I was raised with no understanding of Judaism, but nevertheless still felt a sense of Jewish pride and identity because of my Israeli heritage. When a Christian acquaintance suggested that I visit a “new” type of synagogue with her, I thought it would do me good to learn something about Judaism.
When I arrived on Shabbat morning, men were wearing kippot and a Menorah, Israeli flag and Star of David were on display. The lively music included some familiar Hebrew songs, but the services opened and concluded with the words, “and we pray this in Yeshua’s name.”
Because the concept of Jews believing in Jesus was confusing to me, I approached the “rabbi” after the service. He explained that there was no contradiction between these two ideas. In fact, I could become a “completed” Jew if I believed that Jesus died to save me from my sins.
So, I read all the materials he gave me, and attended services and Bible study groups at this “Messianic synagogue” on a regular basis. I was so pleased to be invited to their many parties and dinners, and soon I considered the possibility that Jesus might be the Jewish Messiah.
At the congregation, I met an older woman who was very concerned about her nephew who had been “Messianic” at one time, but no longer believed in Jesus. She wanted me to meet with Sasha and help bring him back to the fold.
When I met with Sasha, he told me that he had once believed in Jesus, but was now an observant Jew. We spoke for many hours, and I quickly began to realize how very little I knew about Judaism. Because Sasha couldn’t answer all of my questions, he suggested that I meet with Julius Ciss from Jews for Judaism, explaining that I owed it to myself to examine both sides of the issues.
When I met with Julius, I was surprised to discover that he, too, had once been a believer in Jesus. Unlike my “Messianic” friends who pushed me to accept Jesus on faith, Julius urged me to do the very opposite. He encouraged me to ask questions and use my reasoning abilities to understand the Bible. When I did so, the Jewish perspective instantly made sense to me. When I confronted the “Messianic rabbis” with all these contradictions I had discovered in Christian belief, they were totally unable to explain the inconsistencies, discrepancies and misinterpretations in their teachings.
Thanks to Jews for Judaism, I am now much closer to my Jewish roots. I am deeply grateful to have learned where I came from and where I am going. And wish me “Mazel Tov!” I recently married a wonderful Jewish man.
