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.

D. Thomas Lancaster takes us on a tour of the apostles' encounters with Yeshua during the forty days after His resurrection, and reminds us that our Messiah is really alive!

The Resurrection-Doubters of Corinth

Why did some people in Paul's congregation in Corinth doubt the literal resurrection of Yeshua? What's the story behind 1 Corinthians 15?

Easter and the Resurrection

Tikvah Michael considers the origins of Easter and encourages us to celebrate the resurrection of Yeshua.

Feast of Incorruptibility

Find out how matzah and the Feast of Unleavened Bread teach about the resurrection.

The Resurrection: A Jewish Perspective

The distillation of a book written by an Orthodox Jewish scholar defending the legitimacy of Yeshua's resurrection.

The God of the Living

The Master on the Resurrection: Toby Janicki shows us how Yeshua thwarted the Sadducees and proved the resurrection from the texts of Torah.

Yeshua's Tomb in Jerusalem

An Apostolic Memory from the First Century: Where is the tomb of Yeshua? Is it possible to know the authentic location of Yeshua's tomb? Steven Lancaster digs up the facts.

Havdalah

Making a Beautiful Distinction: Aaron Eby distinguishes between the sacred and the profane as he describes the ritual for ending the Sabbath.

PLUS...

Dear Avi answers a question about Torah and salvation.

Who were the twelve disciples? D. Thomas Lancaster introduces us to each of Yeshua's twelve disciples, investigates their names and nicknames and speculates about their relationships to one another and the Master.

Is the New Testament Reliable?

How do we know the Church Fathers who canonized the New Testament can be trusted? Boaz Michael answers questions about the reliability of the Apostolic Scriptures.

The Teacher and the Pupil

Aaron Eby discusses the institution of discipleship from a first-century Jewish perspective.

My Big Fat Greek Mindset

In part 2 of his contrast between a Greek world-view and a Hebraic world-view, Tim Hegg challenges us to adopt a more biblical way of approaching theology.

Talmidot Shel Yeshua

Did you know women were reckoned among the disciples of Yeshua? Tikvah Michael looks at Yeshua's call to discipleship and its implications for women.

A Purim Allegory

In Judaism, the story of Esther is often read allegorically to reveal precious truths about our relationship to God.

Yeshua's Chief Disciple

Toby Janicki digs deep into obscure rabbinic sources to find Jewish legends about Simon Peter.

Jacob of Kefar Sekaniah

The Talmud preserves stories about a mysterious disciple of Yeshua named Jacob of Kefar Sekania. Could he have been one of the Twelve?

The Tomb of Jacob of Kefar Sekaniah

Has the tomb of 'James the Less' been discovered?

A Shaliach Story

Read the story of how one woman's determination birthed a Torah community.

PLUS...

The Intro letter discussing discipleship, and Dear Avi's answer about Torah and anti-semitic theology.

D. Thomas Lancaster provides a stunning and invigorating challenge to traditional interpretations on the second coming of Messiah and the "Rapture." Are you sure you don't want to be "Left Behind?"

Baptism: A Jewish Ritual

Take a look at the historical origins of Baptism, the biblical language behind the concept and the reasons for modern-day application of this ritual.

My Big Fat Greek Mindset

Do you know how your viewpoint of God, His Word and spiritual life is handicapped by a Greek mindset? We must become aware of our past training and how we can adapt a more Hebraic way of thinking.

Shining Lights...

Hanukkah is just around the corner! Enjoy a quick read in this holiday overview, and learn how we can apply its themes to our lives today.

Modesty

The last in a three-part series on the subject of Modesty, Tikvah Michael discusses practical applications for modesty in today's congregations and Torah homes.

Who is My Neighbor?

Yeshua's answer to the question, "Which is the greatest commandment" provide the motivation we all need to treat others the way that we desire to be treated...a weightier matter of Torah observance that we easily overlook.

Sabbath-Keepers of Transylvania

If you think the emergence of Torah communities is new to 2006, think again! Historical evidence documents a group of Torah followers in sixteenth-century Transylvania.

Hezekiah's Tunnel

A fascinating study on the water systems of ancient Jerusalem and how these waterways affected the tactical security of the city.

PLUS...

The Director's letter discussing the publishing goals of messiah magazine, and Dear Avi's answer about when Shabbat really starts.

D. Thomas Lancaster unravels two parables of Yeshua by placing them in historical context while explaining their message for believers today.

Shabbat

Blessed since the first week of creation, the Sabbath endures throughout all generations, and will endure even into the Messianic future.

Two Thousand Years of Christianity

As the Torah movement attempts to return faith to its Jewish footing, skeptics point to the antiquity of traditional Christianity for evidence of the Church's institutional legitimacy. Is this a valid argument?

Feivel the Chasid

The story of how a Russian, Chasidic Jew found his soul rooted in Rebbe Yeshua of Nazareth.

Modesty

Tikvah Michael's second installment on the laws and customs of modesty in opposite-gender relations.

The Master's Minhag

Join Toby Janicki in a journey through the Gospels as he seeks out the customs of Yeshua of Nazareth.

A Shaliach Story

Meet Emily Dwire, a Jewish believer bringing the good news of Messiah and the high standard of Torah to Uganda.

Celebrate the Fall Feasts!

Get ready to keep the fall festivals of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot.

A Last House of the House of David

Steven Lancaster digs into the archaeology of Ramat Rachel and the book of Jeremiah to uncover an ancient palace of the Davidic Kings.

Kavanah

Boaz Michael discusses the art of directing one's prayers in the right direction, and with the right intention and devotion.

Testimonies

Reports and testimonies from the 2006 FFOZ National Conference -- "Pray in the Spirit".

PLUS...

The Director's Letter discussing "The Blurry Line" and Dear Avi's answer regarding the "Laws of Niddah".

According to the Talmud only a priest can lift up his hands to bless the people. So why would Yeshua, who was not of priestly descent, take on this role?

The Noachide Laws

Why did the Apostles choose four prohibitions for the Gentile believers? Were these prohibitions in any way related to the Noachide Laws?

I Can See Clearly Now

The Holy Spirit enables our hearts to fully understand the Bible, but can we use this as an excuse to avoid studying external references to find the Scripture's original meaning?

In the Father's Name

In this third and final part on using the Name of God, Aaron Eby elaborates on Yeshua's custom and how we as His disciples can sanctify God's Name.

Modesty

What exactly does it mean to be modest? Is is related to our dress code and our hair style, or does true modesty go beyond our outward appearances?

Real-Life Signatures

Archaeological discoveries in and around Jerusalem give us some real-life glimpses into the days of Jeremiah and bears testimony to biblical figures.

Blessed Are Those Who Mourn

Learn more about the ninth day of the Hebrew month of Av and why it is appropriate as disciples of the Master to commemorate this day.

Redefining the Traditions

To understand how the divergence between the Synagogue and the early Church took place, we examine a very early Church document.

The Da Vinci Code

D. Thomas Lancaster is separating fact from fiction and invites readers to dig deeper and discover the true Jewish nature of the Gospels.

Passover: Remembering our Redemption

A Taste of Freedom

Our Passover Encounter

The Traditional Seder

Removing the Leaven

The Feather Story

The Four Cups

What is this Service to You?

Unblemished & Unleavened

One Long Day

The Omer

Click here to download a PDF version of this issue FREE!

Take a fresh look at the Carpenter from Nazareth, His relationship with His family, His disciples and the two Galilean villages that laid claim to Him.

"Covenant" or "Testament?"

Did Yeshua's death bequeath us the New Covenant and cancel the Old Covenant, or is something else going on in Hebrews 9:15-17? Tim Hegg brings clarity to an ambiguous passage in the book of Hebrews.

The Unchanging God

Is God capricious in His requirements, now forbidding, then permitting; now condemning, then pardoning? Meet the unchanging God of the Torah.

Using the Sacred Name

Whether or not to use God's Sacred Name continues to divide believers in the Torah movement today. Consider our viewpoint in part 2 of this series.

Bar Mitzvah

As the Torah movement comes of age, questions about bar and bat mitzvah abound. Let's look at some of the facts behind the ceremony.

Purim, the Festival of Hidden Miracles

Grab your noise makers and prepare to eat hamentashen! It's time for Purim--the festival that celebrates the story of Esther, the miraculous survival of the Jewish people.

The Church's Early Identity

Chris O'Quinn digs into the documents of the early Church to trace the evolution of traditional Christianity after the Apostles.

Temple Mount Sifting Project

The FFOZ Israel Tour crossed paths with a prominent Israeli archaeologist who is finding valuable artifacts from the Jerusalem Temple Mount. This is his story.

On Tour with FFOZ

Reports from the November, 2005 First Fruits of Zion Israel Tour.

An in-depth historical study of key Gospel passages taken and related to Matthew 11 in light of their traditional and historical Jewish context.

Messiah, Judaism & Christianity

Read what Orthodox Rabbi Isaac Lichtenstein had to say about the Messiah Yeshua a century ago.

Torah--Only for the Unrighteous?

An investigation into 1 Timothy 1:3-11: Is Paul suggesting that God gave the Torah for the sole purpose of condemning the unrighteous?

The Coming Messianic Age

Living the Torah of Moses will be an important part of the restoration of all things...But we don't have to wait until the Messiah returns to begin participating.

Assimilation or Dedication?

The holiday of Hanukkah is upon us...are we simply trading one man-made tradition for another?

What is God's Name?

The subject of God's Sacred Name is a hot topic in the Torah movement today. Consider our viewpoint in this first part of a two-part series.

Talmud Torah

Like Abraham who was set apart from humanity specifically to promote the ways of Adonai to his generation, we too share this great responsibility to teach our children the ways of Adonai--we learn this from the Torah itself!

Growing Up in Torah

Read with enjoyment what Isaac Lancaster has to say about his experiences growing up in a Torah home under Torah education.

Restoration--Revolution

Boaz Michael enjoins you to continue in the Torah lifestyle even through difficult and awkward moments. We are part of a growing revolution, let's not loose heart!

Defining Judaism

Part two in this series of the history of the early Apostolic community, Yavneh and the beginnings of Rabbinical Judaism.

PLUS...

Director's Intro - On the Front Lines
Community Forum - Have you found the Missing Piece?
Your Feedback - Reader's letters
Dear Avi - Mixed Fabrics. Answers to some intriguing questions.
First Fruits Resources - More material for learning and growth