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Followup: Bible Contest Results

By Aaron Eby | Comments (4) | Posted on May 8, 2008

In a previous post, Seth told us about the International Bible Contest in Israel (חידון התנ"ך, Chidon HaTanach), a part of the celebrations of Yom Ha'atzma'ut, or Israel's Independence Day.

One Israeli finalist in the competition was a girl by the name of Bat-El Levy. Her participation in the event generated an immense amount of controversy, because it was revealed that she is a Messianic Jew.

It is important to note that she did not disclose this information herself. In fact, it would never have been an issue except for the sleuthing of Yad L'achim, a very active anti-missionary group in Israel. Since she is Jewish from the perspective of civil and Jewish law, the Education Ministry permitted her to remain in the contest.

Bat-El Levy did not win the contest. Apparently, she fell behind relatively early on in the event. However, keep in mind that this is a prestigious international contest. The fact that she was a finalist means that she had won and accomplished much already. Not placing in a contest such as this is like not placing after competing the Olympics, or having your Grammy-nominated album not receive the award. It means that she probably knows more about the Bible than any of us. Besides, imagine the intense pressure she must have felt after the news broke...that alone would have been hard to bear.

The ironic part of all of this controversy is that Yad L'achim and the rabbis who called for a boycott of the competition only accomplished one thing: further publicity for Messianic Judaism. They really came out looking like they were scared of a teenage girl, and they served to increase awareness of the phobia and persecution of Messianic Jews in Israel. Instead of accomplishing their goal of marginalizing Messianic Jews, Yad L'achim and the Chief Rabbinate managed to marginalize themselves. But had the opposition groups left it alone, no one would ever have known that Bat-El was a believer.

Really, who knows how many finalists from past years may have been believers? The possibility exists that Bat-El was not the first.

Bat-El Levy, you are no less than a hero to us.

כל הכבוד בת אל!

UPDATE:

Arutz Sheva reported that the Sanhedrin organization issued a ruling in response to this controversy, stating that believers in Yeshua who identify as Jewish should not be allowed to participate in events that represent the Jewish people or the State of Israel, nor should they be allowed to serve in the IDF (Israeli Army).

About the Author: Aaron Eby writes for messiah magazine and other FFOZ publications. He is also the author of the forthcoming siddur project, as well as the forthcoming Hebrew lesson DVD.

Visitor Comments

its a sad situation but Bat-El-Levy will be blessed none the less.

Posted by: D.A.Fluker II | May 8, 2008 1:24 PM

Hmmm. That bit about the Sanhedrin sounds strangely familiar.

And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Yeshua. (Acts 4:29-30)

Posted by: D. Thomas Lancaster | May 8, 2008 1:28 PM

Bat El is our heroine. G-d bless her.

Posted by: Dawid | May 9, 2008 11:21 AM

During the minute or two when she was on TV, she answered the question that she was asked correctly, fluently, graciously, and with poise. Truly, not everyone can win, and to be a finalist is a real accomplishment.

Posted by: Michael | May 10, 2008 9:06 AM

The new Mezuzah booklet helps you discover the history of this tradition from the time of Moses to today.

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Followup: Bible Contest Results

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