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Halachic Authority in the Life of the Messianic Community

An adaptation of a lecture given to Messianic leaders in Israel on September 5, 2008, which was the final chord of a debate between those Messianic Jews who teach to live according to Jewish tradition and those who view this tradition as "the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

Shema: Living the Great Commandment

HaShem is One. The Shema as prayer and creed is a profound key to Jewish continuity through the ages. Yet these are secondary applications; underlying them is the primary meaning of the Shema as commandment. Learn about living out the implications of the Shema in everyday life.

Origins of Supercessionism in the Church

With the foundation of the early Messianic community being so thoroughly Jewish, how did a concept like supersessionism even come into being?

The Writing on the Wall

Exile and Redemption: Examine Yeshua's teaching on the reasons for the destruction of the Second Temple.

A Gentile Believer's Obligation to the Torah

How Much Torah? Which commandments of the Torah apply to God-fearing Gentile believers? Do they too have certain biblical responsibilities towards a Torah life?

Fire by Night

Candle lighting at the onset of the Sabbath is one of the most well-known and ancient customs in Judaism. While it is easy to perceive the beauty, peace, and holiness symbolized in this ritual, there is mystery in some of its details.

Humility and Love for God

Vine of David presents another installment in this series of articles by Paul Philip Levertoff's classic study, "Die religiose Denkweise der Chassidim," The Religious Ideas of the Chasidim. (

Release

Letting Go: K.J. Kruger writes of tikkun olam and letting go of unprofitable things.

Fall Reading

Two new reviews:

1. A Jew to the Jews: Jewish Contours of Pauline Flexibility in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, by David J. Rudolph.
2. The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited, by Scot McKnight.

Jesus Declared All Foods Clean: A New Approach to "Purifying All Foods"

Mark 7 relates an encounter between Yeshua's disciples and some critical Pharisees that has been used as a foundation to build a theology that Yeshua distanced himself from the biblical laws of kashrut. This in-depth article covers numerous issues surrounding the whole debate.

The Master and Netilat Yadayim

One of the staples of eating a meal in Orthodox Judaism is the practice of "netilat yadayim", that is, the washing of one's hands before eating bread. Discover Yeshua's approach.

A Christian's Guide to the DHE

Why should Christians be interested in a fully Jewish presentation of the Gospels? As the Delitzsch Hebrew Gospels are released, Vine of David will be supplying two short booklets with the publication. This article represents the contents of the booklet, A Christian's Guide to the Delitzsch Hebrew Gospels.

The DHE Levy Hirsch Edition

As the Delitzsch Hebrew Gospels are released, Vine of David will be supplying two short booklets with the publication. This article represents the contents of the booklet, The Delitzsch Hebrew Gospels Levy Hirsh Memorial Edition. This short booklet expresses the manner in which the DHE will be distributed to inquiring Jewish people.

Final Destinies: Qualifications for Receiving an Eschatalogical Inheritance

What does it mean to be "saved"? Mark Kinzer examines Yeshua's disciples' teachings on who will see the World to Come.

Self-Knowledge and the Fear of God

Religious Ideas of the Chasidim Chapter 1, Sections 3 and 4. Vine of David presents the third installment in a series of articles translating to English, for the first time ever, Paul Philip Levertoff's classic study, Die religiöse Denkweise der Chassidim

Fall Reading

Two new reviews

1. Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived
2. The Holy Epistle to the Galatians: Sermons on a Messianic Jewish Approach

In this special supplement to issue 107 we focus on "The Exalted Servant in the Great Isaiah Scroll."

• A New Translation of the Song of the Exalted Servant
• Transcription and Comparison with MT Isaiah 52:13-53:12
• Commentary on the Song of the Exalted Servant
• Structure in the Song
• Isaiah and the Apostolic Themes
• Textual Character and Variants

The crown jewel of the issue is an important new translation of Isaiah 53 based upon the Dead Sea Scroll version of Isaiah. The Great Isaiah Scroll has a few small variants, some of which are significant enough to completely change the reading of the text. We asked Steven Lancaster and Jim Monson of Biblical Backgrounds if they might offer us a new translation of the passage based upon that Dead Sea Scroll reading. That proposal quickly mushroomed into a series of articles. Lancaster and Monson offer a transcription of the passage as it appears in the Great Isaiah Scroll (1QIsaa 44:1-22), a discussion about how it varies from the regular Masoretic Text (MT), a translation to English, a discussion of the translation, a discussion of the structure of the oracle, and an exploration of how the prophecy shaped the writings of the apostles.

The Suffering Tzaddik

How does the death of Messiah bring atonement? The Pharisees explain why the Messiah's death can atone for someone else's sins.

Man of Sorrows

Who is the Suffering Servant described in Isaiah 51:13-53:12? Christianity and Judaism have contended over the identity of Isaiah's "Servant of the LORD" since the first recorded debate between a Christian and a Jew. Learn more about the Suffering Servant in Jewish Interpretation.

The Love of God

Vine of David presents the second installment in a series of articles translating to English, for the first time ever, Paul Philip Levertoff's classic study, Die religiöse Denkweise der Chassidim (Leipzig: J. C. Hinrichs, 1918). Translated by Vine of David volunteer Kevin Hanke.

Leftovers and the Last Seder

One of the more special times of year for believers in Messiah is the Passover festival in the spring. The Chasidic table custom of shirayim creates an uncanny parallel to the rites of the Last Seder.

Passover in the Ekklesia

Two articles by David Rudolph explore the celebration of Passover amongst early Gentile believers in Yeshua: 1) The Celebration of Passover by Gentile Christians in the Patristic Period. 2) Passover in Corinth - 1 Corinthians 5:7-8.

The Greatest of These is Love

Miracles through Compassion: A moving account of how Yeshuat Israel Congregation in Jerusalem provides hope, love, and a family of believers to recovering addicts and alcoholics.

Spring Reading

First Fruits of Zion reviews two new books: 1) Israel's Messiah and the People of God: A Vision for Messianic Jewish Covenant Fidelity, by Mark Kinzer. 2) The Sages: Character, Context & Creativity: Volume I: The Second Temple Period, by Binyamin Lau.

Boaz shares his thoughts, in loving memory of Dwight A. Pryor who passed away in Adar 5771, who will be remembered for his great scholarship and his contribution to the work of restoring the Jewish Roots of Christianity.

Reader Feedback

Read some interesting positive and negative feedback from our readers.

Loving Others: The Summary of the Torah

You have heard the idea that the Law is impossible for us to keep. You have also heard that Yeshua fulfilled the law for us and gave us a new and simpler commandment. But have you heard that this is not really a new commandment?

Leaving Nothing to Chance

Purim is a time for remembering the hidden miracles of God. In this article, learn how similar the circumstances of the Jews in the book of Esther are to our own, and how we need to look for the miracles of God in our day.

The Exodus Epic

Salvation is more than just escaping from 'Pharaoh.' The Exodus story teaches us about the big picture of our salvation and our journey to fellowship with God.

This Man Breaks the Sabbath

Yeshua healed on the Sabbath. In performing this act he executed several actions that are forbidden in the Talmud today. Learn how this incident provides the ethical and legal framework for understanding all of Yeshua's Sabbath-conflicts with the religious authorities of his day.

The Chassidic Doctrine of Salvation

Vine of David presents the first installment in a series of articles translating to English, for the first time ever, Paul Philip Levertoff's classic study, Die religiöse Denkweise der Chassidim (Leipzig: J. C. Hinrichs, 1918). Translated by Vine of David volunteer Kevin Hanke.

Cheeses of Galilee

Learn how, through prayer, vision and hard work, a pioneering couple succeeded in setting up a dairy farm in the lower Galilee and
became good stewards of a small piece of Eretz Yisrael.

From Where Does My Salvation Come?

The story of man's need for salvation is revealed in the first chapters of Genesis. The way of salvation has not changed and will not change. This is a look at the the theology of salvation throughout the Bible.

Did Jesus Make "Unclean" Foods "Clean"?

Guest contributor David Bivin of the Jerusalem Synoptic School offers some insights into the controversy over ritual hand-washing and how examining the verses in Mark 7 and Matthew 15 in their historical context brings out the true meaning of these often misunderstood passages.

Archaeology and the Bible

Recent discoveries in Israel have uncovered Philistine Gath and the long, lost tomb of King Herod. The Gath excavation illustrates biblical texts from the Tanach, and the tomb of Herod provides important background to the Gospels.

Spring Reading

First Fruits of Zion reviews a new book by Sue Fishkoff about why more and more of America's food answers to a higher authority.

Boaz discussed "Line Extension", a business terms that is used when an established product's brand name is used for a new item in the same product category, and how that applies to First Fruits of Zion.

Reader Feedback

Read some interesting positive and negative feedback from our readers.

Yeshua's Spirituality and Ethics

Yeshua called men and women to follow him. One of the editorial purposes in Luke's gospel is to show his ethics and spirituality. Read between the lines and learn about the profound characteristics of Yeshua and discover his imitable life.

One Law for All

Should the language of "one law" in the Torah be understood in terms of equal obligation to every commandment regardless of the different people and gender groups that are clearly identified in the Torah?

Franz Delitzsch, Scholar, and Missionary

A biography of Delitzsch. Franz Delitzsch published a series of commentaries on the Hebrew Bible and wrote extensively on Rabbinic subjects. He is is best known for his translation of the New Testament into Hebrew.

A Pregnant Pause

K.J. Krueger speaks to Sandy Shoshani, director of Be'ad Chaim in Israel, about her vision and passion to save the unborn, and the practical services they provide in Israel to educate and counsel the public on abortion and related issues.

A Visit to Hebron

K.J. Krueger visits Hebron. Located in the heart of Judea, amidst a hilly landscape, Hebron is probably one of the oldest cities in the world, the site of ancient strife and impassioned devotion.

Introduction to Rabbi Isaac Lichtenstein

Rabbi Isaac Lichtenstein (1825-1909) was among the best-known Jewish believers in Jesus (JBJ) in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This is a brief overview of Lichtenstein's life.

The Talmud on Trial

Vine of David is pleased to present, for the first time in English, the entirety of Rabbi Lichtenstein's 1886 publication The Talmud on Trial. Translated from the German by Kevin Hanke, with additional translation by Nikola Orlic, and Jeff Ashman. Rabbi Isaac Lichtenstein originally published The Talmud on Trial in 1886, prior to publicly announcing his faith in Yeshua.

The Second Coming and the Days of the Messiah--A Chasidic Approach

A simple survey of the Talmud's most comprehensive discussion on the subject of messianic expectation reveals the lack of uniformity as to who Mashiach is, what he is to accomplish, and how. From where then does the ubiquitous and well-entrenched challenge to Yeshua's messiahship arise? In this article, Yisrael Levitt attempts to identify the source of this standard objection to faith in Yeshua's messiahship and then cross-examines the objection, using material only from Jewish sources.

Fall Reading

First Fruits of Zion reviews three new books covering the Sabbath, Noachide laws and the Logos theology of John in light of Jewish Targums.

Get to Know Yeshua Better! This is the title of this issue's letter from Boaz, covering various topics and upcoming resources at First Fruits of Zion. a) The new Torah Club, Chronicles of the Messiah, b) The Delitzsch Hebrew Gospels, c) The status of the Siddur Project.

This Man Breaks the Sabbath

An in-depth investigation into the Synoptic Sabbath Conflicts. When Yeshua healed the people in the synagogue or at the Sabbath table, was he breaking the Sabbath? Did Yeshua's disciples break the Sabbath in the grain fields? The Master justified healing on the Sabbath and did not rebuke his disciples for picking grain. Find out why and learn about Yeshua's Sabbath halachah.

Shabbat and the Gentile

In the beginning of creation Shabbat was instituted as a universal principle for all mankind. Later it became an explicit commandment and sign between God and the Jewish people. Taking into account these two facts, how then does the Gentile relate to Shabbat?

Persevering with Elijah

Living as a Messianic Jew in Israel is not without its challenges. Ministering as a Messianic Jew in Israel is not without supernatural challenges. Read this personal account from believers in the Land.

Midrash of the Suffering Messiah

A translation from the Hebrew, Yalkut Shimoni Isaiah 499, an anthology of aggadic midrash. Read this messianic passage that has engaged the mind of Jewish interpreters throughout the centuries. Evaluate the extent to which faith in Yeshua coincides with or deviates from what is considered normative in Judaism today.

What Have You Done?

Daniel Hennessy is a Holocaust educator trained by staff from the Yad Vashem International School of Holocaust Studies in Jerusalem, Israel. In this article he reminds us about the sin of being a bystander when it comes to taking action in remembering the Holocaust. How do we, as believers in a Jewish Messiah, deal with Christian complicity and silence during the Holocaust?

Torah and the Environment

C.S. Lewis predicted the increase of science and technology in the next generation, but he also saw that it had the potential to have a negative impact on the earth and its resources. In the beginning God gave man authority over the earth, to nurture and protect it. In our day we face some tough challenges in this regard. Learn what the Torah has to say.

Digging up Solomon's Jerusalem

In this short article we discuss the recent announcement by Israeli archaeologist Dr. Eilat Mazar of the discovery of a Solomonic Jerusalem Wall, dating to 10th Century B.C.E.

Summer Reading—Book Reviews

• Mapping Messianic Jewish Theology (Richard Harvey)
• Divine Reversal: The Transforming Ethics of Jesus (Russell Resnik)
• Paul Was Not a Christian: The Original Message of a Misunderstood Apostle (Pamela Eisenbaum)

Over a century ago, Joseph Rabbinowitz was among the most progressive of Hebrew Christians. His haggadah may have been the first Messianic haggadah ever printed. Rabbinowitz created liturgical adaptations of synagogue prayers for his community, combining Hebrew, Yiddish, and Russian.

Se'udat Mashiach: The Meal of Messiah

The highlight of Passover is the seder meal on the first night. In the seventeenth century the founder of the Chassidic movement, Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer (the Baal Shem Tov) instituted a new custom for the last day of Passover. He called it the Meal of Messiah (Se'udat Mashiach, סעודת משיח).

Let My People Go!

Have you ever been to a Passover Seder meal? Did you know that the Last Supper was originally as Passover Seder meal? Christians call it the "Eucharist" or "Communion," but in the days of Jesus and the disciples, it was called Passover. This article is an excerpt from the new HaYesod program.

We are the God-Fearers

Judaism of the late Second Temple period attracted many Gentiles who wished to join themselves to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Torah worldview influenced Gentiles in Judea as well as in much of the Diaspora where Judaism became increasingly in vogue. Many Gentiles chose to go through full ritual conversion to Judaism, yet many more wished to take on monotheism in association with the Jewish people without becoming full proselytes. They were the God-fearers.

Tears for Jerusalem

All four canonical Gospels portray Yeshua explicitly predicting the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem. But if Yeshua foreknew the destruction would occur, how did that make him feel? Did he view it as a positive or a negative thing?

What Hen Houses Can Teach About Honoring Your Parents

"A little hand tugged at my shirt. Kendall's bright eyes and big smile begged, "Mrs. Michael, Mrs. Michael, do you want to see the hen house? I'll show it to you, come on!" It was an offer I couldn't refuse, and one in which I was keenly interested...."

Chanting the New Testament

An introduction to The Cantillated Hebrew Translation of the New Testament of the London Jews Society of 1866.

Land of Israel Archaeology

A brief overview of two important archaeological discoveries from Israel in 2009. Qeiyafa Ostracon: Inscription from the days of King David, and the Magdala Synogogue.

Rashbatz and the New Testament

A fifteenth century Rabbi, Shimon ben Tzemach Duran (1361-1444), weighs in on Yeshua, the Torah, and One Law question. He not only demonstrates a remarkable knowledge of the New Testament, but his willingness to see it in Jewish terms gives him the ability to understand the Apostolic Writings in a way that many Christians cannot.

Spring Reading

Some new book reviews:

• Approaches to Paul: A Student's Guide to Recent Scholarship (Magnus Zetterholm),
  
• The Only True God: Early Christian Monotheism in Its Jewish Context (James F. McGrath),
  
• Recovering the Unity of the Bible: One Continuous Story, Plan, and Purpose (Walter C. Kaiser Jr.)

Our Mission and Message

Founder and Director of First Fruits of Zion,
Boaz Michael, reviews the message and mission of this ministry and shares his hopes for the next generation of Torah-minded disciples.

Prophesy for the Last Day

Excerpt from the Torah Club Volume Three: Voice of the Prophets, Commentary on Haftarat Yom Acharon Shel Pesach: Isaiah 10:32-12:6

Why was the Hebrew Christian Community founded, and how did it come to be set up? An excerpt from Auf dem Wege (­Möttlingen: Patmos Publishing House, 1958), translated by Vine of David volunteer Ann Robertson. Poljak's never-before-translated "Hebrew Christian Community" lays out his vision of the kingdom of heaven and the origin of Messianic Judaism--a kingdom movement for both Jews and Gentiles.

The Emergence of Messianic Judaism

This article will attempt, in a brief way, to give an overview of some key events, organizations, and individuals that have shaped the history and practice of Messianic Judaism.

Gentiles and the Festivals of Israel

Toby Janicki looks for evidence of Gentile believers keeping God's appointed times in the earliest years of Christianity.

The Sabbath-Keepers of Transylvania

D. Thomas Lancaster looks back to a Reformation-era version of the Messianic movement that took place in Transylvania. An abridged version of his article, "The Sabbath-keepers of Transylvania," originally appeared in messiah magazine # 93. We are pleased to now offer this important story in its entirety.

The Yoke and Cost of Discipleship

The article "The Yoke and Cost of Discipleship" teaches about taking on the yoke of discipleship to Yeshua. It is a virtual transcript of one of Toby Janicki's lecture segments in the new HaYesod program.

Adam Kadmon: The Image of God

In this article Toby Janicki takes a look at apostolic Christology in light of the ancient Jewish belief in a heavenly Adam. As Messianic leaders and theologians seek a Messianic Jewish path to Christology, we will do well to consider the input of earlier generations.

Mystical Hermeneutics and the Scriptures

What is a mystical hermeneutic? This interpretive method is one that views the Hebrew Scriptures as having shades of meaning in addition to a strict grammatical interpretation. But is it a valid way to interpret the Scriptures? Where did it originate and who uses it? Is it applied by the Apostles? 

Choosing an Optimistic Outlook

Words have power. They have the incredible power to create. A lot can be learned as we study the creation narratives in the book of Genesis. After the Creator made each unique thing in this universe, he called it "good." What an amazing example for us to follow in our daily lives. 

The Temple in History

Aaron Eby brings us the second installment in his new series about Yeshua as the prophet of the destruction of the second Temple in "The Temple in History," tracing its basic history from ancient times until its destruction and beyond.

Winter Reading

Sabbath: The Ancient Practices Series
By: Dan B. Allender
Publisher: Thomas Nelson, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-8499-0107-2
208 pages

The Koren Sacks Siddur
Translated by: Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks
Publisher: Koren Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-9653012172
1280 Pages
 

Our Mission and Message

A Letter from Boaz Michael, FFOZ Director, reflecting on what is happening within First Fruits this summer.

Vine of David

An overview of why it became necessary to create a new publishing arm within First Fruits of Zion, and a look at the projects we are working on.

Encountering Yeshua in the Gospels

Yeshua--radical, rebel, or rabbi? Vine of David translator Robert Morris reflects on a year of translating Hebrew Gospel texts and commentary and offers a fresh impression of our Master.

The Egyptian Exile

Echoes of Joseph's descent to Egypt ripple through history. It becomes a shadow of Israel in exile that looms over Yeshua, even in infancy.

Love and the Messianic Age

In the Messianic Era, every man will know God, and the veil will be removed. Paul Philip Levertoff wants us to reach for that level of revelation today. A review of our first Vine of David publication, Love and the Messianic Age.

Who Has Made Me According to His Will

Are you struggling with your self-image? Do you feel homely and unattractive? Then remember that a daughter of God does not find her identity in the physical.

What is a Gentile?

Is the word "Gentile" a negative term? Does it refer to pagans and idolaters? Is it a term that non-Jewish believers should feel comfortable with?

One Law and the Messianic Gentile

Take a theological journey with First Fruits of Zion as we grapple with the "One-Law" question and our position regarding Jews, Gentiles, and their respective obligations to Torah.

Crumbs from the Table

First Fruits of Zion responds to a recent article by the staff of Tikkun International regarding the role of Gentiles in Messianic Judaism and Torah life. Original article online at www.tikkunministries.org.

Gentiles Observing Torah in Jewish Law

According to rabbinic legal opinions, how much Torah is a Gentile allowed to keep? How much is too much? The answer may surprise you.

Take Hold and Keep the Sabbath

The all new HaYesod discipleship program is scheduled for release this fall. Enjoy a sneak-peek at the new HaYesod material.

Book Reviews

First Fruits of Zion reviews two new books about the Jewishness of Jesus, written from opposite perspectives.

Our Message and Mission

Founder and Director of First Fruits of Zion,
Boaz Michael, reviews the message and mission of this ministry and shares his hopes for the next generation of Torah-minded disciples.

A Letter from Boaz Michael, FFOZ Director, reflecting on the Messianic Movement and how we can build its future while learning from mistakes from the past.

The Evolution of FFOZ Periodicals

Through the pages of the new Messiah Journal we hope to continue to help shape the minds of the people of God, encourage the disciples of the Master, and instruct all believers in the life of Torah.

Our Mission and Message

Founder and Director of First Fruits of Zion, Boaz Michael, reviews the message and mission of this ministry and shares his hopes for the next generation of Torah-minded disciples.

Divine Invitation

It is easy for Gentiles to feel a loss of identity when they discover the Jewishness of the Bible and the centrality of Israel, even in the New Testament.

Life of the Party

A deeper look at the "Wedding in Cana", examining Yeshua's presence at the event in the light of Jewish eschatology about the messianic era.

Grain, New Wine, and Talking Grapes

Our Master's teachings were preserved and transmitted orally among his disciples before being written into the Gospels. Church literature records an apostolic midrash about the wine of the Messianic Era that may have been taught by Yeshua.

Rabbi Kaduri's Meeting with Messiah

Most of us have a deep longing to know the Master personally. Meet one elderly rabbi from Jerusalem who claimed to have done just that.

Papias and Apostolic Traditions

Papias, the bishop of Hierapolis, recognized the tragedy of the vanishing apostolic voice. He did his best to preserve the oral traditions of the apostolic community of Jewish believers.

A New Good News of Messiah

Take a sneak peek at one of First Fruits of Zion's newest translation projects! This article provides the history of the Hebrew New Testament we're working to publish in English. God willing, it is our intention to first release a Gospel reader version of this new translation in late 2009.

Levertoff's Jewish Christology

Paul Philip Levertoff, early twentieth century, pioneering Jewish believer and grandfather of the modern Messianic Jewish movement, presented a radical, new, and uniquely Jewish approach to understanding the divinity of Messiah in a now lost work titled "The Shekinah and the Christ."

Something Off the Top of My Head

Wonder why First Fruits of Zion teachers wear head coverings? If so, this article is for you! This comprehensive essay on head coverings addresses Torah commandments, Paul's words, traditional Jewish thought, and much more.

Introducing the New HaYesod

Updates and overviews of the new HaYesod discipleship program, which seeks to restore a love for the land, the people, and the Scriptures of the Israel . coming in the fall of 2009!

Was Yeshua a family man? D. Thomas Lancaster looks at Yeshua's relationship with His family, His clan, His disciples and the family of God. An important glimpse into the Master's world.

Torah Foundations for Marriage

The Torah has much to teach us about marriage and the ordering of a godly home. Join Tim Hegg as he looks to the Torah and Apostolic Writings for God's wisdom for the successful home.

Honoring your Father and Mother

What does it really mean to honor one's father and mother? How did the classic interpreters apply this commandment? Toby Janicki addresses this often-ignored commandment.

Home--The Center of Worship

The center of Christian expression may be the church service, but the center of Judaism is in the home. Aaron Eby offers us advice for transforming our homes into little Temples.

Singles in the Family of God

With all the emphasis that the Torah movement places on family, singles often feel left out. Do single people have a role in the community? Seth Dralle writes about being single and Messianic.

Raising Torah Kids

Messianic Judaism will fail if we do not transmit it to the next generation, but instilling Torah values in our children does not happen automatically. Tikvah Michael discusses how we can do this.

The Seeds of Torah in Africa

Take a quick look at how the light of Torah is shining in the dark continent of Africa.

Rabbi Daniel Zion (Z"L)

Meet Rabbi Daniel Zion, the Chief Rabbi of Bulgaria during World War II, a hero of the holocaust and a disciple of Yeshua.

Israel Study Tour Testimonies

Read testimonies from First Fruits of Zion's 2007 Israel study tour participants.

Every time the Torah is read in our Sabbath assemblies, it is a rehearsal for that future time when we will all be gathered into Jerusalem to hear the Torah read by the gracious lips of King Messiah himself.

The Last Mitzvah

The Torah commands the transcription of the scroll. Let's consider the mystical aspects of this mitzvah.

The Anatomy of a Torah Scroll

Tradition has maintained a careful process in which a Torah scroll is made, treated and revered. In many cases they have preserved the Torah itself.

The Torah Reading Service

Is the public reading of the Torah in Hebrew a boring and needless tradition or the centerpiece of the Sabbath worship service?

The Public Reading of the Torah

A survey of the Bible and other ancient historical documents can help us surmise key elements about the public reading of the Torah in the synagogues in which Yeshua and His disciples gathered.

Insights into the Words of Torah

The garden of the Torah is before you; it is a desirable garden, the Garden of Eden, the Garden of the Lord.

Daughters of Zion, Go and See!

Making Torah study a staple in our homes and around our tables. Let us "go and see" what the words of Torah say to us.

Burning the Sacred Scrolls

Traditional Judaism considers it a mitzvah to rescue a Scroll from a fire. But what if the Scroll was written by a believer in Yeshua?

A Torah Stolen

Read the story of a Messianic congregation in the Northwest that had its Scroll stolen and the resulting testimony it brought to the Messianic community.

Other Jots and Tittles

The Master says that not a single jot or tittle of the Torah will pass away--but there may be far more discrepancies between the jots and tittles of various Torah manuscripts than you realize.

After His immersion and forty days of fasting in the wilderness, Yeshua faced three messianic temptations. Find out how His duel with the devil draws on traditional Jewish literature and the high holiday themes.

Build a Kosher Sukkah

Let FFOZ teach you about what has developed into both a science and an art form
in traditional Judaism.

Medicine for the Soul

The Feast of Trumpets and the Day of Atonement hinge on repentance, prayer and righteousness. The Divine Physician prescribes all three for our healing.

Testimony to Israel

Nineteenth century Jewish believer Theophilus Lucky muses over the significance of the forty days of repentance which conclude with the Day of Atonement.

Yom Kippur, Fasting with Intention

Not all of the biblical festivals are "feast" days. Learn the physical and spiritual implications of the great fast of the Day of Atonement.

Prayer Liturgy of the High Holy Days

Messianic Cantor Aaron Eby provides us with a road map to the secret of the high holidays contained in the prayer liturgies of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Yeshua and the Adulteress

John's story of the woman caught in adultery is set during the Feast of Booths in Jerusalem. Revisit the story with Toby Janicki to discover how the Master exonerated the guilty.

Contrasts

What happens when missionaries to modern Greece and modern Greek culture discover their Hebrew Roots?

The Land of the Shadow of Death

Biblical Geographer Steven Lancaster introduces us to the Galilee, crossroads of nations and empires, from which the great light came forth.

Is conversion to Judaism a viable choice for believers in Messiah?
D. Thomas Lancaster looks at the ramifications of joining mainstream Judaism in this reprint from Issue 85.

The Virgin Birth

Critics of the Gospel are always quick to attack the birth narratives. Is the story of Yeshua's virgin birth reliable? Is it necessary? Tim Hegg answers.

The Mediator

Opponents of the Gospel claim that an intermediary between God and man is unnecessary. Is this really what Judaism teaches?
Is it what the Bible teaches?

Unique and Incomprehensible

Boaz Michael navigates through the difficulties of expressing a high Christology consistent with Apostolic Judaism and within the biblical framework.

True Faith Strengthened

Meet Yechiel Tzvi Lichtenstein, one of the founding fathers of modern Torah Observant Messianic Judaism.

Faith Strengthened

Toby Janicki opens up the definitive work of anti-missionary objections to the Gospel and exposes its inherent weaknesses and karaite foundation.

The Exalted Rebbe

Study along with Toby Janicki as he takes a look at the Jewish approach to Christology and dispels some common objections to Yeshua.

Why We Are Called Believers

Yeshua did not complete the Messianic mission described by the prophets. D. Thomas Lancaster concedes that faith in Yeshua actually does require faith, and that's why we are called believers.

PLUS...

Dear Avi answers a question about the curse of Jehoiachin and how it relates to Messiah.