Great letter! What an encouragement this should be to Mr Brickner.
Shalom,
Stephanie

Stephanie | July 25, 2008 6:15 PM

It took me years to realize that when Jewish people say: "Oh, you're Jews for Jesus", that they do not mean literally mean Jews for Jesus(TM)(c). They mean "Jews for Jesus" as a generic term (like Kleenex, Xerox, PC, Google etc) as opposed to the actual ministry of Jews for Jesus.

Pierre | July 25, 2008 6:27 PM

When asked if the organization is "Jews for Jesus" perhaps the answer could be that it is more like, "Jesus for Judaism."

The goal is not to train gentiles so deeply into traditions of Judaism, that they become essentially Jewish, lacking only the conversion ritual.

Instead, the focus could be in training believing, non-jews in lifestyles that help them fulfill the role outlined in Isaiah 56:6-7

"6 Also the aliens, that join themselves to HaShem, to minister unto Him, and to love the name of HaShem, to be His servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from profaning it, and holdeth fast by My covenant:

7 Even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer; their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices shall be acceptable upon Mine altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples."

This way, gentiles can retain their ethnicity, while yet honoring & worshipping HaShem, as the Ger Toshav [resident aliens.]

DMB, Joplin MO | July 26, 2008 3:36 AM

Dear Mr. Michael,

I was really surprised and saddened to learn about this ministry/organization being banned from those messianic conferences and organizations you mentioned.

And yet, I was uplifted by the tone of your letter. It was evident to me the spirit of humiity and grace expressed in your words.

May the LORD continued to bless your ministry and help us all to grow in grace and knowledge of HIS good wil.

Luis | July 26, 2008 9:42 AM

great letter. thanks so much for the encouragement to the entire Body of Messiah. i am a gentile who often leans theologically toward FFOZ in regard to Torah, but i often find that an uphill struggle.

thanks for being so gracious toward those of the opposite opinions. we are one Body.

shalom
peter

peter | July 26, 2008 8:49 PM

I find it curious not one mentions why JFJ does not get along with those organizations. Jews for Jesus openly criticises any ministry that is not specifically evangelistic. As if feeding the poor is no longer a concern of God's. As if clothing the poor is no longer the work of His hands. As the whole body is supposed to be just one big Evanglist. In Alaska they do their "campaigns" in Churches. Leaving any new Believers behind completely at the mercy of whatever Pastors paid them to come in and look good. I hardly think this is how Paul worked. No matter what, the new Beleiver can not connect to any other Jews for Jesus once JFJ leaves. It is divisive. No, it is outrght cruel. And then they wonder? The apostles did not work this way. Yes, the gospel is to be spread by each and every one of us. Some as supporters, some as speakers, some as facilitators to the speakers, lots of ways. But it is not the only commandment of God, even if one does not count Torah valid. That's why.

***Response***
Shalom, I cannot speak for JFJ, I can only speak for FFOZ. When we do events and teachings in various cities, rarely when offered will a Messianic congregation work with us. So we also at times work with or through local churches, have meetings at hotels, etc. We always, when asked, speak well of the local works, and do encourage people to attend the local congregation. Perhaps JFJ experiences the same dynamic.

A. Lejune Davis | July 26, 2008 9:17 PM

I was a JFJ Co-laborer in Messiah and have done street evangelism. They are a ministry that focus on a different area in the body of Messiah than FFOZ, but that does not make their minstry more or less important.
One of the things we were taught was how to witness and it was never in your face, and all was polite but firm.
JFJ does presentations and singing at churches that invites them. Our local Messianic congregations always invited JFJ when possible. When a Jewish person comes to one of the churches and wants more imformation about Jesus they are contacted by JFJ missionaries but they are encouraged to find a local congregation to grow. I like to think that JFJ catches the fish and FFOZ has the recipe to make them good-holy (teaches Torah). Most of the JFJ staff keep Kosher- or did when they stayed at my home. They are a great group but so is FFOZ. Your teachings are from the Lord. Both are needed in Messiah's body. Blessings to you all.

Sally Hollister | July 26, 2008 10:31 PM

Thank you. This was well written and helpful to me.
Ben Alpert
Boynton Beach, FL

Ben Alpert | July 27, 2008 4:56 AM

Boaz,

I was deeply saddened when I read you positive views of J4J and that you consider yourself and FFOZ to be spreading the same gospel as them. I had thought that FFOZ was a ministry to help christians get out of christianity and embrace Torah Judaism but now I see that I have been wrong. It seems you have publicly identified yourself with christianity and its doctrines, with the only exception of teaching people they should obey Torah. The problem I see with this is that obeying Torah includes rejection of idolatry and rejection of false prophets. Christianity teaches idolatry and teaches that Jesus is the Messiah who came to undo the Torah..which means they teach a false prophet and not the true historical Yeshua.

To publicly align yourself with such a group is very telling. I hope for you and the others associated with FFOZ, that you change this in the future. I know until I see it, I can no longer support or have any relation with your group.

sincerely,

Andrew

Andrew | July 27, 2008 7:57 AM

I think the intent of the letter was to help smooth over conflict not necessarily sanction Jews for Jesus's ministry. FFOZ's ministry seems to be education oriented. If people "know" what choices they are making and why, they will able to make choices more in line with G-d's ways (not an organizations ways). In their personal lives, I think the leadership at FFOZ is really trying shape their lives according to G-d's Word. It seems in life, that when a conflict comes up, people end up caught up in it and can't seem to think clearly. It becomes a struggle of wills, instead of "loving your neighbor as yourself".
We definitely don't want a letter that was written in an attempt clear up conflict, to produce more conflict. :(

Rachel | July 27, 2008 9:36 AM

Shalom Boaz

I don't want to get into a bashing ceremony here, but somethings need to be made clear that being, the cohesiveness as Jews or yerei hashamayim. The ger toshav would have been the 'Christian' at the time of Y'shua. The hour in which we live is too precious to waste on in fighting. If JFJ rejects Torah this then they would be banned from the tribes back in the day - its that simple. They have embraced the sheker(lies) of men --even if they claim salvation-- so if they have chosen this path then they should be banned. Its an issur -a chilul Hashem- to renounce matan Torah or any pasuk therein. In short JFJ are not brothers or sisters in Hashem's eyes if they refute his Torah - for the Torah is the essence of Hashem and without it none else can exist. Mr. Brickner needs to do tshuvah on this one - the clock is ticking. I also post on Othordox cites as well challanging certain halachic items and I tend get good feedback, so take this in ahavat chinam. Kol tuv

Pesach | July 27, 2008 12:32 PM

Boaz,
Andrew and Pesach, in comments before mine on this article, have some very good points that I think you should consider carefully. You sound as though tolerance of differing views is priority above the holiness we are commanded to keep as HaShem's people. Division should naturally happen if holiness is pursued. We should not be concerned about division. We should only care about what HaShem cares about, period.
Lisa

Lisa | July 27, 2008 4:17 PM

I agree with Lisa's comment. I want to add that I think that by not taking a stronger stand on what is debatable and what is not is possibly creating some division and confusion. It seems to me the only way for messianics to unite instead of being so divisive is to make a strong stand on what is clearly going against God's ways. Being Torah observant has many diminsions but there is a foundation that cannot be taken lightly. Many churches have tried to unite and say "it's ok to believe whatever you want" and because of this sin has increased.
Yes, we should try hard not to be divisive and there will always be division. I believe FFOZ needs to make a strong statement and stand firm on what can't be debated, The Torah, God's holy commands/ways cannot be compromised or done away with. I also think that a statement of debatable/non-debatable would help create a balance as each group has people taking extremes and dividing.Stand firm, thanks for all the hard work thanks for sharing

marae king | July 27, 2008 6:19 PM

Boaz,
I found your response to J4J respectful and well spoken. I, too, am greatly saddened by the divisions that have cropped up in the Messianic "movement". I see the Hebraic Roots of our Faith being what the Master desires for us all. Yet, Scripture tells us there WILL be divisions. As Believers we are divided from the world. As Torah observant Believers, we become "divided" from those who don't observe Torah. (My heart yearns for other Believers in the Church to see how freeing following Torah is, and to have the Church see how much paganism has been allowed into it.) Least we forget..most of us were in the Church and believing much if not all that was taught (and even how to search Scripture). Baruch HaShem for bringing us into the fullness of His Word. That said, most who call upon HaShem ARE our brothers and sisters..we MUST not forget that, but pray Yeshua will open the doors of reason with them to see HIS truth. Baruch HaShem for FFOZ. Keep moving forward.

Bonnie | July 27, 2008 7:12 PM

After reading all the comments on here, I went back and re-read Boaz' letter a couple of times. From what the "negative" responses are saying, it seems that you think that he is cheering them on (JFJ) and that he is supporting JFJ in what they do.

From what I read and understand from his letter (Boaz) all he is doing is writing an encouraging letter to a man that is our Brother in Messiah. He is coming along side this man and offering him a smile and friendly pat-on-the-back. It doens't mean he agrees with him or even supports the JFJ ministry - BUT - he is loving this man (however off track he may be in his belief system) because he IS a Believer - a Fellow Brother in Messiah - and that is a hard thing to do. Few really do "Love your neighbor as yourself".

Has anyone ever had a family member that you did NOT agree with???? Their lifestyle was totally wrong. They were/are self-destructing and no matter what you say or do, they still are going down that path???? cont.....

C. A. Worcester | July 27, 2008 7:33 PM

Thanks for this letter Boaz, I can see your genuine desire to initiate a dialogue with JfJ and Mr Brickner. It is good to see that the art of debate is alive and kicking in the Messianic movement, I hope that you get an indepth response from Mr Brickner and keep up the communication. Your letter was written with courtesy, respect and goodwill and I can see that if Mr Brickner replies in kind that it will be another positive testimony for FFOZ and JfJ.
One of the things I have appreciated about FFOZ is that you are not afraid of asking the hard questions (or receiving the answers!) or debating issues that mainstream denominations put in the too hard basket.
Please keep us posted on how things progress.

Shalom,
Rebecca M

Rebecca Marchand | July 27, 2008 7:36 PM

Continued from my previous post....

Has anyone ever had a child who rejects the Messiah totally?? Hates God. Hates anything to do with God? Well, I do. And let me tell you, it is HARD to love your child, much less your "neighbor" when you have so much division between the two of you.

So what do you "do"? You walk your talk. You are kind - they spit on you. You offer money for food - they take it an buy drugs. You pay the rent for them "one more time" - they still don't get a job.

Yes, there is a limit to the "things" you can do for someone, but you keep on loving them. You show your love by "doing". Encouraging - even though you have encouraged 1000 times before on the same issue. But - you never know how God is going to use your love for them. Someday they may come around and then, that is when you really see the value of "loving your neighbor as yourself."

May we all be SLOW to judge and say things we don't mean and let God do His job through us. :-)

C.A. Worcester | July 27, 2008 7:41 PM

I was part of a church that was very loud in its condemnation of the Sunday-keeping world. Its members were good at using the scriptures like a brutal weapon. We became better defined by what we didn't do (X-mas, Easter, etc.) than what we did do. This attitude produced very cold, fact-filled, arrogant believers. The churches began to attract people who were unstable and incapable of love.

I appreciate FFOZ's approach. It is possible to teach truth without spending the majority of your ink pointing out where the other guy is wrong. I believe the suggestion to define what is debatable or nondebatable will only lead to further division and isolation. Admittedly, there are some screwy ideas kicking around out there, but they won't go away if we isolate those who believe them. And who gets to decide what stays and what goes? We aren't saved by doctrines anyway. As for those who reject Torah, they do so to their own hurt. Let them see its beauty in us.

MJ

MJ Belko | July 28, 2008 8:43 AM

An excellent letter, and an excellent example of how we ought to relate with our brothers and sisters in Messiah. We are all of us, deceived about some aspect of our understanding of God's revelation, if only we knew which area it was...

...and it is ironic that J4J and FFOZ are both banned!

Nate Long | July 28, 2008 8:58 AM

amen C.A. Worcester,

some times we forget the mercy and longsuffering the Heavenly Father has had, (and still has) with our own selves.........

we have a long journey ahead of us, and we are a BIG family.....however disfunctional we may be........yet our very Master and Intercessor speaks plainly and clearly when he commands, "Love One Another As I Have Loved You".....

shalom.

D.A. Fluker Jr. | July 28, 2008 10:28 AM

The renowned Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch said:

“Christians and Moslems must be regarded as an instrument for the fulfillment of the prophecy that the knowledge of God will one day spread throughout the earth […] And Christian scholars have not only won the acceptance among the nations for the written Revelation but have also helped to protect God’s orally transmitted Revelation. For when in their hostility to the Law ruthless persons in our own midst sought to abrogate and uproot the Talmud, others from their midst rose to defend it and to repulse these attempts.”

The great Talmudist and mystic, Rabbi Yaakov Emden wrote, “there are true scholars among the Christians” and Jesus “brought about a double kindness in the world” and that Paul was faithful to the Torah, “a scholar, an attendant of Rabban Gamliel the Elder.” Also, the assembly of Christianity and Islam are “also for the sake of Heaven, to make Godliness known amongst the nations, to speak of Him in distant places.”

Brian R. | July 28, 2008 11:18 AM

"If possible, and to the extent that it depends on you, live in peace with all people!" -a Divinely Inspired Rav Sha'ul-

Well put Mr. Boaz Michael! I'm thankful before the L-RD G-D of heaven and earth that you have the Grace (and am using it) to stand in the gap as Messiah stood for us all.
My Rabbi has expressed that the Good News if for both the Redeemed and those yet awaiting redemption. This leads us to Righteousness and then through discipleship we learn to walk in the way that He walked. The peculiar thing is that as we Shema the Torah a righteous decree from the mouth of some others will bring Glory to HaShem!
As we walk together, we will find others who are struggling to get out of the "grave clothes" of a ressurected life. To the extant that we are given love for them...let us dwell together with them, untieing them as they allow. If we find no love and therefore no peace, we should go to our closet and ask for the greatest of all gifts Love... cont.

Joshua t. Marshall | July 28, 2008 2:34 PM

I've often found that I end up with major division in my heart and life with others when i've stopped the primary purpose of Messiah which is Yeshua/Salvation.
As for the Nay sayers to you're Messiah like reach for Kulanu K'Echad, I pray for love in my heart for them and that His love also would come to them in all humility and may we boast in the Redemption price paid by Messiah Yeshua and not our Torah directed acts of obedience... for what is our kindness, our righteousness, our life... for all the good we've done, You've done through us!
thanks for loving on us Boaz!

Joshua t. Marshall | July 28, 2008 2:52 PM

We cannot forget who we were. By God's grace, many of us have come to see truth more clearly than we once did.
How many of us began our walk with Jesus Christ before we realized He was actually--Yeshua?
How many of us learned to love the Cornerstone before we acknowledged the Foundation?
It's called growing. We all develop a bit differently...like children...some learn to jump rope before riding the bicycle--and others first ride the bike. We have been given truth--it is a gift to share, not to brag about or to puff up, considering ourselves superior. We all have different gifts--maybe those with the gift of evangelism gravitate to other groups and those who are "forth-tellers" carefully speaking God's Word(prophets) or teachers gravitate to a more thorough examination of truth. The anti-law theology is layered with well-intentioned misunderstanding, it is foolish to say that they do not know Him at all. Remember Yeshua taught that we come to Him as children--not theologians!

Danuta Lesko | July 28, 2008 4:12 PM

I think that if this generation is going to be serious about its commitment to the gospel then we have to start taking scripture seriously. Forgiveness, repentance, faithfulness, truth, commitment, love, patience, etc…are all going to be ways in which we effectively show the Torah to those lost in error in both Judaism and Christianity. Hatred, enmity and strife simply proves to the world that the Messiah has really made no impact in our lives and we are simply just like everyone else.

Conversations like the one discussed in this blog are necessary to help people ask the questions they need to ask to grow in the Torah and truth. Sure, it is easier to hide behind our bitterness and animosity, but God is not glorified in that, nor is error corrected. Yeshua told us that we have to risk in order for repentance to be preached. So, rejection should come as no surprise to us, BUT, neither should it deter us!

My prayers are with these discussions.

Bill Beyer | July 28, 2008 4:16 PM

I think we should all remember that the qualities Bill stated above ARE Torah living. Which one of us is really justified in making statements about someone's life regarding their Torah observance. Perhaps people associated with JFJ provide for the widows/orphans, or honor their parents much better than some who keep all of the 39 Avot for Shabbat.

We must leave the call to HaShem of who is keeping His Torah and who is not.

Amber | July 28, 2008 4:49 PM

In Matt 22:34-40 we find these words: ""Rabbi, which of the mitzvot in the Torah is the most important?" He told him, "`You are to love ADONAI your G-d with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.' This is the greatest and most important mitzvah. And a second is similar to it, `You are to love your neighbor as yourself.' All of the Torah and the Prophets are dependent on these two mitzvot."

Our Master Yeshua CLEARLY teaches us that we are to love Adonai above all else, and we are to love Adonai by loving our neighbor. Let's make love our chief aim. Obeying Torah is important, but it must be done in love. If we, who call ourselves Torah observant, can not walk in love, as Yeshua did, and as Boaz has so aptly demonstrated, then I'd like to suggest that perhaps we need to repent and walk in love.

Boaz is doing as our Master would do. He is walking in love and trying to heal the division in our midst, and to that I say - "Well done Boaz!"

David V | July 28, 2008 9:15 PM

Wow! Those were a lot of comments! I must share what I felt after reading Boaz's letter to JFJ. I was also surprised that JFJ has been banned from the MJAA and UMJ. One of the reasons we decided not attend local Messianic temples in S FL was because they are part of these organziations and we knew about their disapproval of FFOZ. (we thought it was strange)But now J4J too? I think you did a great job of reaching out to J4J. FFOZ and J4J are different, and have a different mission, but the goal is still Messiah. J4J is out there and well known. When people have mentioned them to us, it opens the door for us to direct them towards FFOZ which is a ministry focused on educating. For ex:Passover events they host every year. Christians hear about it (they get a lot of advertising in the mainstream Christian churches & radio stations)& are intrigued...that's a great time to invite them over to your Pesach meal. One last thing...(continue below)

Eva | July 28, 2008 11:41 PM

B"H

This is my struggle and it may be what a lot of you struggle with as well...How do we "love your neighbor as yourself" (Lev. 19:18) AND obey the mitzvah before that in verse 17 to "rebuke your neighbor frankly so that you will not share in his guilt?"

These are together in the Torah just as in the Apostolic Writings we find in Ephesians 4 similar instructions in verses 15 and 25 to speak the truth in love to our neighbor. It would be beneficial for us all to read what Paul says in that whole chapter.

My pendulum tends to swing too far as others' may also. We must give each other time and space as our pendulums find their balance. We must "... continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is G-d who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose." (Phil. 2:12b-13)

From Chazal, we must strive to "judge on the scale of merit." (Pirkei Avot 1:6)

Maybe what we need is a seminar on how to rightly rebuke and receive rebuke--seems to be a lost art!

Sabrina H. | July 28, 2008 11:46 PM

...continued...I don't know what happened with MJAA & UMJ and FFOZ, but we made our decision not to attend congregations that are under these organizations for other reasons other than just their disapproval of FFOZ. I have to say that one of them uses the kids Torah Club in their kids ministry and was also going to host a Holy Cow book study. So...we just have to be careful in our judging, and just continue to press on in love.

I think the biggest impact we can all make is by showing people the love of Messiah on a daily and individual basis. Not forgetting our Christian brothers & sisters that do not understand the beauty of a Torah centered life, yet; and being a testimony to Jewish people that have not come to the knowledge of Yeshua as their Messiah, yet. I think FFOZ does a wonderful job in both areas. Keep it up!

~be blessed~

Eva | July 28, 2008 11:58 PM

I have personally met David Brickner, Great man of G_d, brings the Gospel to both Jews and gentiles clear and simple, the love letter of hashem. Love,(Ahavah)your work David, may Adonai continue to Bless you. Phil.

Phil Sanchez | July 29, 2008 12:11 AM

I see form reading these posts that not much has changed over tha last 2,000 years when it comes to actually reading the information at hand. As said previously, what Boaz wrote was a letter to a fellow believer that is propping him up and letting him know he (Boaz) has been there before. I read know place where he said that FFOZ and J4J share a mission statement. It is this kind of misreading that has led the church astray in the first place. Andrew doesn't want to support FFOZ now because he believes that Boaz supports the ideas of J4J. Well, he does when it comes down to things other than Torah observance. Do we act this way today when we are trying to be brothers to each other. You believe THIS way only mentality is why we are divided. We have to be able to disagree on certain things without becoming divisive.

jay | July 29, 2008 1:33 PM

Hello, glad to run into this article. Being part of the messianic movement for 11 yrs I never knew that FFOZ was banned from said conferances. I know that our congregation amongst others at those conferances and from other states use FFOZ material for Torah study and teachings. So the ban is contradictory to hear. Funny, J4J's since I remember even attend the same conferances. By now some at least show up and have been publicly greeted. I think we can and should be united somehow even if we have to distinguish each other from our messianic jewish perspective, goals, missions, and teachings. I mean if Judaism has its conservatives, reformed, orthodox, etc its bound to happen to messianic judaism. Our differences should not stop us from uniting and loving each other fondly and sincerely. I love all the good in every of thes branches of Judaism. I think its ok as long as we come from the same root! Anyway this article clarifies what others teaching about messianic judaism mistaken too.

Sagol | April 19, 2011 10:41 PM