Messianic 'Judaism' is not Jewish

RABBI ZVI HOLLAND

In last week's Jewish News, ("Messianic rabbi defends his efforts," Jewish News, Dec. 6) Jack Zimmerman challenges me to "back up" my claims from the Tanach that "Messianic Jews" are outside the pale of Judaism.

First, I would like to point out that this man is a missionary on the faculty of the Faith Christian Church of the Nazarene.

In his letter to the editor, Zimmerman writes "one's Messianic belief is not a barometer for Judaism." This is nothing but a deceptive attempt to convince potential converts to Christianity that they can retain their identity as Jews. This tactic has been developed by Jews for Jesus and other "missionary" Christian groups, such as the one Zimmerman heads in order to make conversion to Christianity more palatable to Jews. This misrepresentation is also evident in the widespread misuse of Jewish symbols and customs and in the fabrication of Jewish texts.

I would like to present the sources from the Tanach on the criteria for Moshiach (the Jewish Messiah).

Moshiach must be Jewish. (Deuteronomy 17:15, Numbers 24:17)
Moshiach must be from the tribe of Judah and a descendent of both King David and King Solomon. (I Chronicles 17:11, 22:10 and II Chronicles 7:18, Psalms 89:29-38, Jeremiah 33:17, II Samuel 7:12-16)
Moshiach must gather the Jewish people from exile and return them to the Land of Israel. (Isaiah 27:12, 11:12)
Moshiach must rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. (Micah 4:1)
Moshiach must bring world peace. (Isaiah 2:4, 11:6; Micah 4:3)
Moshiach must influence the entire world to acknowledge and serve one God. (Isaiah 11:9, 40:5; Zephaniah 3:9)
See all of these criteria listed in one place in Ezekiel 37:24-28.
If an individual fails to fulfill even one of these conditions, he cannot be the Moshiach.

This is the Torah perspective. In addition, we find that Eliyahu Hanavi (Elijah the prophet) was sent to rebuke Jews who were worshiping a foreign god and says, "How long will you keep hopping between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; and if Baal, follow him!" (I Kings 18:21) In other words, you can't be both. Clearly one cannot describe himself as faithful to Torah when following another path. Clearly no practicing Christian can claim to be a faithful Jew. Zimmerman's mention of Rabbi Akiva is also a stark example of the intellectual dishonesty Messianic missionaries tend to display. Rabbi Akiva thought that Bar Kochva would accomplish the mission of Moshiach. When he failed, this hope was dashed.

Numerous Christian denominations have also condemned Hebrew Christianity. "These proselytizing techniques are tantamount to coerced conversions and should be condemned." (From a formal statement of the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.)

One thing upon which the entire Jewish community agrees is that to be a "Jew" for Jesus is as ridiculous as "kosher pork." It is an obvious contradiction. If you follow Jesus, don't fool yourself; you are a Christian because you can't be both.

Judaism is a most beautiful and fulfilling path to personal growth and a connection to God. Proverbs says, "Its ways are ways of pleasantness and all its paths are peace. It is a tree of life to those who hold fast to it." Our best defense against the growing onslaught of missionary propaganda is a deep commitment to Judaism and an uncompromising program of Jewish education.

Rabbi Holland is the Director of Phoenix Community Kollel/Aish Hatorah Scottsdale Center for Jewish Discovery.

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