On issues that are central to our faith, it is important to stand firm. On issues that are not as central, it is important to seek mutual understanding and acceptance. In any case, it is important to be humble, gracious, and charitable. We don't like to fight with people, especially with my brothers and sisters in the faith. We don't even like to fight about essential issues, much less non-essential ones. We like peace, and believe in pursuing peace. That's why First Fruits of Zion is reluctant to get involved in an issue as potentially divisive as the use of God's holy Name.

God's Name is a big issue, especially in the Christian Hebrew Roots and Messianic Jewish movements. We don't regard it as an essential issue worth fighting over, but many people do. Many of my brothers and sisters have become entrenched in an argument about whether or not to pronounce God's Hebrew Name and even how it should be pronounced. First Fruits of Zion often hears from people who are concerned because they have been told that the common English names for God and Messiah are actually the names of pagan deities.

This new booklet can shed some light on these matters. We don't want this book to be used as one more volley in a holy war. Instead, we hope it will be received as an educational resource that can lend some clarity to the discussion. The Mayim Chayim series is meant to introduce Messianic Judaism to the traditional Jewish application of Torah, and to show how traditional Judaism provides a wealth of information pertinent to the argument over God's Name.

Click here to view some sample pages.

Beit Midrash Scholar's Edition

Join us together in the First Fruits of Zion Beit Midrash ("House of Study") as we dig deeper into the commandment of sanctifying God's Name. Elaborating on the ideas presented in the Hallowed be Your Name book, this dialogue expounds upon major concepts, studying in-depth perspectives on the Scriptures. This engaging style of Beit Midrash teaching will increase your understanding of God's Holy Name and give practical ways in which to bring the Father glory and honor every day.

Join Aaron Eby, Boaz Michael and Toby Janicki together in the First Fruits of Zion Beit Midrash (“House of Study”) as they dig deeper into the commandment of sanctifying God's Name. Elaborating on the ideas introduced in the Hallowed be Your Name book, this dialogue expounds upon major concepts, studying in-depth perspectives on the Scriptures. This engaging style of Beit Midrash teaching will increase your understanding of God's Holy Name and give practical ways in which to bring the Father glory and honor every day.

Should We Use the Name?

Evasive Synonyms

The Unpardonable Sin