Two Messianic Jews

This week is the Jewish holiday of Shavuot which is also known as Pentecost. In Jewish tradition, Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah. In Christian traditions, Pentecost commemorates the Holy Spirit descending after Jesus ascended to heaven. In Messianic Judaism, we commemorate both! Join us in exploring how Shavuot provides an occasion to see how Paul was both Torah-observant and Spirit-Led simultaneously.Did Paul Teach Against Torah in Acts 21? 

To support our work in strengthening the faith and identityof Jewish followers of Messiah, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donateMusic: bensound.com

In Deuteronomy 13, we learn that false prophets can perform miracles. From this point, counter-missionary, Rabbi Michael Skobac reasons: “miracles don’t prove anything.” If he is right, then Jesus’s resurrection does not prove he is the Messiah. But is Rabbi Skobac right? In this video, I argue that when we understand Deuteronomy 13 in light of Passover and with the help of Maimonides, we see that contrary to what Rabbi Skobac says about it, Deuteronomy 13 is actually the foundation for why Jesus’s resurrection would be evidence that he is the Messiah!   

To support our work in responding to counter-missionaries,you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donate
For a presentation of Orthodox Jewish scholar, Dr. Pinchas Lapide’s case for Jesus’s resurrection click here___________________________   

You can also watch on our YouTube channel

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook

Instagram

___________________________
Other videos like this one:
A Case for Messianic Judaism (Live at YMJA Virtual Messiah
Does the Resurrection Prove Jesus is the Messiah? A Jewish Response to a Jewish Objection   
"Why Messianic Judaism Is Fake" [REACTION]   ___________________________   
Full videos where I get the clips of Rabbi Michael Skobac:
THE MYTH OF RESURRECTION
CHRISTIANITY CHANGED MY LIFE: Can Miracles Prove Anything?___________________________   
Music: bensound.com

What do Messianic Jews believe? How do Messianic Jews live and worship? Join us on Two Messianic Jews as we share with you the definition of a Messianic Jew, the core beliefs of the Messianic Jewish community, and the common ways Messianic Jews live and worship. In the end, I share how we view ourselves within the Jewish community and within the Body of Messiah.

To support our work in strengthening the faith and identityof Jewish followers of Messiah, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donate

00:00 - Definition of 'Messianic Jew'
5:18 - What a Messianic Jew is NOT
7:52 - What Messianic Jews believe
12:12 - How Messianic Jews live and worship
About some key New Testament texts for Messianic Jews, Dr. David Rudolph says,  "Messianic Jews referred to their religious tradition as 'Messianic Judaism,' a term that implicitly called into question the traditional narrative of the first-century parting of the ways between Judaism and 'Christianity.'  It is important to recognize that Messianic Judaism challenged fundamental theological assumptions about the nature of the ecclesia and argued on the basis of New Testament texts - primarily Acts 15; 21.17-26; and 1 Corinthians 7.17-24 - that Yeshua-believing Jews had a continuing responsibility before God to live as Jews. Messianic Judaism took exception to eighteen hundred years of Gentile Christian theology and exegesis that precluded reading the New Testament in this way."  From Introduction to Messianic Judaism, 27 (emphasis his).

You can also watch on our YouTube channel

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook

Instagram

--------------

Bibliography:  

Adat Hatikvah Messianic Synagogue Statement of Faith  

Baruch Hashem Messianic Synagogue Statement of Faith 

David Rudolph, "Messianic Judaism in Antiquity and in the Modern Era," in Introduction to Messianic Judaism: Its Ecclesial Context and Biblical Foundations, 21-36.  
Jacob Rosenberg, "History and Practices in the Messianic Jewish Movement," in Messianic Jewish Orthodoxy: The Essence of Our Faith, History and Best Practices, 225-40.  
Richard Harvey, Mapping Messianic Jewish Theology: A Constructive Approach.  
Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations Definition of Messianic Judaism 
Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations Statement of Faith
International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues Statement of Faith     
Yaakov Ariel, "Messianic Judaism," in Jewish Annotated New Testament, 2nd. Ed. 756-59.  
Yaakov Ariel, “A Different Kind of Dialogue?: Messianic Judaism and Jewish-Christian Relations,” in CrossCurrents 243 (September 2012): 318-327.
-------------- 

Music: https://www.bensound.com

Recently, we were sent a Times of Israel blog by its author, Rabbi Joel Hoffman, entitled, "Why Messianic Judaism is Fake." We thought this was a good opportunity to try our hand at doing a live reaction as we read it for the first time! There is much more that could have been said, and much that we could have said more clearly. Hopefully, it is edifying and entertaining nonetheless!

To support our work in responding to counter-missionaries,you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donate
If you'd like to see more content like this let us know!   If you'd like to hear a more careful presentation of what we discussed here, check out our videos "Does the Resurrection Prove Jesus is the Messiah? A Jewish Response to a Jewish Objection" and "Did Jesus Replace Judaism? A Messianic Jewish Response to Andy Stanley"  
Link to article: https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/why-messianic-judaism-is-fake/ [Accessed Dec. 30, 2021]

_________________  

0:00 – Intro
0:58 – Predicting what Rabbi Hoffman means by “Messianic Judaism is Fake”
5:40 – Reacting to Rabbi Hoffman’s comments on a Messianic rabbi praying in Jesus’s name at Mike Pence’s prayer rally in tribute to the eleven Jews murdered in Pittsburgh  
10:33 – Reacting to Rabbi Hoffman’s “refutation of Christianity and Messianic Judaism in just 30 seconds”
13:11 – Was Jesus Torah observant?
17:51 – How can Jesus be the Messiah even though he did not fulfill the major criteria/requirements of the Messiah?
_________________

You can also watch on our YouTube channel

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook

Instagram

______________________  

Music: https://www.bensound.com

While Christmas is not part of the Messianic Jewish calendar we affirm the Church's celebration of this tradition as a wonderful way to celebrate the birth and incarnation of the Messiah. There are many Hebrew Roots channels that argue Christmas is steeped in paganism and that the Church should not celebrate the holiday. For this episode, we are joined by Michael Jones of Inspiring Philosophy--a channel that has had a lot of influence on us--and he shares with us his research that Christmas does not have pagan roots and even if it did, it wouldn't matter. Enjoy!

To support our work in challenging the Hebrew Rootsmovement, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donate

____________________

0:00 – Introduction

1:41 – What was your position before doing this research?

3:14 – What primary and secondary sources are most relevant to this discussion?

6:09 – How does the anti-Christmas crowd use the term “pagan”?

6:52 – Does Jeremiah 10.2-4 condemn Christmas trees?

9:52 – Does Isaiah 44.14-15 condemn Christmas trees?

10:42 – Does Jeremiah 3.13 condemn gifts under the tree?

12:10 – If the anti-Christmas logic holds, what other things should we give up because they are apparently pagan?

14:35 – What if Christmas does have pagan roots? Is abandoning it the right response?

15:50 – What do you think causes the anti-Christmas crowd to take such a dramatic leap in logic?

16:53 – What is the origin of the myth that Christmas is pagan?

18:10 – When did Protestants come to accept Christmas as their own and why was it deemed ok?

19:26 – What are your thoughts on Protestant leader, Charles Spurgeon’s view of Christmas? 22:45 – Was Saturnalia celebrated on December 25?

23:58 – Was Sol Invictus celebrated on December 25?

25:44 – Did Jewish festivals take place on pagan holidays?

27:26 – Were any pagan holidays celebrated on December 25?

28:23 – Why was December 25 chosen by the Church?

29:38 – Do you think Jesus was born on December 25?

32:15 – When did the Christmas tree become part of Christmas celebrations?

34:35 – Is kneeling before a Christmas tree like pagan worship?

38:15 – Is singing the carol, “O Christmas Tree” tantamount to pagan worship?

39:11 – Do you have issues with the Santa Clause practice?

40:36 – Is Santa Clause derived from pagan gods?

45:40 – What do you think of Monte Judah’s view that Christmas is idolatry?

48:03 – Do wreaths come from paganism?

49:47 – What are your thoughts on 119 Ministries' documentary, “The Christmas Question”?

52:41 – What is your advice for people easily susceptible to conspiracy theories to think more rationally and critically about something like "if you celebrate Christmas you are participating in paganism"?

55:09 – Closing___________________________

You can also watch on our YouTube channel

Follow us on Social Media:

Facebook

Instagram______________________
Music: https://www.bensound.com

Not many people understand or have even heard of, Messianic Gentiles. Who are they? Who are they not? In this video, I define Messianic Gentiles as are non-Jewish members of Messianic synagogues who affirm the teachings of Messianic Judaism and live according to the Jewish norms of their synagogue. I then distinguish them from many groups with which they might be easily confused, particularly Hebrew Roots/One Law adherents. I also offer tips for how non-Jews can determine if God is leading them to join a Messianic synagogue. Enjoy!

To support our work in challenging the Hebrew Rootsmovement, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donate

_____________________________
00:00 – Introduction
1:56 – Definition of a Messianic Gentile
5:04 – What a Messianic Gentile is NOT
7:19 – Distinguishing from Hebrew Roots/One Law
13:00 – Other Hebrew Roots Errors
25:26 – Unhealthy and Healthy Messianic Gentile Attitudes
33:09 – Are you led to join a Messianic synagogue as a non-Jew?
___________________________
You can also watch on our YouTube channel
Follow us on Social Media:     
Facebook
Instagram     ______________________________ 
Works Cited:  
Dan Juster, Jewish Roots: Understanding Your Jewish Faith  
Dan Juster, “The Annual Vilification of Christmas,”  https://loveforhispeople.com/2019/12/17/the-annual-vilification-of-christmas-dan-juster/
David Rudolph and Elliot Klayman, “Messianic Jewish Synagogues,” in Introduction to Messianic Judaism.
David Rudolph, “One New Man, Hebrew Roots, Replacement Theology”
https://collective.tku.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/One-New-Man-Hebrew-Roots-Replacement-Theology.pdf
International Alliance of Messianic Congregations and Synagogues, “One Law, Two Sticks: A Critical Look at the Hebrew Roots Movement”
Jeff Adler, “Gentiles Within The Messianic Jewish Community,” in The Borough Parks Papers: Symposium III.  
Joel Liberman, “Grappling with Christmas as a Messianic (Jewish) Believer,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp-fZXX9_cM
Joseph Culbertson, “Rediscovering My Gentile Roots,” in Kesher: A Journal For Messianic Judaism 36.  
Rich Nichol, “The Unique Place of Gentiles in Messianic Jewish Congregational Life,” in The Borough Parks Papers: Symposium III.  
Russ Resnik, “Defining Messianic Judaism,” in Kesher: A Journal of Messianic Judaism.   
Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations, “Defining Messianic Judaism,” https://www.umjc.org/defining-messianic-judaism   
References:  
Is Jesus a Copy of Pagan Myths? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWMISSOT_vU&t=5s   
Non-Jews in Synagogues  
Conservative: https://www.timesofisrael.com/conservative-synagogues-pass-proposal-allowing-non-jews-as-members/   
Reform: https://reformjudaism.org/reform-jewish-life/youth-family-community/interfaith/interfaith-couples-reform-judaism-welcomes-you   
Reconstructionist: https://archive.md/JnsC  
______________________
Music: https://www.bensound.com

Many Christians read Colossians 2.16-17 as validation that the Torah is obsolete, specifically the observance of Shabbat, Jewish festivals, and kosher laws. But is this Paul’s point? I don’t think so. In this video, I explain why through a careful analysis of the Greek text in its literary and historical context. I argue that Paul is exhorting the Colossians to not let ascetic critics who emphasize self-denial judge them for eating and drinking, celebrating Shabbat and Jewish festivals instead of fasting and afflicting themselves. He is telling the Colossians to not consider the judgment from the critics, but instead, they should consider the Messiah’s body, keeping their minds focused on Jesus and what he did for them. To translate the text, I rely on much of the arguments and translation decisions from Brian Allen’s article, “Removing an Arrow from the Supersessionist Quiver: A Post-Supersessionist Reading of Colossians 2.16-17,” Journal for the Study of Paul and His Letters 8 (2018) 127-146.  

Troy Martin, “But Let Everyone Discern the Body of Christ (Col 2.17),” JBL 114 (1995): 249–55.  

Susannah Heschel, Introduction, in Abraham Joshua Heschel, The Sabbath (New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2005), vii-xvi.  

Daniel T. Lancaster, From Sabbath to Sabbath (Marshfield, MO: First Fruits of Zion, 2016).  

David H. Stern, Jewish New Testament Commentary (Clarksville, MD: Jewish New Testament Publications, 1996).  

Sang-Won Aaron Son, “τὸ δὲ σῶμα τοῦ Χριστοῦ in Colossians 2.17,” in History and Exegesis: New Testament Essays in Honor of Dr. E. Earle Ellis for His Eightieth Birthday, ed. Sang-Won Aaron Son (New York: T&T Clark, 2006), 222–38.   

Shaye J. D. Cohen, The Beginnings of Jewishness: Boundaries, Varieties, Uncertainties (Berkley: University of California Press, 1999).

 _________________________________________   

Music: https://www.bensound.com

How should Messianic Jews understand the role of Torah, rabbinic tradition, and the leading of the Holy Spirit in their lives and communities? There are multiple Messianic Jewish answers to this question and today we had on Messianic Jewish scholar, Dr. Jennifer Rosner and Messianic Jewish rabbi, Joshua Lessard to discuss their book "At the Foot of the Mountain: Two Views on the Torah and Spirit" where they explore these issues from different perspectives.

To support our work in strengthening the faith and identityof Jewish followers of Messiah, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donate

You can also watch on our YouTube channel
Follow us on Social Media:  
Facebook
Instagram
_________________________________________      

Get the book!
Rabbi Josh's website
Dr. Rosner's website
_________________________________________
00:00 - Introduction
1:53 - Rabbi Josh's opening Comments
6:10 - Dr. Rosner's opening Comments
11:02 - Is one of the purposes of the Torah to maintain the distinction between Israel and the nations? If so, does the New Testament affirm or overturn this purpose?
30:00 - What place does rabbinic tradition have in the life of a Messianic Jew? Is there an inherent tension between tradition and the Spirit?
45:58 - What might Messianic Judaism look like if it adopted your perspective?
1:03:27 - Can a Messianic Jew be called to church membership rather than the Messianic synagogue?
1:08:10 - How do you understand the New Testament passages that seem to speak harshly about the Torah?
1:17:53 - How does one ensure they are being led by the Spirit? Might the Spirit lead one to not follow a particular Torah commandment?
1:26:36 - Rabbi Josh's parting comments
1:30:02 - Dr. Rosner's parting comments
_________________________________________
Music: https://www.bensound.com

Hebrew Roots and One Law teachers like Lex Meyer of Unlearn the Lies and Tim Hegg of Torah Resource frequently argue that Christians should celebrate Sukkot and all other Jewish Festivals because of the prophecy found in Zechariah 14:16-19. This is contrary to the Messianic Jewish position. I argue that Christians do not have this responsibility and appeal to Messianic Jewish leaders like Dr. David Rudolph, Dr. Daniel Juster, and Rabbi Russ Resnik in support of this position. Christians are not deficient for not observing distinctly Jewish customs.  

To support our work in challenging the Hebrew Rootsmovement, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donate
You can also watch on our YouTube channel
Follow us on Social Media:  
Facebook
Instagram _________________________________________  
References:  
Lex Meyer from Unlearn the Lies clip from his Sukkot video 

Tim Hegg's articles:
"Are the Festivals (Moedim) for Today"
"One Law Movements: A Response to Russ Resnik & Daniel Juster"
Dr. Daniel Juster and Rabbi Russ Resnik article:
"One Law Movements: A Challenge to the Messianic Jewish Community"
Dr. David Rudolph:
Joshua Lessard and Jennifer Rosner, At the Foot of the Mountain: Two Views on Torah and Spirit, xxiv, n29.  
"One New Man, Hebrew Roots, Replacement Theology" _________________________________________   
Music: https://www.bensound.com

Did Jesus oppose Judaism and come to replace it with his brand-new religion of Christianity? Was ancient Judaism a legalistic religion of works-righteousness? Did Jesus make the Law obsolete? Many people assume the answer to all these questions is yes. But is that true? In this video, we tackle these questions, building the case that the way Jesus teaches, lives, and debates situates him within Second Temple Judaism. Pastor Andy Stanley precisely articulates the way many Christians answer the questions above. So, in this video, we interact with some of the points he makes in his book, Irresistible: Reclaiming the New that Jesus Unleashed for the World.   

To support our work in combating replacement theology, you can visit https://www.twomessianicjews.com/donate
0:00 - Intro
2:54 - What did "Judaism" mean during the time of Jesus?
4:33 - The fundamental problem with the idea that Jesus opposed Judaism
6:54 - Jesus teaches the heart of the Torah (Mark 12.30-31)
13:57 - Jesus wears tzitzit and tefillin (Matt 9.20; 23.5) 15:25 - Jesus observes Jewish traditions
16:13 - Jesus debates with Pharisees on what is lawful on the Sabbath (Matt 12.11-13)
28:11 - Was ancient Judaism a legalistic religion of works-righteousness?  
35:38 - Did Jesus make the Law obsolete? (Response to Pastor Andy Stanley's reading of Matt 5.17)
46:06 - Summary 47:07 - Current scholarship on Jesus within Judaism
49:31 - Conclusion  
________________________________________  
You can also watch on our YouTube channel
Follow us on Social Media:  
Facebook
Instagram
_________________________________________  
"The Shema's Impact on the Gospel and Replacement Theology"  

"Did Jesus Come to Destroy the Law? Responding to Rabbi Tovia Singer"
Dr. Nicholas Schaser's interview on Matthew 5
_________________________________________  
Noted works:  
Boyarin, Daniel. “Semantic Differences; or ‘Judaism’/‘Christianity’.” In The Ways that Never Parted: Jews and Christians in Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages, edited by Annette Yokisho Reed and Adam H. Becker, 65-85. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2007.
Flusser, David. Jesus. 3rd ed. Jerusalem: The Hebrew University Magnes Press, 2001.  
Levine, Amy-Jill. A Misunderstood Jew: The Church and the Scandal of the Jewish Jesus. New York: HarperCollins, 2006.
Runesson, Anders. Divine Wrath and Salvation in Mathew: The Narrative World of the First Gospel. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2016.  
Sanders, E. P. Paul and Palestinian Judaism: A Comparison of Patterns of Religion. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1977.  
Thiessen, Matthew. "Abolishers of the Law in Early Judaism and Matthew 5,17-20." Biblica 93, no. 4 (2012): 543-56.  
---. Jesus and the Forces of Death: The Gospels' Portrayal of Ritual Impurity Within First-Century Judaism. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2020.  _________________________________________  Music: www.bensound.com