21. [O]ur regular missionary work-street witnessing-by sending our own staff and plenty of volunteers on sorties (tract passing expeditions) four times a day for two hours at a time.…As some come to faith, we continue studying with them, providing discipleship lessons until the new Jewish believers are well grounded in a local congregation.
  103. ^
    • Kavanaugh, Ellen. "Actually, we are NOT Jews for Jesus (Messianic Judaism)". Light of Moshiach!. Retrieved 2007-12-20. I consider Jews For Jesus a Christian organization. Moishe Rosen, founder of Jews For Jesus, is a Christian missionary, schooled in a standard bible college and not trained as a rabbi. The Jews For Jesus organization has worked diligently teaching Jesus to the non-believing Jewish people, but it is Christianity being taught and not Messianic Judaism (in spite of JFJ efforts to make the two terms synonymous). I would like to see evangelism to the Jewish people which includes teaching Torah observance. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
    • Bernay, Adam J. (December 3, 2007). "Who we are". Beit-tefillah.com. Archived from the original on 2008-04-09. Retrieved 2007-12-20. We are NOT "Jews for Jesus"! "Jews for Jesus" is a primarily Baptist missionary group whose sole focus is converting Jews to Christianity. They are not a part of the Messianic movement and have never been in favor of Messianic congregations! We do not approve of their theology, their ideology, or their methods. {{cite web}}: External link in |publisher= (help)
  104. ^ a b Myers, Calev (April 16, 2008). "Justice in Israel". Jerusalem Institute of Justice, and organization supporting the rights of "Israeli Evangelical believers, Messianic Jews and families of mixed (Jewish-Christian) marriages". Retrieved 2008-04-24. In a landmark decision today, the Supreme Court of Israel ratified a settlement between twelve Messianic Jewish believers and the State of Israel, which states that being a Messianic Jew does not prevent one from receiving citizenship in Israel under the Law of Return or the Law of Citizenship, if one is a descendent of Jews on one's father's side (and thus not Jewish according to halacha). This Supreme Court decision brought an end to a legal battle that has carried on for two and a half years. The applicants were represented by Yuval Grayevsky and Calev Myers from the offices of Yehuda Raveh & Co., and their legal costs were subsidized by the Jerusalem Institute of Justice. There is a growing trend, today, to use the term Messianic Believers, which solves the objections of Jews and makes the movement more 'accessible' to Gentiles as well, who make up a significant proportion of those who attend Messianic fellowships. This is important because some fellowships under the heading Messianic Judaism, do not actually have any Jews as members and the title does not, therefore, reflect the reality on the ground.
  105. ^
    • Ariel, Yaakov (2005) [1995]. "Protestant Attitudes to Jews and Judaism During the Last Fifty Years". In Robert S. Wistrich (ed.) (ed.). Terms of survival: the Jewish world since 1945 (Digital Printing edition ed.). New York, NY: Routledge. pp. g. 343. ISBN 0415100569. LCCN 94-0 – 0. Evangelical Christians are engaged in aggressive and extensive missionary activity among Jews. Among other results, this has given rise to groups of 'Messianic Jews', of which 'Jews for Jesus' is the most outstanding example. These are actually Jews who have adopted the evangelical Protestant faith and its precepts. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help); |editor= has generic name (help)
    • Simmons, Shraga. "Messianic Jews, Buddhist Jews". Ask Rabbi Simmons. About.com. Retrieved 2007-02-14. Yet there are limits to pluralism, beyond which a group is schismatic to the point where it is no longer considered Jewish. For example, everyone considers Messianic Judaism and belief in Buddha as outside of the Jewish sphere.
    • Schoen, Robert (2004). "Jews, Jesus, and Christianity". What I Wish My Christian Friends Knew about Judaism. Chicago: Loyola Press. pp. g. 11. ISBN 082941777X. LCCN 20-3 – 0. The Jewish people believe that when the Messiah comes there will be an end to world suffering.…Jews do not believe, therefore, that the Messiah has come, and they do not recognize Jesus as their savior or as the Son of God. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); External link in |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
    • "Messianic Judaism: A Christian Missionary Movement". Messiah Truth Project. Retrieved 2007-02-14. Messianic Judaism is a Christian movement that began in the 1970s combining a mixture of Jewish ritual and Christianity. There are a vast and growing numbers of these groups, and they differ in how much Jewish ritual is mixed with conventional Christian belief. One end of the spectrum is represented by Jews For Jesus, who simply target Jews for conversion to Christianity using imitations of Jewish ritual solely as a ruse for attracting potential Jewish converts. On the other end are those who don't stress the divinity of Jesus, but present him as the "Messiah." They incorporate distorted Jewish ritual on an ongoing basis.
    • Ariel, David S. (1995). "The Messiah". What do Jews believe?: The Spiritual Foundations of Judaism. New York, NY: Schocken Books. pp. g. 212. ISBN 0805241191. LCCN 94-0 – 00. The Jews of the first centuries of the Common Era believed the Messiah had not yet come, while the followers of Jesus—strongly influenced by contemporary Jewish messianism—asserted that he was the Messiah. The belief that the Messiah has arrived and that he is Jesus is the teaching that most acutely divides Judaism from Christianity.
    • Nuesner, Jacob (2000) [1994]. "Come, Let us Reason Together". A Rabbi Talks With Jesus. Donald H. Akerson (forward) (Revised ed. ed.). Canada: McGill-Queen's University Press. pp. 3–4. ISBN 0773520465. LCCN 20-1. I write this book to shed some light why, while Christians believe in Jesus Christ and the good news of his rule in the kingdom of Heaven, Jews believe in the Torah of Moses and form on earth and in their own flesh God's kingdom of priests and the holy people. And that belief requires faithful Jews to enter a dissent at the teachings of Jesus, on the grounds that those teachings at important points contradict the Torah. Where Jesus diverges from the revelation by God to Moses at Mount Sinai, he is wrong, and Moses is right. {{cite book}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); |edition= has extra text (help); External link in |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
    • Schiffman, Lawrence H. (1993). "Meeting the Challenge: Hebrew Christians and the Jewish Community" (PDF). Jewish Community Relations Council of New York. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 7, 2006. Retrieved 2007-02-14. Though Hebrew Christianity claims to be a form of Judaism, it is not. It is nothing more than a disguised effort to missionize Jews and convert them to Christianity. It deceptively uses the sacred symbols of Jewish observance…as a cover to convert Jews to Christianity, a belief system antithetical to Judaism.…Hebrew Christianity is not a form of Judaism and its members, even if they are of Jewish birth, cannot be considered members of the Jewish community. Hebrew Christians are in radical conflict with the communal interests and the destiny of the Jewish people. They have crossed an unbreachable chasm by accepting another religion. Despite this separation, they continue to attempt to convert their former coreligionists.
    • Balmer, Randall Herbert (2004). "Messianic Judaism". Encyclopedia of evangelicalism (Rev. and expanded ed. ed.). Waco, TX: Baylor University Press. pp. 448–449. ISBN 193279204X LCCN 20-4 – 0. Retrieved 2007-02-14. Messianic Jewish organizations, such as Jews for Jesus, often refer to their faith as fulfilled Judaism, in that they believe Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecies. Although Messianic Judaism claims to be Jewish, and many adherents observe Jewish holidays, most Jews regard Messianic Judaism as deceptive at best, fraudulent at worst. They charge that Messianic Judaism is actually Christianity presenting itself as Judaism. Jewish groups are particularly distressed at the aggressive evangelistic attempts on the part of Messianic Jews. {{cite encyclopedia}}: |edition= has extra text (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  106. ^ Opposition to Messianic Judaism from the Jewish community by Robinson, B. (Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance)
  107. ^ Fackenheim, Emil (1987). What is Judaism? An Interpretation for the Present Age. Summit Books. p. 249. ISBN 0-671-46243-1.
  108. ^ "Audit of Antisemitic Incidents. Missionaries and Messianic Churches". 1998.
  109. ^ "Israeli Court Rules Jews for Jesus Cannot Automatically Be Citizens". The New York Times. Associated Press. December 27, 1989. Retrieved August 13, 2010. Messianic Jews are not entitled to automatic Israeli citizenship, Israel's Supreme Court has ruled, concluding that their belief that Jesus was the Messiah makes them Christians instead of Jews. The ruling, published in Israeli newspapers today, supported Orthodox religious interpretations of the state's 1950 Law of Return. The law forms the basis of Jewish immigration to Israel. The law and its subsequent amendments define a Jew as a person born to a Jewish mother or who converts to Judaism and professes no other faith. Orthodox politicians have long sought a more precise definition, and the court's Christmas Day ruling has resolved one issue. The 100-page decision said that belief in Jesus made one a member of another faith and ineligible for automatic Israeli citizenship, The Jerusalem Post, Hadashot and Yediot Ahronot reported.…"Messianic Jews attempt to reverse the wheels of history by 2,000 years," Justice Elon wrote in a passage quoted by the Israeli newspapers. "But the Jewish people has decided during the 2,000 years of its history" that Messianic Jews "do not belong to the Jewish nation and have no right to force themselves on it. Those who believe in Jesus are, in fact, Christians."
  110. ^ Izenberg, Dan (April 22, 2008). "Court applies Law of Return to Messianic Jews because of fathers". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 2008-04-24. An article published in the Baptist Press after the High Court ruling was handed down maintained that the court had ruled that 'the Messianics should receive equal treatment under the Israeli Law of Return, which says that anyone who is born Jewish can immigrate from anywhere in the world to Israel and be granted citizenship automatically.' But, as was explained to The Jerusalem Post by a legal assistant to Myers, this is apparently a misunderstanding of the ruling, which determined that the petitioners were entitled to automatic new immigrant status and citizenship precisely because they were not Jews as defined by the Law of Return, but rather because they were the offspring of Jewish fathers.
  111. ^ "Messianic Ruling". cbn.com. CBNnews.com. 2008. Retrieved 2008-04-17. Myers told CBN News, "The bottom line is that if your father is Jewish or if any of your grandparents are Jewish from your father's side – even if you're a Messianic Jew – you can immigrate to Israel under the law of return or under the law of citizenship if you marry an Israeli citizen."
  112. ^ "2008 Report on International Religious Freedom – Israel and the occupied territories". Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, US Government. Retrieved 2008-09-29.
  113. ^ Wagner, Matthew. "US report: Rise in violence against Messianic Jews and Christians". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 2010. Retrieved 2008-09-26. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |archivedate= (help)
  114. ^ Azulai, Yuval (October 3, 2009). "איך נלחם ארגון "יד לאחים" ביהודים המשיחיים? רמז: כל האמצעים כשרים[[Category:Articles containing Hebrew-language text]]". Haaretz (in Template:He icon). Retrieved August 10, 2010. {{cite web}}: URL–wikilink conflict (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)

Further reading

  • Brown, Dr., Michael. Rabbinic Objections. Chosen People Ministries.
  • Cohn-Sherbok, Dan (1 February 2001). Messianic Judaism. Continuum International Publishing Group. ISBN 0-8264-5458-5.
  • Cohn-Sherbok, Dan, ed. Voices of Messianic Judaism: Confronting Critical Issues Facing a Maturing Movement, Messianic Jewish Resources International (June, 2001), ISBN 1-880226-93-6
  • Feher, Shoshanah. Passing Over Easter: Constructing the Boundaries of Messianic Judaism, AltaMira Press (1998), ISBN 0-7619-8953-6; 0761989528
  • Fieldsend, John. Messianic Jews – Challenging Church And Synagogue, Monarch Publications/MARC/Olive Press, (1993), ISBN 1-85424-228-8
  • Fischer, John, ed.; The Enduring Paradox: Exploratory Essays in Messianic Judaism, Messianic Jewish Resources International (July, 2000), ISBN 1-880226-90-1
  • Fruchtenbaum, Arnold, ThM, PhD.; "Messianic Christology" ISBN 0-914863-07-X
  • Fruchtenbaum, Arnold, ThM, PhD.; "Hebrew Christianity: Its Theology, History & Philosophy" ISBN 0-914863-01-0
  • Fruchtenbaum, Arnold, ThM, PhD.; A Passover Haggadah for Jewish Believers" ISBN 0-914863-04-05
  • Green, William, PhD. "A History of the 20th Century Movement in America of "Jewish Believers" in "Yeshua Ha Mashiach" (Jesus Christ)".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Goldberg, Louis, ed. How Jewish Is Christianity? Two Views On The Messianic Movement, Zondervan, (2003), ISBN 0-310-24490-0
  • Gruber, Daniel, The Church and the Jews: The Biblical Relationship (Springfield, MO: General Council of the Assemblies of God, Intercultural Ministries, 1991)
  • Gruber, Daniel, Torah and the New Covenant—An Introduction (Elijah Publishing 1998) ISBN 0-9669253-0-0
  • Harris-Shapiro, Carol. Messianic Judaism: A Rabbi's Journey through Religious Change in America, Beacon Press, 1999, ISBN 0-8070-1040-5
  • Hefley, James C. The New Jews, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (1974), ISBN 0-8423-4680-5
  • Hegg, Tim. The Letter Writer: Paul's Background and Torah Perspective, First Fruits of Zion, (2002), ISBN 1-892124-16-5
  • Juster, Daniel. Growing to Maturity: A Messianic Jewish Guide, Union of Messianic Congregations; 3rd ed. (1987), ISBN 0-9614555-0-0
  • Juster, Daniel. Jewish Roots – A Foundation Of Biblical Theology, Destiny Image; 3rd ed. (1995), ISBN 1-56043-142-3
  • Kinzer, Mark. Postmissionary Messianic Judaism, Brazos, (November 2005), ISBN 1-58743-152-1
  • Pearce, Tony. The Messiah Factor, New Wine Press, (Spring 2004), ISBN 1-903725-32-1
  • Prill, Patrick (2004). ISBN 0974208604 Expectations About God And Messiah. Yeshua Publishing LLC. {{cite book}}: Check |url= value (help)
  • Rausch, David A (September 15–22). The Messianic Jewish Congregational Movement. Christian Century. p. 926. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  • Robinson, Rich, ed. The Messianic Movement: A Field Guide For Evangelical Christians From Jews For Jesus, Purple Pomegranate Publications, (2005), ISBN 1-881022-62-5
  • Schiffman, Dr Michael. Return Of The Remnant – The Rebirth Of Messianic Judaism, Lederer Books, (1996), ISBN 1-880226-53-7
  • Schonfield, Hugh (1936). London: Duckworth http://ia310805.us.archive.org/1/items/TheHistoryOfJewishChristianity/HistoryOfJewishChristianity.pdf. {{cite book}}: Missing or empty |title= (help); Text "History of Jewish Christianity" ignored (help)
  • Scholem, Gershom. The Messianic Idea in Judaism and other Essays on Jewish Spirituality, (1971), ISBN 978-0805210439
  • Stern, David H. Messianic Jewish Manifesto, Messianic Jewish Resources International, (May, 1988), ISBN 965-359-002-2
  • Telchin, Stan. Messianic Judaism is Not Christianity, Chosen Books (September, 2004), ISBN 0-8007-9372-2

External links

General

Denominations

Hebrew roots

Criticism

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