Teaching Team
Conversion Denied
A few weeks ago, a young man sought conversion to Orthodox Judaism in Israel. An article from a Chabad source stated that he had learned Torah through Chabad, and had become meticulously observant. However, when he appeared before a beit din [house of judges] in Jerusalem they denied his conversion.
Everything was going well until they asked him if he believed that the late Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, was the Messiah, to which he responded “Yes.” After this, the beit din refused his conversion, stating that “messianic Chabad was beyond the pale of normative Jewish belief.”
Schneerson died in 1994 and before he passed away some of his followers believed he was the Messiah. Some continue this belief even today, stating that he will resurrect from the dead and come back to usher in the Messianic Kingdom. It is still hotly contested today in Orthdox Judaism that a man can rise from the dead and be the Messiah. Many beleive it to be heresy. It is interesting to see this discussion going on today which parallels in many ways what the earlier believers in Yeshua went through as they struggled to remain within the normative Judaism of their day.
For a discussion of two different viewpoints on this issue, see this article.
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Visitor Feedback:
Wow. That's ironic. I wonder if Chabadniks are going to get a special mention in the birkat haMinim soon!
D. Thomas Lancaster | January 22, 2008 9:42 AM
Hmmm. I read the article and found it very interesting. I knew that there are some in Lubavitcher Chassidism that believe that Mendel Schneerson is the Messiah, but I thought they were a remnant. From the comments left on that article, it seems that the belief is widespread.
Could this be to our benefit? Could it give us a little more legitamacy within parts of the greater jewish community?
**Toby's Response:** I think in some ways it could. In one of my sessions for the conference "To Whom Shall We Go" I bring up many similarities between us and their beliefs regarding Messiah and Tzaddikim. One the other hand since they are a minority so I am not sure how much impact they will have.
Michael Murray | January 22, 2008 12:24 PM
I believe seeking legitimacy and acceptance is a great temptation, part of our fleshly nature, and one that needs to be recognized and conquered. I have been so ensnared myself, and believe a strong caution to others is needed. We are warned that the fear of man is a snare, and the snare becomes smaller and tighter, i.e., one compromise leads to another. Yeshua suffered outside the camp, and invited us to join him. No, it is not pleasant to give up the support and validation of one camp or another, especially with those camps that are large, respected and claim to sit in the seat of Moshe. That being said, this recent ruling could open up opportunities for dialog.
As a Jewish follower of the the living word and the written word, I believe there is need for repentance and prayer toward the Holy One in this regard, and repentance towards those we have sought legitimacy and acceptance from, rather than holding out the word of life.
Shalom
Chaya
Chaya Bennett | January 27, 2008 12:24 PM
There is an excellent book on the subject of Lubavitcher messianism written by Berger, entitled "The Rebbe, the Messiah, and the scandel of orthodox indifference". It is a few years old, but is well documented and eye opening.
Seth
**Toby's Reponse:** I have read some of this myself. It is a great read.
Seth Wexler | February 7, 2008 10:31 PM
Chaya stated " No, it is not pleasant to give up the support and validation of one camp or another, especially with those camps that are large, respected and claim to sit in the seat of Moshe. That being said, this recent ruling could open up opportunities for dialog."
The Sceptor will not depart from Judah!!!!! The Jews do sit in the seat of Moshe.
Shlomo | February 13, 2008 5:41 AM