Jhan Moskowitz z"l : FFOZ Blogs

Teaching Team

Jhan Moskowitz z"l

By Jordan Levy | Comments
September 6, 2012

Usually when someone passes away, especially someone as important, loved, and revered nationwide as Jhan Moskowitz, those who were close to him and knew him for years commemorate his life. This is not my situation. I barely knew Jhan Moskowitz; in fact, I only had the honored privilege of meeting him once, and it was this past Shabbat. However, may the few words I am able to render him serve as a testimony to what a great, compelling, and godly man he is, which became evident in the few short minutes I was able to speak with him.

Jhan is one of those men you know you love immediately, before you even speak to him. He has such a sweet and kind face with a hint of boyish mischievousness to it. Jhan came to speak at our synagogue Shuvah Yisrael on Long Island last Shabbat, and having come early I was able to introduce myself, mention some mutual friends of ours - from whom I've heard absolutely nothing but great things about him and his wife Melissa - and immediately he started to joke with me and my rabbi. He had such a great sense of humor which just bubbled out of him every time he opened his mouth, and it became even more blatantly evident when he was called up to the bimah to deliver a message to our congregation. Still even more than his cunning sense of humor, his pure adoration of his wife of 36 years shone through so brightly, and no one could have missed the sweet, affectionate gazes they exchanged with one another.

Above all, his love for the Messiah of Israel was so apparent, and he communicated it to us as he taught on last weeks message of comfort from the haftorah portion of Isaiah. His words were a mixture of comedy, love, and comfort that gripped many and most of the people who were blessed to hear it. Many hearts were ministered to and even healed last Shabbat by HaShem's faithful servant Jhan Moskowitz.

Two days ago we were all shocked to hear that Jhan fell on the New York subway, hitting his head which caused severe hemorrhaging in the brain, and that he was being sustained through life support until yesterday, when the machines were turned off. No sooner had he entered some of our lives that he was taken.

Jhan is leaving behind a huge void in many people's hearts, as nationwide, and perhaps even worldwide as well, people are mourning his loss and thanking the Almighty for his life, which was dedicated to serving the Messiah of Israel, whom he proclaimed boldly to his Jewish people. He leaves behind his wife and partner in ministry with Jews for Jesus and his two daughters, as well as countless hundreds and thousands of people who regarded him as family, dear friend, teacher, and mentor.

Just a few hours getting to know a little about Jhan has left a lasting impression on me, and all I can say is that a tzaddik - a righteous man - has fallen in Israel. Thankfully we know he is finally together with his beloved Redeemer, of whom he spoke with such tender affection last Shabbat. Although we may not understand why such a special, vibrant, healthy man who was only in his 60s had to pass so suddenly and so dramatically, we can be sure that whatever the reason, it pleased HaShem to gather his servant to Himself and to his fathers. May Jhan be remembered for good and for blessing by all who knew him, whether they knew him well or for a brief moment in time. May the Almighty comfort his family and friends and may He console them from among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

About the Author: Jordan Levy is a staff writer for First Fruits of Zion and Vine of David where she also serves by translating from Hebrew, French, and Italian into English. She is dedicated to strengthening her community and providing linguistic and theological teaching.

Discussions

comments powered by Disqus

Archived Comments

I studied under him when he taught in downtown Chicago. He really stirred my heart for the Word.

Charles Terrence Harper | September 22, 2012 5:28 AM

I truly find this a interesting subject. Never looked at this subject in this manner. If you are planning to create more articles relating to this subject, I definitely will be back in the near future!

Michael Robert Brown | September 16, 2012 5:20 AM

Mr. Weinberg, those are beautiful words. Thank you for sharing this. Perhaps if you are still in the New York area you and your family would like to come visit and worship with us at our synagogue Shuvah Yisrael. We would be honored to have you. Chag Sameach.

Jordan Levy | September 11, 2012 12:33 PM

My father was a Pastor with the C&MA and told me that he met Jhan at their annual General Council. A few years later my father likewise passed away at an early age of 61 after serving 40 years in the ministry. That was a unexpected and shocking since most men in my family have survived into their 80s. Anyway, I relocated to the New York and New Jersey area in a ministry and education search and frequently attended Kehilat Yeshua where Jhan was the congregational leader at the time. He was very honest, sincere and genuine in character and message. He would walk down the aisle and look into peoples’ faces while bringing the word of God. His eyes would as if penetrate into the innermost being stirring the heart and mind. I could feel his compassion and encouragement in the Holy Spirit to live for God in Yeshua. I could tell that he genuinely cared about the condition of peoples’ souls. His photo tells it all. (Even the smile on his wife’s face proclaims the hope of all marriage relationships.) It was a privilege and honor from God to have experienced that kind of opportunity in life. Then he passes away early as well. His testimony makes me think about his continuing faithfulness until the end. It draws me to think about my shortcomings, struggles and fate trying to have opportunity such as he for a well pleasing character and aroma unto God. It encourages me to continue somehow and find some suitable fit into the Lord’s walk and ministry. May God show continued love and consolation for his family. For Jhan -- the Lord’s will be done. Well done thou faithful servant. Well done. A Shabbat rest for Jhan -- and then the resurrection of glory. L’hitarot (until we meet again).

Jim Weinberg | September 10, 2012 11:30 AM

@ Jane: Jane, so good to hear from you! I didn't know you also had the fortune to meet Jhan as well. No I don't believe that it was a coincidence that my synagogue got to hear Jhan's last message on his last Sabbath. He was truly a wonderful man who was greatly loved. God willing I will meet the Rydelniks one of these days and tell them how I know you (which is so crazy...such a small world!) I hope you are doing well!

@ zemerchai: Yes, he was definitely a proclaimer calling all people to return to Gd, and it is amazing to hear how he is deeply mourned all over the country and world!

Jordan Levy | September 10, 2012 10:52 AM

I've read and treasured over the years many broadsides that Jhan wrote. He was like Yochanan the Immerser-- always pointing others to the Lamb of G-d, Messiah Yeshua. His words spoke to people near and far, inviting them to turn to the Holy One.

zemerchai | September 8, 2012 10:46 PM

Jordan,
What a lovely tribute. Jhan came to speak at our church a few yrs. back and he left a very strong impression on me. I commit to praying that God will raise up many faithful to serve as he has. I will pray specifically for you as I suppose your meeting was more than a coincidence. I hope that you'll meet Michael and Eva Rydelnik soon!
My affection, Jane. (Tony and Stacey's sister)

Jane O'Donnell | September 8, 2012 5:11 PM

This is beautiful Jordan! What a great man of God...he will be sorely missed.

Leah Charles | September 7, 2012 8:29 PM

Shalom Jordan,

What a great piece for someone who'd known him for such a short time! Kol hakavod!

Yisrael Levitt | September 6, 2012 1:38 PM

What a beautiful memorial.

LLevy | September 6, 2012 11:38 AM

Search in Blogs...

Browse through Blogs

Feeds

Use this RSS feed to track our blogs in your favorite reader.

The FFOZ Blogs RSS Feed

FFOZ Blogs

Teaching Team