Daniel - Thanks for the post. We have at least four families from our congregation coming to the seminar this coming weekend in Dallas, partially in response to a family who recently left our community to convert to Judaism and have now put Yeshua "on the shelf." However, their story is a little different from what you have seen as the norm.

Their trek began two or three years ago when they began seeking to fulfill the mitzvah of making aliyah to Israel. As all of their options came to dead ends, only conversion was left as viable option. They began conversion classes over a year ago, during which time (and actually even before this) they began struggling with the Apostolic Writings. Paul became extremely problematic and their research into the canonization of the Apostolic Writings became part of the straw that broke the camel's back. Although fitting into the Jewish community was a factor for them, I seriously don't believe it was an issue in their final decision to put Yeshua "on hold." There were multiple factors that lead them to this point.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that it's not just "Jewish peer pressure" that is pulling people away from the Master. It's our inability to be able to answer the tough questions, such as how Yeshua fulfilled the candidacy for Messiahship, and how his death & resurrection are essential components of his earthly ministry AS SPECIFIED BY TORAH/TANAKH, and not merely what Paul has to say about it. I think this is where we have painted ourselves into a corner. We need to have a "Road to Emmaus" teaching/seminar/study that lays the foundation of Messiah from a perspective that will deal with the legitimate Jewish objections to Yeshua as Mashiach (which I think you may have done a little recently). We need to build the faith of our congregations and create a firm foundation for the next generation of believers.

REPLY from dtl: Darren, I feel that, in many ways, "To Whom Shall We Go" does fill that purpose, at least the long version we did in Hudson, Wisconsin. We don't back down from the hard questions--that's for certain.
Of course there is a lot more that could be said in the Emmaus Road category. I recommend that those who want to see the argument from the Torah at least work through Torah Club Volume Two: Yeshua in the Torah.

Darren Huckey | June 24, 2007 6:56 PM

We look forward to the Messiah magazine. We have seen exactly what you have described happen in our Congregation.

On another note, have you seen a made for television movie called "Quest for the Lost Tribes". It is an A&E production, directed by Simcha Jacobovici. It is a well documented and researched 100 minute DVD that is worth watching very encouraging, intriguing and entertaining. You can find it online at AandE.com.

Daryl Olson | June 24, 2007 7:39 PM

I live near a Jewish community and have an interaction with them. I have not been asked to denounce anything or anyone as of yet. If asked to denounce the church's Jesus I certainly would-that is different than Yeshua-they teach he is a replacement for torah (believe in his name and you're saved for life with no commitments) which I do not believe. Yeshua is a different story.
What was Yeshua's purpose? To bring us back to Hashem, repent and teshuva. teshuva to what? To torah- to Hashem and His torah. Yeshua was most humble and never asked to be glorified, he was a servant as we are, we are to be like him. By following torah and being involved in the community I have a greater sense of who he is and was. His death and resurrection is for nothing if we don't follow torah. The Jews follow his teachings wether they know it or not.
Coming from a christian background I think we feel we are denouncing him if we are not worshipping him. If we do not worship him we feel we are denouncing him. This is because the church engrained in us (very deeply I might add) we must worship him. It is hard to get this out of our system. I will not denounce him when he returns and I will not denounce him now, but not many people really knows who he is. Whether we say Yeshua or jesus there is a preconceived notion in everyones mind as to who he is, we have church doctrine to thank for this. When he comes back I personally believe the observant jewish community will be the first to recognize him. The Jewish community has not accepted the church's Jesus and with good reason. So what are we afraid of when someone joins a community? What have they lost? I am truly asking a question here because I don't see the problem. Thank you for your time.

Reply from DTL: Good question Tammy. It seems like a reasonable option. Yeshua taught us to keep Torah, so why not join a Jewish community where the Torah is kept? Lot's of people have asked me that. But if that were the case, why would the Apostles have even bothered with Gospel? They were already part of a Jewish community. Why did they lay it on the line to the point of martyrdom? Why keep getting kicked out, beaten and imprisoned? Why defy the Sanehdrin's order not to speak the name of Yeshua? If we are deny Him before men, He denies us before the Father.

Tammy | June 24, 2007 8:41 PM

Daniel,

As a college student who recently became Torah-observant about a year ago, the societal pressures that are presented, especially by the mainstream Jewish community can be very great. I recently received an invitation to join the Jewish Student Association at the University that I attend. Taking the matter to my Torah community, I was surprisingly encouraged to join. I have not made any commitment at this point, and I still proceed with extreme caution at the idea. We difinitely find ourselves in a precarious situation, since we indeed do practice Judaism. Yet the very thing to which we grasp onto is Yeshua himself, which is the foundation of the Temple that exists within each one of us. As we are constantly bombarded by the societal pressure to find a box to fit into, and then to close the lid and tape it shut, I pray for patient endurance for all of us. I want to personally thank all of FFOZ for the perseverance and care with which this teaching series has been prepared and delivered. It is definitely a call to greater faith in Yeshua, and a deeper examination of ourselves. I hope to be in Dallas this weekend to learn more.

Shalom Alechem,
Wade Green

Wade Green | June 24, 2007 11:35 PM

How true and how sad this is. As a Messianic Jew it is so hard to find fellowship and understanding in many local churches who have no idea of the Jewish root of the faith. Blessings of HaShem on your endaeavors.

Leslie Strongman | June 26, 2007 1:16 AM

What about those who are for Yeshua of Nazareth but are still on the fence on Messianic Judaism (ie - your friends in evangelicalism at large)?

Reply from DTL: I'm not worried about Christianity's embrace of Messianic Judaism in its particulars. Messianic Judaism is not "the way, the truth and the life". But I am eager to see Christianity reassess Jesus and Torah.

Chris Lancaster | June 26, 2007 11:04 AM

A year ago we tried attending at a conservative synagogue. We learned a lot and could eat without wondering what went into the food, but it seemed a little shallow. Most people were following God's rules because they were the Jewish way and not because God says to do it. Before we tried the conservative synagogue, we tried a more liberal one. They were very friendly and kind, but we felt we were not learning enough. Until things change, we are doing a home study on Friday nights using the Torah Club material. We have learned a lot, but still long to be a part of people who believe like we do. I know this will not be a permanent situation. Once we get thru this, God will have something else for us! Until I read your comment, I did not give any thought about joining the Jewish community. Research has shown that we become like the people we spend the most time with! Thank you for the warning! :)

Rachel | June 26, 2007 1:54 PM

I am glad that FFOZ is not only standing firm on the issue of "the Word made flesh," but is also taking a proactive stance on it as well.

Good job, guys.

Wanda S. | June 26, 2007 3:25 PM

I can certainly understand the loneliness and sense of isolation that drives people to attend non-Messianic synagogues, especially if they have children. It is indeed lonely out here.

The Messianic congregations I have encountered tend to be very rigid doctrinally and refuse to accept for simple fellowship anyone who disagrees with their pet doctrine, usually something along the lines of how to define G-d, how to pronounce His name, or what is the correct date for Passover. I have seen and experienced unbelievable disregard for the flock from these congregational "leaders" who see no shame in tossing into the street anyone who doesn't agree 100% with their doctrinal statement, even someone who has no desire or intention to sway anybody to their own line of thinking.

A wise congregational leader has an obligation to control what is taught from the pulpit so that blatant error is not allowed to creep in, but a little love and allowing people some breathing room sure would go a long way toward keeping believers in believing congregations.

MJ

MJ Belko | June 26, 2007 3:32 PM

Thank you for the post, an interesting issue. We too have seen some friends go into Judaism, one is now an Orthodox Rabbi, and from other replies this is a serious problem.

We have taught all 5 vols of Torah Club now over seven years, in NZ. It has certainly been a rewarding time when believers realize they have not understood the christian roots of their faith. Many have taken this teaching on board and have found a new meaning in their walk with Yeshua. However I feel that we don't see a very balanced approach, e.g. what about the fruits of the Spirit or the gifts of the Spirit. In our experience, a vital and fulfilling relationship must hinge around the Holy Spirit in us, as promised by Yeshua. If this exists and works then there is no greater draw to Ha Shem. Gifts like healing, prophecy, or even the gift of tongues are never mentioned. Do they have a place in Messianic Congregations?

FFOZ have introduced us to the Mishnah, Talmud, rabbinic Judaism and commentary. Our participants wonder if this new stuff is supposed to be superior to their Church teaching, it tends to leave them in limbo, it may bring knowledge but little else. Torah Club is a wonderful resource but not complete in itself. We spend more time explaining to our participants their identity and role within the Church. I would suggest there has to be a more balanced approach and we must make sure our brothers and sisters are fully equiped in Messiah. Acts 1:8 is a good reason for following this line. Without the Holy Spirit leading, teaching and guiding us, we are dead.

Peter Durrant | July 10, 2007 2:29 AM

Howdy! or Shalom Ya'll from Alabama!
I have had quite a few ups & downs trying to find like minded believers who are willing to proceed where many Christians have not gone before...and it can be quite scary if one thinks they are denying Jesus is some way. I'm actually from a charismatic background where Adonai had poured out His Spirit on me early on. Later on, when I was in my late 40's, early 50's, He decided to grant me another sharp learning curve...the Hebrew roots of my faith! However, I learned the hard way, after coming to a crisis in my walk with Him:Don't throw away the things He taught you before you found out about your Jewish roots! Before Jewish roots and after...same Teacher! He'll never leave or forsake you! The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom! I've been in and out of some very legalistic groups and some extreme karite types, but I'm still worshipping with my charismatic brothers & sisters on sunday. They are learning Hebrew roots from me! I love em!

Ginny W. | June 9, 2009 1:02 AM