Customer Reviews (4)

Fascinated
A fascinating collection of lectures.The discussion of some of the more bizarre, and yet intellectual followers of Shabtai Zvi into the 20th century is amazing.I had never understood antinomianism, but Scholem explains the thinking and rationale behind it brilliantly.

Jews gone wild
The first half of this book discusses the evolution and decay of the Sabbatai Zevi messianist movement: not just of its birth (discussed in more detail in Scholem's book Mystical Messiah) but also of its slow decay.(For readers unfamiliar with Zevi, a brief summary: in the mid-1660s, Jews throughout the world came to believe Zevi was the Messiah; after being threatened with execution by the Ottoman Empire, Zevi converted to Islam.Nevertheless, some Jews continued to believe in him until the 19th century).

Scholem proposes two possible causes for the survival of Sabbatianism after Zevi's apostasy.First, 17th-century kabbalah (the Jewish mystical tradition) saw Messianic renewal not just as a nationalist rebirth of a Jewish state, but as a more spiritual process transforming all of creation, ultimately leading to Messianic deliverance.Scholem speculates that kabbalism made it easier for Jews to trust their own personal experiences over historical reality; as a result, some Jews could not admit "that their own personal experience had been false and untrustworthy."Moreover, many Jews had left countries (most notably Spain) where they were forced to practice Judaism in secret; thus, they found it easy to believe that Zevi was doing the same.

Scholem also addresses the Sabbatians' split-up into multiple factions."Moderate" Sabbatians continued to follow halacha (Jewish law) believing that they were bound to do so until Messianic deliverance reappeared.But more radical Sabbatians either followed Zevi's lead by apostasizing, and/or by secretly rejecting halacha (Jewish law).The radicals believed that since the Messiah had come, the commandments of the Torah were abrogated, based on the idea of a "mystical Torah" of absolute freedom predating creation.Some radicals even suggested that Zevi (or even later Sabbatian leaders) was an incarnation of God.But as the memories of Zevi grew fainter and fainter, Sabbatianism decayed; some Sabbatians assimilated into Christianity and Islam, while in the 19th century, others embraced secularism or Reform Judaism.

Like Sabbatians, Hasidim embraced mysticism.But they focused on individual redemption rather than universal social redemption, thus reducing the temptation to expect imminent messianic deliverance.Scholem also points out that both Sabbatians and Hasidim embraced the concept of leaders "descending in order to rise" into the world of the less-holy.Where Sabbatians saw the "descent" of their Messiah as apostasy or as violations of halacha, Hasidim saw their rebbes "descending" into the realm of the mundane by teaching and leading their flock (rather than engaging in solitary communion with the Divine).

Most of the last third of the book is less interesting than Scholem's essays on Sabbatianism and Hasidism; to a greater extent than the first few, they focus on issues which require a very high level of cultural literacy (such as a book review of a now-obscure book, or a discussion of Martin Buber's German translation of the Torah).A fortunate exception is Scholem's essay on the Star of David; he shows that the hexagram was not a purely Jewish symbol until the 14th century, when the Jews of Prague placed it on a flag (perhaps because its use on magical amulets was then common).The symbol did not spread to eastern Europe until the 19th century, when the emancipated Jews of Europe wanted to show their respectability by having a symbol in their synagogues as simple to understand as the Christian cross.

Discourse on Messianic Judiasm
The large majority of this book discusses the rise and fall of messianism through the medieval period and how it affects Judaism today. There are also other essays present that discuss the history of the Star of David symbolism and the mystical golems.

The author presents the case of how Sabbatianism and Hasidism influenced the messianic themes that are prevalent in today's Judiasm. Some of the more interesting readings cover the notion of Sabbatianism and its transformation to a sect that believes in a messiah that pointed the way to redemption through sin as a result of its heretical leadership.

Identifying some of the religious inadequacies of Sabbatianism and how they gave rise to Hasidism and the notion of a messianism that focuses on self and personal redemption, the author presents a plausible argument worthy of serious debate for years to come.

Messianism, Antinomianism, and Jewish Spirituality
Gershom Scholem, recognized as one of the foremost academic scholars of Jewish mysticism of the 20th century, presents here an excellent series of essays exploring the crises caused by fits of messianism in Judaism, especially the Sabbatian crisis.

The essays include:

Toward an Understanding of the Messianic Idea in Judaism- details the concept of the messiah (mosiach) in the Hebrew exoteric traditions throughout history.

The Messianic Idea in Kabbalism- explores the origins of kabbalistic messianism in Isaac Luria and how this paved the way for Sabbatai Zevi.

The Crisis of Tradition in Jewish Mysticism- discusses the antinomian tendencies of messianic movements (esp. in the Sabbatians and post-Sabbatians, such as the Frankists and the Donme) and how Jewish law is abridged by proclamations of a new law, which is further advanced in the next essay,

Redemption through Sin- a more thorough look at antinomianism in Judaism, and how it stems from the idea of Spiritual Torah vs. Written Torah.

Further essays explore the Donme movement in greater detail, takes a look at a rare Sabbatian will from a Sabbatian who lived in New York in the 1800's, further essays on Hasidism and it's retort to Messianism, as well as the mystical aspects of Devekut (Hasidic "Cleaving to God"), and further essays in Jewish scholarship and an essay on the birth of the Star of David as a Jewish symbol.

Highly recommended to all parties interested in more advanced scholarship in Kabbalah and Jewish Heresy. ... Read more

Product Description
In the first century of the Common Era, tens of thousands of Jewish people followed Yeshua (Jesus), believing him to be the promised Messiah of Israel. They didn't renounce their heritage, their cust ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Messianic Jewish Manifesto: A "Social Darwinist" Deception!
In the mid-90's David Stern's revolutionary book , "The Messianic Jewish Manifesto" started turning belief towards strict Torah Observance. I believe that Stern's intent was that of dismantling the "Pauline" teachings of Grace, to revert back to the Law. He and other supportive Messianic Jews resented the teachings of Grace having supremacy over Torah. He therefore intentionally rebelled against New Covenant doctrine believing that Jews would not accept any Gospel except one that was totally Torah observant. In doing this, he and other supportive teachers adopted a dangerously heretical course. Strict Torah observance has now become the standard in much of the Messianic Jewish movement. Stern's book adopts a "Social Darwinist" form of deception by promoting an erroneous historical portrait of Paul to conform to his religious and social agenda. Social Darwinists justify promoting the "big lie" if it serves to promote the continuity of their social cause. It may have been a 'Freudian slip" when Stern used the term "manifesto" in his revolutionary book.Stern's use of Marx missed the Biblical mark!

Read more at [...]

Messianic Judaism
I'm still reading the book.I've been slow because I'm underlining a lot of text.The book is deep; well-researched.I'm getting a lot from it.I have David Stern's "Complete Jewish Bible." His translation is the way it should have been done from the beginning.Since the church has been grafted into the promises God made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we are intrinsicly related to Israel and brothers and sisters in the Messiah.I recommend this book for Messianic Gentiles (Christians) and seeking Jews.

Problems with the book
Mr. Stern asserts that when the Apostle Peter (Shmon Kefa) wrote in 1 Peter 4:16, "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf" he was claiming that for a Jewish person to be called a Christian is an insult that causes suffering. He does not believe Peter would admit to being a Christian per se.

Needless to say, this is absurd and immediately registered with my spirit that this author is clearly off the mark.

It is the completed work of the cross, the shed blood of God's Lamb outside Jerusalem, that makes us able to stand before Elohim. It is the resurrection from the dead, and the ascension to the Father, and the pouring out of the Spirit. Peter would not be ashamed of the Gospel of Messiah/Christ "for it is the power of God to salvation for all who believe."

Secular Jerusalem is "spiritually called Sodom and Egypt" in the book of Revelation, because like any secular city it needs to repent and come to the KING'S CROSS for salvation and cleansing. A true believer in Yeshua/Jesus has citizenship in the New Jerusalem, not the secular one.

I support bringing the Gospel to Jewish people embracing Jewish culture and roots. However, I do not support the denial that there is a New Covenant replacing the Old Covenant, nor do I support the idea that Christian and Messianic were different terms in the first century Greek. They mean "Anointed", and certainly Peter would not be ashamed of being an "Anointed One" when his shadow healed the sick by God's Holy Spirit.

Most Jew's think this is a Book of Conversion
If you are a Practicing Jew then you might feel like this Book trying to Convert you to Messianic Judaism however it is just an informitive Book about the Messianic Christian Practice of the Old and New Testament So to say that this Book is trying to convert someone is totally wrong please leave your opinion to the Reader.... Sincerly Joe Berry

Better than expected.
This book is wonderful for anyone who is either new to Messianic Judaism or anyone who is curious about what it really is.David Stern gives thorough explanations and historical verifiable information.I also have the Complete Jewish Bible by Stern and this book really complements the Bible and helps me understand everything with much more depth. ... Read more

Product Description
This pioneering book reevaluates the place of converts from Judaism in the narrative of Jewish history. Long considered beyond the pale of Jewish historiography, converts played a central role in shaping both noxious and positive images of Jews and Judaism for Christian readers. Focusing on German Jews who converted to Christianity in the sixteenth through mid-eighteenth centuries, Elisheva Carlebach explores an extensive and previously unexamined trove of their memoirs and other writings. These fascinating original sources illuminate the Jewish communities that the converts left, the Christian society they entered, and the unabating tensions between the two worlds in early modern German history. The book begins with the medieval images of converts from Judaism and traces the hurdles to social acceptance that they encountered in Germany through early modern times. Carlebach examines the converts' complicated search for community, a quest that was to characterise much of Jewish modernity, and she concludes with a consideration of the converts' painful legacies to the Jewish experience in German lands. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Nothing's changed
The author provides a realistic account of Christian treatment of Jews living in Germany during the 1500 - 1750 time period. The focus is what happened to many individual Jews when confronted by demands for religious conversion.Some background is provided to place this in German history within the context of the Spanish iniquisition and before that the 1st crusade both of which specialized in issuing Jewish 'conversion or death' ultimatums.

The narrative is very straightforward and powerful as he unfolds situation after situation in how the Jews were mistreated by Christians. Christian baptism was largely unhelpful even hurtful for thos who chose conversion. Their choices were mostly forced by others who did little to follow through with charity or personal interest in converts welfare.

Martin Luther wasn't alone in his anti-semitic preaching, he followed this same medieval Christian"logic" for the eternal salvation of Jewish souls. It's a very disheartening aspect of thought and resultant very bad behavior that still hasn't been learned by many modern Christians. Catholics and evangelicals appear today with their hands still in the spiritual cookie jar.

Read this book to understand why contemporary Jewish leaders are so strongly opposing Christian missionary efforts. The makeup on today's missionary efforts may look more attractive but they're driven by the same superiority complex as described in this book.

Along with this book I recommend those of Jeremy Cohen, especially his books titled "Santifying the Name" and "Christ Killers". Also the book by B Netanhayu is excellent "Origins of the Inquisition." ... Read more

Product Description
Here is a collection of substantive articles compiled to focus discussion on some weighty matters facing the Messianic Jewish movement. Reform rabbi, Dr. Dan Cohn-Sherbok, though not a Messianic Jew, is a friend of the movement. He believes that Messianic Judaism may be considered a branch of Judaism in this century. Professor of Judaism at the University of Wales, author of over 30 books, Rabbi Cohn-Sherbok guided the selection of topics addressed in this book. Here are some examples:

* Should Jewish believers in Messiah attend only Messianic Jewish congregations?

* Is intermarriage acceptable for Messianic Jews?

* Should liturgy have an essential role in congregational worship?

* How should outreach be accomplished?

Many of the best minds impacting this movement have contributed their thoughts to this book, creating a lively, informative, discussion. Each author, expressing his or her own view on a topic (often in direct opposition to another author), is a voice that can help this maturing movement confront the critical issues facing it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

1
This is an excellent book - recommended by a Rabbi I admire - book arrived in great condition.

Thoughtful
It is said that where there are two Jews, there are three opinions.

If that is true, then this book illustrates that Messianic Judaism is a true Judaism.Dan Cohn-Sherbok, not a Messianic Jew himself, has edited this anthology that explores issues that face the movement today.These individual essays include topics such as how to view scripture, the impact of intermarriage, gentile involvement in the movement, whether to offer conversion, whether women should receive smichah, and the relationship to Israel.

I'd say it's a must for those inside Messianic Judaism, and could be instructive for those on the outside who have at least visited Messianic congregations. ... Read more

Product Description
The apostle Paul wrote that all believers--Jewish and Gentile--are to serve the Lord together as "one new man." But a growing movement today seeks to keep that from happening.As Stan Telchin explains, proponents of Messianic Judaism are confusing both Jewish and Gentile followers of Jesus and dividing the church. Their insistence on following rabbinic form and their statements that Jewish believers need to be in Messianic synagogues in order to maintain their identities are unbiblical. Telchin discusses the growth of this movement, its unscriptural doctrines, and its ineffectiveness in Jewish evangelism. Those who have been swept up by the nostalgia and beauty of "Jewishness" or who have been hurt by division in the Body or who love Israel will find their hearts and minds freed by this firm but loving message. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Hermanuitcally wrong! Many errors!
Hermanutally wrong! Many errors in his premise. This is not theologically correct. He is stating his personal opinion.

Messianic Judaism is Not Christianity:A Loving Call to Unity by: Stan Telchin
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0800793722/ref=cm_cr_rev_prod_title

I highly recommend this short read some 160 pgs. to anyone who has ever wondered about the very essence of just how Scripturally the whole idea of how Messianic Judaism plays out when balanced with a perspective that is purely Biblical. Especially when we see so many confused about the precedent of untold numbers of Dear Jewish people coming into the fold of the greater Body of Messiah Y'shua/Jesus, where the partitioning wall of separation is not only removed but kept at bay. Where the real emphasis about what the God of Israel is doing in these critical days, in keeping with no 2nd class Believers in the New solidarity that comes with this Image of the New Man in the greater Body of Y'shua/Jesus. A most provocative read indeed... but who said the Truth would be easy. My hat's off to Stan Telchin for the courage and steadfastness in putting himself in the hot seat with such disclosure in demonstrating what a true Jew actually is... one who prefers the Praises of G-d to the praises of man... no matter what opposition should invariably ensue.

A Christ-centered Perspective
The full title is, "Some Messianic Jews Say 'Messianic Judaism IS NOT Christianity,' A Loving Call To Unity" (Grand Rapids: Chosen Books, 2004). Stan Telchin writes as an 80-year-old Jewish Christian with a long and extensive experience in Christian pastoring and evangelism.InChapter 7 entitled "One New Man" he presents an eloquent loving plea for unity in the Body of Christ, based on his own personal experiences. "... while before I was saved my identity was in the fact that I was Jewish, now that I am saved my identity is in Messiah Jesus. The Bible tells me that I am Complete in Him. Of course, I am still Jewish and still a man and still an American, but my spiritual identity is now in Him and not in Rabbinic Judaism."(P. 87). Telchin says that Rabbinic Judaism is a non-Biblical man-made "Judaism" established after 70 AD, and that the only authentic Judaism is found in Jesus Christ, the True Messiah of Judaism. He bases his claim that our only true spiritual identity is found in Christ on texts like 2 Cor. 5:16-17;Gal. 3:26-28; 1:11-12;Eph. 2:11-16; 3:4-6; 4:1-6, 12-14, 22-24; and John 17:20, etc. Telchin describes how he discovered his true spiritual identity in Christ."What I was reading seemed to be saying that my Jewishness did not matter to God, and that other believer's Gentileness did not matter to God. In God's sight we were equally new creations. ... --if Jesus is Lord of our lives, we are joined together spiritually as new creations. ... Galatians 3:26-28: `You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.'" (p. 90)."Then in Galatians 1:11-12, Paul stressed that Gospel he was preaching did not come to him from men. It was revealed to him by God. This verse emphasized for me that much of what I was hearing in the Messianic synagogue I attended were the differing opinions and theories of men and not the Word of God. When I really understood this truth, I began to look differently at myself and those around me. I began to see individual believers from what I perceived to be God's perspective of them." (p. 91). "I had become confused by the different winds of doctrine that were being proclaimed by certain leaders in Messianic Judaism. ... Because we were being encouraged to follow the teachings of men rather than the Word of God. Why was that? Because our leaders did not stress or demand our full submission to God's Word. Instead they seemed to be trying to gain the acceptance of the rabbis and of the Jewish establishment." (p. 93)."...Messiah Jesus is to be our model. According to God's Word, our present objective is to grow and become more like Jesus... Ephesians 4:22-24 ... This passage says to put off the old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to submit to becoming new in the attitude of our minds and finally to put on the new self, which is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (p. 94, emphasis added.). "Throughout the New Covenant we see that our focus is not to be on us! It is to be on Him!" (p. 95). "Instead of looking to the Word of God for instruction about how we are to live our lives and bring glory to His name, many Jewish believers have fallen into the trap of becoming preoccupied with themselves and with their separate ministries. They also have set out to prove to the rabbis, to the Jewish community and perhaps even to themselves that--even though they believe in Jesus--they are still Jewish!" (p. 97). "As those in the Messianic movement stress their `Jewishness,' they separate themselves from the rest of the body of Christ. Instead of being united by the Holy Spirit in love, believers are being divided into camps or movements by the rabbinic practices they choose to emphasize--or by the leaders they choose to follow. And the unity that God desires for us all continues to be broken. Endless debates go on...." (p. 98). "What we have seen occur within the Messianic movement is a most tragic shift in purpose. Where the original emphasis of the movement was to share the Gospel with Jewish people, the present purpose appears to be the protection of their now enshrined--and institutionalized--doctrine and rituals." (p. 100).
Comment: Telchin has pointed out not only a basic problem in Messianic Judaism, but in Christianity as a whole. Each Christian communion emphasizes its distinctive differences-- rather than their common identity factors "in Christ." This brings schism to the body of Christ and destroys the unity for which Christ prayed in John 17. Where is true spiritual identity and unity of Christians to be found? In each group's "unique identity" and "unique doctrines."? Or in the "core identity factors" centered in Christ? Here is a key question--what are the "true" "core identity factors" of "true" Christianity? Each sect thinks it has found them--to the exclusion of all others! Each sect believes Christ has fulfilled His promise that His Holy Spirit would lead them "into all truth" -to each of them individually and exclusively! This is the cause of the endemic "unity" problem that divides Christianity, and the root cause of each group's "identity problem." As Telchin puts it, each seeks "the protection of their now enshrined--and institutionalized--doctrine and rituals." But "our focus is not to be on us! It is to be on Him!" Essentially, our problem is "self-centeredness" rather than "Christ-centeredness" - a transgression of the First Commandment.

Good points - Wise warning to stay Biblically grounded
I hear the feelings behind some of the reviews, where some were ruffled by some of Telchin's words.

Let me address that first: YES he is plain spoken, and at 80-something, he has a right to be. Experience speaks louder than fancy degrees. I propose to respect the source, examine the evidence, and prayerfully seek the Spirit's guidance as I prove anything that strikes me as questionable.

This author is a good communicator by definition: clear points, clear position on issues, based on clear examples, with logic easy to follow - prompting a response from the audience! (It needn't be a positive response.)

The book is easily read, in layout and logical sequence. No flowery, tedious academic lingo. No overbearing religious verbage. Yay!

Of course, anyone deeply in love with their faith, race, or traditions will get upset when they feel threatened in those areas. Hopefully that will motivate them to challenge THEMSELVES about why they believe what they "always believed". Tradition does not translate into "truth".

So, he is right that:
1) Messianic Jews are ethno-centric to a fault
2) Such congregations attract many "Gentiles"
3) Leadership tends to be kept among "Jewish" members
4) they express joyful praise, dance, and worship with an ethnic flavor
5) There is a tendency to keep all speakers on Jewish themes; all performers Messianic
6) Confusion exists over "the Law" and the New Covenant: how much tradition should be practiced?
7) Messianics do NOT want to be called "Christians"
8) Ethnic identity seems to be the primary defining point among the members, with Jesus second, and the wider Church absent
9) They can express an Us and Them attitude against the Church
10) They appeal to Christians because they embrace Jesus and the faith's Jewish roots

Adding to Telchin's points, I have observed in my own congregation:

a) Some members stress out over things that "might offend" visitingunsaved Jews - nevermind that this can offend Gentiles "not under law"
b) Many are "pro-Jewishly prejudiced" focusing all missions on Jewish causes, and the Israeli state
c) They believe the Jews are ALL of Israel (nevermind the 10 lost tribes) so every non-Jewish person must therefore be a Gentile
d) Christianity is seen as corrupted "too much" to become part of
e) Selective blindness about the faults of Judaism that also corrupt it
f) Religious and racial fears are still significant: fear of losing their "jewishness"
g) Passion "to reach Jews with the gospel" - and ONLY Jews!
h) Refusal to stop separating Jew and Gentile in word and thought
i) Pride in ethnic heritage that sets apart from other fellowships
j) Insistence on consulting the oral laws and rabbinical teachings, regardless of their Biblical incorrectness

But note - it is young, as movements go. Change is going to keep happening, as God guides them towards maturity. He is also guiding the Church towards unity - and obedience to His word. Both Jew and Christian have false doctrines to shed. And traditions God has not commanded. And prejudices to overcome.

Let's not throw rocks at other believers...
Remember the woman taken in adultery.

Intercede for them with prayer and fasting combined together.

THAT pleases God.
Not "textbook perfectness".

It is good for ethnic groups to celebrate their heritage, in Church, and at home. The problem is when it becomes the central reason for getting together, and makes division within the Church. Exclusiveness causes division. Pride, fear, and misunderstanding do too. The book notes these problems, which are present in varying degrees throughout the movement.

Yes, we know ALL congregations are not on the same page. It's just like grade school: some As some Fs.

Ethnic Jews will always be "jewish", just as I will always be ethnic Yugoslavian. Being "saved" does not change my heritage. It DOES change my spiritual life completely, though. And as the author explains, a central error of Messianics, as of other Jews, is the feeling that "Christian = Gentile". I often point out that my brethren are "Children of God of Jewish descent", not Jews in faith any more.

It is vitally true that Orthodox Jews don't accept Jesus, or his adherents - we are "Pagans" and such apostate Jews are "dead"!

So, as Telchin wrote, "the Jews" will never accept such people and hear their witness - they are worse than Gentiles. Their continued existence is an offense to God. So they hate Messianics, and all the attempts at keeping jewish appearances only upset them more.

See the virulently anti-christian, and anti-messianic-jew book "Make Us a God - a Jewish Response to Hebrew Christianity" byChaim Picker - a former Jew, then minister, then Orthodox cantor.

Also written in an intellectual, clear perspective, it illuminates the scope of the religious schism. Chaim accuses missionaries of committing a "religious Holocaust" on the Jewish people, like the church tried to do in the past by burning them.

(He is apparently ignorant of the difference between Catholic Church politics, which gave us the Inquisition, and real Christianity. His arguments are oddly like those of Wiccans, who attack Christians for the same reasons!)

"Jews cannot be Christians, or they cease to be Jews" - is the mantra. Well, spiritually speaking, it is true. Ethnically, it's laughable.

Go compare these two books, and you will have a volatile dunk into the controversy and challenges of the Messianic Movement. Look up Hebrew Christians, too. That was their former name.

Remember debate is good - it forces you to examine your own logic. Understanding is always valuable, and agreement with either "side" is not required.

wrong -wrong -wrong
Lord Help us
I am a follower of Christ. I am not any religion except under Jesus Christ as My Savior. I am feed up with self righteous chritsians.

This book is in error. I have turned to Messianic Judasism because I relaize Christians are ignorant. For years my Christian Church ignortantly celebrated Easter and Christmas which are clearly pagan and have nothing to do with Christ or God. Even Pagans themselves wonder why Christians celebrate thier holidays. When I looked into the meaning of these holidays it was clear that no Christian should be involved with bunnies, eggs, Christmas trees. God commands us not to follow the pagan rituals. Christians are wrapped up in thier rich churches and pagan rituals and they are forgetting the true Jesus.

I went Messianic so I could follow the way God outlined with the full benefits of having Jesus in my life-

This book is bitter and not the truth- Once aganin we have an angry christian spreading lies. ... Read more

Product Description
More than just a Messianic Bible Study, this book digs deep down into your innermost being to discover the disciple in you. As believers in Messiah, we are called to practically and actually live our lives like the Master. But many times it is a daily struggle for us to walk in the ways we know we should go. "Being a Disciple of Messiah" will help strengthen and build you up for a greater, more effective walk in Yeshua. Contains eight two-week sessions on topics including: being a disciple, counting the cost, making disciples, leading a holy life, being a person of integrity, persevering through trials, living by the Word, and walking in the Spirit. Prepare your heart for a soul-searching journey that will reveal who you truly are in Messiah, that you may know the abundance and joy of living the Messianic life. The Messianic Life Discipleship Series is intended for small group, one-on-one discipleship, or individual use. Presented from a Messianic Jewish perspective, each volume is a unique tool designed to help both new and seasoned believers alike to live a mature, fruitful life for Messiah. Based firmly in Scripture, these resources encourage transparent interaction for the purpose of changing lives. The Messianic Life Discipleship Series will continually challenge and inspire you to become more like the Master every day. Join Messianic Jewish teacher and author Kevin Geoffrey as he exhorts Messianic believers to live a life completely "sold-out" to Yeshua! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Resource!
Great resource for believers that want to dive deep in their commitment with the Messiah and the Body of Believers. ... Read more

Product Description
Get ready to cross the Jordan and enter the Land of Promise! As you listen to Moshe's words, learn from past wanderings and prepare to claim your inheritance. You can walk the path of blessing with the next generation and serve as priests. Learn to hold God in awe, keep His commands, hear His voice, and cleave to Him. In return, God promises long life in the Land, from generation to generation, to the end of time. ... Read more

Product Description
"Messianic Jewish Manifesto" offers an ideology, theology, and program for Messianic Judaism.

- A challenge to both Jews and Gentiles who honor Yeshua (Jesus) as Israel's Messiah and others involved with the movement catch the vision for its destiny, which is to heal the split between the Church and the Jewish people.

- Simultaneously 100% Messianic and 100% Jewish, we reject the "either-or" demanded by many Christians and Jews. Messianic Judaism is right, a radical solution, an idea whose time has come.

- A call to action for Messianic Jews and a source of information for others, whether in favor, opposed, or just curious. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Messianic Jewish Manifesto: A "Social Darwinist" Deception!
In the mid-90's David Stern's revolutionary book , "The Messianic Jewish Manifesto" started turning belief towards strict Torah Observance. I believe that Stern's intent was that of dismantling the "Pauline" teachings of Grace, to revert back to the Law. He and other supportive Messianic Jews resented the teachings of Grace having supremacy over Torah. He therefore intentionally rebelled against New Covenant doctrine believing that Jews would not accept any Gospel except one that was totally Torah observant. In doing this, he and other supportive teachers adopted a dangerously heretical course. Strict Torah observance has now become the standard in much of the Messianic Jewish movement. Stern's book adopts a "Social Darwinist" form of deception by promoting an erroneous historical portrait of Paul to conform to his religious and social agenda. Social Darwinists justify promoting the "big lie" if it serves to promote the continuity of their social cause. It may have been a 'Freudian slip" when Stern used the term "manifesto" in his revolutionary book.Stern's use of Marx missed the Biblical mark!

Read more at [...]
Guarding the Gospel of Grace: Contending for the Faith in the Face of Compromise (Galatians and Jude

Messianic Jewish Manefesto
This is an excellent book for someone who is Jewish and looking at the messiah Yeshua. it was well written
I am a christian man who has recently discovered my JEWISH roots.I don't know if there is a book that covers this transition. But this book talks speciffically about the Jewish person who belives in Christ. and I am very pleased to see a book like this in print.
Bravo!

Intalectual Eye Opener
This is the most concise and accurate writing that I have ever seen on this subject. I highly recommend reading this to anyone regardless of religious or ancestral background.

A Prophetic and Brilliant Work
David Stern has lived a very interesting life.Born in Los Angeles, great-grandson of two of the city's first twenty Jews, he earned a his PhD in Economics at Princeton, taught at UCLA, his Alma Mater, came to believe in Yeshua in 1972, earned a Degree at Fuller Seminary where he taught their first course on Judaism and Christianity,married in 1976 and made Aliyah (emigrated to Israel in 1979).In his younger years he ran a health food store, and co-wrote Surfing Guide to Southern California, with Bill Cleary.

Stern is not only interesting, he is brilliant. He wrote Messianic Jewish Manifesto in his twelfth year of Yeshua-faith.This is a prophetic, visionary book, not only describing Messianic Judaism as it existed in 1988, but forecasting how Messianic Judaism might and must develop to serve its God-given destiny.Those of us intimately acquainted with Messianic Judaism will find some his ideas and prognostications somewhat obvious, until we remember the book was written in 1987, published in 1988. Then the astonishment sets in.

The book is in seven chapters with an Appendix. Chapter One, "Destiny," examines why Messianic Judaism is crucial to God's purposes for the Church, for Israel, and for the world, which is the theme of the entire book.It is a compelling chapter, with a compelling ending: ""It all depends on Messianic Jews whether the theological-ideological program outlined in this book will motivate action.If the present generation is too dull to grasp it rightly, a future, finer and better generation will arise to understand it.The Messianic Jews who try it, sparking the salvation of the Jews and the fulfilling of the Church's Great Commission, will be rewarded by an eternal weight of glory, and they will deserve it."Chapter Two. "Identity," defines Messianic Judaism. Messianic Jews, and Christians,and further explores the interrelationship between the Church and Israeland the crucial role Messianic Judaism and Messianic Jews must play.In setting a standard for Messianic Jewish identity and Messianic Judaism, he also addresses substandard expressions, and provides a nuanced review of nine terms that have been used self-descriptively by Jewish believers in Jesus, and the differences between the terms.

Chapter Three, "History," begins contemplating three basic questions: (1) How can one be happy? This is the concern of psychology; (2) What should one do? This is the concern of ethics. (3) What does it all mean? This is the concern of history.Briefly, history is events interpreted. Under eight categorizations, he considers how the relalationship between the Church and the Jewish people has been and should be configured,advocating "reconciliation" as the ideal.He states, "reconciliation will involve change in both Judaism and Christianity in a direction that Messianic Judaism can help make visible, even through Messianic Judaism makes no claim to have itself already arrived at the ultimate goal."Well said and well considered, and compellingly prophetic.

In Chapter Four, "Theology," Stern provides a grab-bag of theological issues to be developed and explored by a maturing Messianic Judaism He calls for an audience-sensitive theologizing, postulating four broad audiences: Messianic Jews, non-Messianic Jews, Christians, and the rest of the world.He suggests taking an Aquinan approach: stating principles, then postulating and responding to objections from one's four audiences.Chapter Five, "Torah," examines why Messinaic Judaism cannot neglect Torah obedience, as has been Christendom's habit, providing preliminary guidelines for this project. I wanted to stand up and cheer when I read this:"I am certain that the lack of a correct, clear and relatively complete Messianic Jewish or Gentile Christian theology of the Law is . . . the greatest barrier to Jewish people's receiving the gospel.Even though many Jews do not observe Torah . . . attachment to Torah is rooted deep in the Jewish people's memory, where it affects attitudes unconsciously" (1988:125). This is his largest chapter, and he delves into a rich diversity of hot button issues, including conversion of Gentiles to Messianic Judaism.

Stern views the subject ofChapter Six, "Holiness,"to be the most important element in a Messianic Jewish vision.Here he examines what it is, why it is important, and how it should be lived out. He coins the world "programmatics," by which he means"the theological discipline of setting forth a program for all or part of the Body of Messiah. It involves stating for a group of people or an institution purposes, goals, means of attaining the goals, priorities among the goals, determination of necessary resources for reaching the goals, inventorying available resources and scheduling--in short, the basic elements of planning--but all in a theological and ideological context" (1988:200).

This he attempts to do, at least preliminarily.

In a crucial Appendix, "Restoring the Jewishness of the Gospel," he demonstrates how contextualization is NOT to be the agenda of MJ, because it would involve taking a Gentilized message and communicating it in Jewish terms rather than, as best as possible, restoring the original Jewishness of the gospel.

Stern cleverly speaks of the various kinds of evangelism normally postulated by missiologists, adding a fourth category to their three:Type I evangelism -- evangelizing nominal Christians in one's own culture, Type II -Evangelizing "people who share one's language and perhaps live in the same or a similar society, but whose cultural and religious presuppositions may be very different (1988:246); Type III evangelismwhich "brings the Gospel across cultural and lingusitic barriers that at times can seem all but insuperable [insurmountable?].

What is needed in the Jewish world is Type IV evangelism, which respects the divinely ordained unique status of the Jewish people, that they are "God's people in a sense that applies to no other people on earth" (1988:248)." . . . the Jewish people are more than a culture, they are the people of God.Therefore, the task in relation to Jews is not to contextualize the Gospel as it has come to non-Jews, with their pagan history, but rather to communicate a Gospel which is theologically correct vis-a-vis the Jewish people, whose history and role in communicating gods salvation is an eternal part of Holy Scripture.Type IV Evangelism is needed to evangelize the people of God (1988:248-249).

No Messianic Jewish missiologist or leader can ignore this book, a rich and well thought out blueprint for all later attempts at configuring Messianic Jewish life, community and theology.I found some of his pietistic and charismatic/Pentecostal presuppositions a bit confining, but this does not diminish my admiration for the work.The layout of the book shows that he developed an outline for the endeavor and worked from that, and I cannot but admire the orderliness and discipline of his thought.

You will too.

I recommend another book
V'Da Mah SheTashiv: Know What To Answer (To Missionaries)A Thorough Jewish response To Missionaries ... Read more

Product Description
A history of the founding and doctrines of Messianic Jewish Faith in the United States. How messianic faith fulfills prophetic word in the Bible in the last days. Scripture proofs of the Messianic Jewish faith. What Messianic Groups believe and how they are rooted in the Old Testament. Where the name of Jesus appears in the Old Testament. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Some people will believe anything
No serious Jew would ever entertain becoming a Messianic Jew. Just ask yourself why our Jewish ancestors kept Jewish when it would have been so easy to become Christian. So now they've invented a way of being Jewish and believing in Jesus. I see another review says that messianic Jews need support - too right, cos there is no basis for their belief in Jesus. No world peace, no Kingdom of Heaven, nothing to support Jesus as the Messiah. He was a Jew who was killed by the Romans. This book tries to pull the wool over your eyes. Don't be a dupe. If you are wondering why this book is so pointless and wrong, go and consult your local Orthodox Rabbi.

The Olive Tree and the Fig Tree
this excellent book provides a spiritual and historic insight into the roots of the Modern Messianic Movement.It provides the needed scriptual support that Jewish people seek when asking the Question....Is Yeshua(jesus) truly the Messiah promised to Israel. ... Read more

Product Description
Messianic Judaism is a modern movement with an ancient past. Its resurgence in these last days may hold the key to world redemption. A bridge between Jews and Christians, today’s Messianic Jewish movement is being used by God to reach his chosen people. Dr. Michael Schiffman, a Messianic Jew, gives us a comprehensive understanding of Messianic Judaism. In Return of the Remnant he: documents Messianic Jewish history from the first century to today; explains where Messianic Judaism fits theologically and culturally; examines difficult issues concerning both Jews and non-Jews--the Law, the tri-unity of God, etc. He reports his research on modern Messianic congregations and shows how Messianic Judaism relates to both synagogue and church. Paperback, 180 pages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

DX: Purely ponderous drudgery:-(
The author frequently rhetorically contradicts himself.Content information is shallow historically and theologically, and at times is in error. The 38 pages of statistics at the end of the book are wanting and appear to be just filler to increase the size of the book.Not very scholarly.

For more concise, un-biased, information on the history, theology and sociology of Messianic Judaism I highly recommend Carol Harris-Shapiro's book, "Messianic Judaism, A Rabbi's Journey through Religious Change in America."Rabbi Harris-Shapiro gives a more detailed and concise overview.

Hard questions answered
Micheal Shiftman gives a very readable introduction to messianic Judism. He addresses areas of conflict between rabinical Judism and traditional christian thought by restoring the first century meaning behind Yeshuah'sand Rav. Shaul's(Paul's), teaching. I reccomend it as a book for those whowant to know how Messianic Judism has developed,and its historicalbackground. ... Read more

Product Description
A Messianic Jewish Devotional With Prayers We are traveling to a distant place. God, our loving Father, is taking us on a journey of holiness bringing us to Himself. On the way allow God to heal your wounded heart learn to forgive those who hurt you establish a firm scriptural foundation receive God's answers for your life The book is divided into 2-3 page easy to read devotionals. A scripture from the First Covenant (The Old Testament) is selected. It is explained in its Biblical context, including the Hebrew with meanings of key words. It includes an application to your life and then a prayer so you can pray the scripture into your life. A great way to start worship/dance classes with prayer Give as a gift to inspire a friend Give to your Jewish friend as a witnessing tool Meaningful pick-up-and-read devotional ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Messianic Jewish Devotional
This is a pick up and read devotional that starts my day with a bang. Not only are the 2-3 page devotionals insightful they always speak to the heart of my problem. They do not have to be read in order but are well organized into categories. All the Scriptures are from the Old Testament. Hebrew words are included and explained. I can't recommend it more highly. It really helped me through some difficult situations.

wonderful devotional
I recently bought a copy ofWalking On The Highway Of Holiness, and started using it as a daily devotional. Every day, without fail, what is written on the pages of that book speaks directly to my heart, and meets an immediate need.
... Read more

Product Description
Yeshua and his Jewish followers began a new movement--Messianic Judaism--2000 years ago. In the twentieth century, it was reborn, and now, at the beginning of the twenty-first century, it is maturing. The Enduring Paradox is a collection of essays from some of the top contributors to the theology of this vital movement of God. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Great and hepful in theology and hsitory, but some confusion on practical issues
The Enduring Paradox is a survey of Messianic Judaism, covering three main areas: Theology, Israel, and Practical Jewish issues.Overall it is a very concise treatment of a lot of important topics in the Messianic movement.

The theology section is fantastic.For example, Walter Kaiser (who has written extensively on the Tanach, or "Old Testament") contributed a fantastic survey of the Messianic prophecies.This is required reading for all who take the Bible seriously, weather Christian, Jew, or Messianic Jew.John Fisher's section on the covenant aspect of the Scripture is also very informative, especially for those new to Messianic Jewish thinking.Schiffman does as nice job discussing the nature of God, Father Son and Spirit, into a Jewish context (but is very brief ... a shame!).

The section about Israel is also very good.Elliot Klayman's brief survey of the Israeli law of return is very relevant.David Stern, who has also written extensively on Messianic Issues, also contributes two very nice articles on how the land and in particular Jerusalem is vital to the promised of God.These essays, and in particular the one on Jerusalem, should be required reading for Christians who don not understand "the fascination" with the land of Israel.

The practical issues section was also very helpful, but there were a few warning flags.I found the essay by Patrice Fisher on the assimilation of Jews in America to be very helpful, especially in terms of outreach to the Jewish community.But another article by Patrice is very weak, by saying some Gentiles "may wish to formally convert to Judaism."This is not only a clear violation of Scripture, but will further enrage the Jewish community against Messianic Jews with what may turn out to be deception.Patrice also walks a fine line saying that Gentiles can be members of Messianic fellowships provided they "maintain Torah practices like biblical God-fearing gentiles."Not enough discussion is really devoted to what that means because for example, not all Messianic congregations keep kosher, and some who claim to really don't.In addition, John Fischer has a good essay about rabbinic tradition.I loved his article in the sense he explains that not everything the Rabbis said was bad, a point many Christians fail to realize.But Fischer dramatically oversimplifies the problem, because the Talmud for example has many things in it that Yeshua (Jesus) condemned and Fischer magically omits these issues from his essay.The Talmud is what it is; it is like a commentary and in commentary some are bad and some are good.

Overall this is a very insightful book that Messianic Jews will find helpful in their walk with God.There is a lot of Scripture in it and as such it might be useful for Christians to understand the Messianic position, for example to deal with issues of "Replacement Theology."When appropriate, the authors point out mistakes in Christianity without mocking their Christian brothers; I found this tone very mature and loving.I would give it 5 stars but those odd comments in Patrice Fisher's essays make me consider it a 4.5 stars or so book.

Stimulating Insights About Messianic Judaism &Jewish Roots
Reviewed by Ed Vasicek, Author of The Midrash Key: Pinpointing the Old Testament Texts from Which Jesus Preached

"The Enduring Paradox" is a collection of scholary but clear essays addressing theological and practical questions of interest to Messianic Jews and students of Scripture in general.
The essayists include some big guns in the evangelical world, including Walter Kaiser and Louis Goldberg, as well asa number of Messianic Judaism's scholars.The editor, John Fisher (and his wife Patrice) contributes the greatest number of essays.

The book is divided into three sections, (1) Messianic Jewish Theology, (2) Messianic Jews and Israel, and (3) Practical Issues for Messianic Jews and Non-Jews.

There is much to be praised in this book.Patrice Fisher's chart on page 178, distinguishing between native-born Jews, Godfearers, Foreigners, and Pagans is simple but superb in its clarity. Lawrence Rich's chapter on "Jewish Practice and Identity in the Book of Acts" is worth the purchase price of the book.

On the negative side, John Fisher's chapter about, "Covenant, Fulfillment, and Judaism in Hebrews" seems a bit of a stretch.
It is important to interpret Scripture without a pre-existing agenda.

This book is not for everyone, but it is written clearly and it is not lenghty. Most dedicated laymen can grasp it.Good fodder for thought, especially for those who value the Jewish roots of Christianity, are serious about Bible interpretation, or participate in the Messianic Jewish movement. ... Read more

Product Description
Here are words of encouragement that offer insight into the Jewish Scriptures--both Old and New Testaments.

Twenty-two prominent Messianic contributors provide practical ways to apply biblical truth. These devotions--

* explore the Jewish roots of the New Testament
* explain Hebrew words and phrases
* are filled with anecdotes from Jewish life and literature

Jump-start your day with this unique resource. Keyed to the Hebrew calendar, this unique devotional begins with the month of Tishri.

Extensive appendices include information on the Hebrew calendar, biblical and traditional feast days, and traditional weekly readings from the Torah (Pentateuch), Haftarah (Prophets), and the Brit Chadashah (New Testament). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Nice!
This is a favorite devotional for our family, in fact all of us have a copy for ourselves.Hard to find decent Messianic devotionals.Sometimes you have to edit out/ignore a comment that is TOO rabbinic in flavor/authority, but overall it's very handy!Like this a lot!We don't agree with all of the comments at the end of the book, but overall it's a fair deal and helpful.Very good!We've seen some prayer concerns of the week, be addressed at times, in the daily devotional (of course that can happen with anything if you are trying to pursue the Voice of the Lord for real....not just the title of this book). I recommend you buy this, if you are Messianic, and are willing to study things you may not agree with on occassion.We have 5 copies!

The Voice of the Lord
I am not jewish but I do believe in my heritage as a believer. We have to know where our heritage is from before we can totally understand all what is for us. I think this devotional is great,it brings in a view which maybe different from our own.

The Voice of the Lord Messianic Jewish Daily Devotional
This is a must for those seeking understanding for their daily walk with Yeshua. It is a refreshing light with great insight and a good way to share the Word and the Good News. It is the way that our day starts and the words carry us through with a longing for what is to come the next day. It is a must for the Messianic believer.

A little gem of a devotional!
This is a little gem of a devotional!Twenty-two contributors (equivalent to the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet), representing a "broad spectrum of the Messianic Jewish community," have shared their insight into various Scripture passages, giving the book a decidedly unique perspective compared to other devotionals I have looked it.Although each day's commentary is only a page long, each devotion is packed with punch, often giving Jewish background or customs to each reading.Key Hebrew words are sprinkled throughout with the English translation included in parentheses.The Jewish calendar is followed, however Western dates, six years worth (beginning in 1998), are included so the reader can easily follow throughout the year.Each page has a side-column that shows the stage of the moon on that particular date.Also listed are any important biblical events that have occurred, as well as the traditional Jewish holy days and observances that are celebrated. A small section in the column is left for personal writing or a "prayer focus."There are three appendices that cover the biblical festivals, the traditional Jewish observances, and a synagogue reading cycle.

As a personal note, I would like to add that the reading cycle is especially insightful each week, and I realized that even more after reading the author's comments when introducing the concept to the reader:

"Do you intercede for Israel's salvation? If not, the synagogue reading cycle, like an alarm clock, can wake you up to this most important responsibility.It will remind you of the seasons when many of our people around the world are turning their hearts to God in prayer, repentance and meditation on his Word.These are the ideal times to pray for our people — marvelous windows of opportunity to send our prayers heavenward.Let us remember that the best time to pray for Israel is when Israel is praying."

— Ronni

An inspriational, educational, and practical book.
This book is really my first taste of a Messianic devotional and I really enjoy the flavor, although I concede that it may be an acquired taste.Like most devotionals, it has short daily readings that help you to thinkabout Godly things and about how you are doing in your spiritual walk withthe Lord.What sets it apart is that all 22 authors are leaders in theMessianic movement.

The authors consistently use the Hebrew (or Yiddish,etc.) terms for many words that we have translated into English, therebylosing some of the meaning and "feel" of the chosen word from theoriginal language.But not to worry, they are usually translated for youright there so that you still understand everything that is being said. This constant saturation with the more meaningful proper terms helps you tofeel closer to the Jewish people and understand their thought processbetter.Also, interjected into some of the readings are historicalaccounts or other information that would only normally be known by personswith a Jewish background, which further helps us to acquire an educatedknowledge of their culture.

Other features include the Hebrew calendardate in bold display at the top corners of each page and the correspondingGregorian calendar dates below, up through the year 2004.The names of thewriters do not appear on each page which really helps you to concentrate onthe teaching and to give glory to God and not to the man who wrote theparticular piece.However, the individual authors' initials do appear insmall fine print at the bottom so that you can look them up in the index atthe front of the book.The index, by the way, gives a brief profile ofeach author, which will also help you to get a feel for who is who in theMessianic movement around the world.There is a small sidebar for listingprayer requests and there is also a thought of the day (Today I will...) tomake the teaching practical at the bottom of each page.An inspirational,educational, practical, and handsome book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Commentary on the Jewish Roots of Romans
This is a wonderful commentary as it is presented by Joseph Shulam. He gives understanding to the difficult scriptures given to us by Paul that have not always been clear from many Christian scholars. I highly recommend this commentary to those who want a true understanding of the Book of Romans.

Theologically Weak, But Some Helpful Material
I usually gobble up "Jewish Roots" books, and have generally not been disappointed.Shullam's book, while offering some helpful material, was a let down.

First of all, his theology is not within the evangelical camp.He holds to salvation by faitfulness and baptism (which translates to salvation by faith plus works). Repeatedly throughout the volume, when he comments on Paul's doctrine of salvation by faith, he interprets it as "by faithfulness (through baptism)..."So it is pretty obvious he has an agenda that blinds him to the true nature of grace.He takes a few verses from Romans 6 and uses that as a template for the entire book rather than progressing forward and trying to follow Paul's flow of thought.

His handling of Romans 8:30ff is absolutely awful and completely unsatisfying. The passage obviously deals with all "who love God and are called according to His purpose," (i.e., individually elected to salvation); Shullam claims these verses deal with Israel's election (a subject that does not come up until later in Romans).Terrible.

Secondly, the quotations from Jewish sources rely heavily upon the Qumran Community (aka, "The Dead Sea Scroll People").Although many scholars (especially liberal ones) believe that John the Baptist and Jesus were heavily influenced by the Qumran Community because they do not believe that either of them taught anything unique or original, most conservatives reject this. Although it is possible that this isolated community did affect the Jewish mentality, they were not main players in Jewish life in the first century (which is why they are never referred to in the Gospels).Brad Young, in his book, "Jesus, the Jewish Theologian" makes the point on pages 15-16 (if you happen to own it).

Some of the quotations from the Apocrypha are enlightening, as are some from the Mishnah and Talmud; but most of them do nothing to amplify the text, and, as I mentioned, the frequently quoted Qumran texts are of debatable worth.

For Jewish roots information, I would recommed David Stern's New Testament Commentary as being on more solid footing.Though Stern does not offer the massive amount of material that Shullam does, the material he does offer is more to the point.

For readers who already have several good commentaries on Romans, I would recommed purchasing this book because it will add an occasionally useful insight from an acient Jewish source, so it is not a complete waste.It was simply a disappointment to me, because I have found other material from the Lederer publisher to be of great value.

An in-depth study by an honest man
Joseph Shulam is familiar with the traditions, practices, and history of his people - the Jews.Joseph Shulam is Jewish, but he is a Messianic Jew, which means he believes the Messiah has already come, and the Messiah is Jesus Christ.His life is an example of being on the front lines of faith, and he has been threatened, beaten, shunned, and hated because of his beiefs.

Shulam is a Biblical scholar, as well as an authority on Jewish customs and history.He brings a totally different point of view into this in-depth study of Romans because of his dual heritage.

Dedicated students of the Torah and the Bible will want to add this excellent book to their collection. ... Read more

Product Description
Historical background, modern-day customs, deep meaning for all ofGod’s people--this book covers all the "how-tos." Recipes, music, and prayers maked Hanukkah accessible to everyone. Paperback, 32 pages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

succinct resource from messianic perspective
While I don't recommend it for mainstream Jews, this booklet can be helpful for those coming from a Messianic Jewish or Hebrew Christian background (or just any Christian who wants to celebrate Hanukkah).

Clear, concise, and practical, with basic yet helpful theological insights.Will get you started if the holiday is new to you.

Good but not far enough
I found this to be a good starting point, but I believe that Hanukkah has more meaning with Y'shua in my life.I am currently evaluating it in this "light."

Great Beginning Guide
This guide was a great stepping stone to help my family celebrate Hanukkah from a messianic Jewish standpoint.We want to celebrate Hanukkah with an emphasis on Messiah Yeshua.After researching more indepth on the internet however, I wish this book explained a little more specifically about Scriptures that could be read each night and/or more modern songs.The history and reason behind celebrating Hanukkah as a believer is top notch though. ... Read more

Product Description
Most Christians imagine that the poison of anti-Judaism has been largely eliminated. In contrast, Milavec reveals how this poison has gone underground. At each step of the way, Milavec's sure hand builds bridges of mutual understanding that enable both Christians and Jews to cross the chasm of distrust and distortion that has infected both church and synagogue over the centuries. Milavec securely brings his readers to that place where Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity can again be admired as sister religions intimately united to one other in God's drama of salvation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Hard Questions
The author is Catholic, so his frame of reference involves statements issues by Catholic leaders. His position is squarely based on his initial experience with one Jewish man, Mr Martin and clearly builds from that into several tough questions about salvation from a Christian perspective.He cautions repeatedly that his topics and conclusions will make Christians uncomfortable. He deals directly with the identity of Messiah and Jewish relationships to God. Be ready since his conclusions are radical but necessary. His approach is refreshing since he's not hoping to stimulate Jewish conversion by acting respectful of their beliefs and practices (unlike the other book with the same name by another author).

Some other books that fill in more substance to this include: Jacob Neusner' Performing Israel's Faith, John Gager's Reinventing Paul and Amy Levine's The Misunderstood Jew. There's alot available on the historical Jesus, the "New" Paul and Jewish Christian relations through history. I have found books by Abraham Heschel to be excellent for some in depth Orthodox Jewish thought, especially his Heavenly Torah.

If you think Jews are lost, misguided and/or going to Hell for not accepting Jesus then read this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Seeking to explain the enigma of Messianic Judaism in North America, this work deals with issues of persecution, misrepresentation, and defamation by both Jewish and Christian groups against Messianic Jews. The text considers several aspects of Messianic Judaism, including: its attempt to explode the ancient walls erected by Jews and Christians toward one another; its search for renewal of the Jewish roots of the body of Christ; and its efforts to express biblical faith and Messianic living in a contemporary Jewish dress. ... Read more