Messianic Jews Redefine Meaning of Judaism

November 4, 2000

Source: The Kansas City Star

On November 4, 2000, the Kansas City Star reported that members of the Messianic Jewish congregation, Adat Yeshua, celebrated Yom Kippur in a unique way. While traditional Jewish prayers were said, there were also readings from the New Testament, bearing witness to the group's belief in Yeshua, or Jesus, as the messiah. Leader Jerry Feldman said the observance "helps members understand Yeshua as the atoning sacrifice." Speaking of Messianic Judaism, Feldman said that "all of the first followers of Yeshua were Jews. The record is clear that there was no Christianity for these people...There was no conflict with who they were as Jews." He also maintains that "the early history of Jewish believers in the Messiah was lost to both Christians and Jews as the traditions defined themselves in terms of each other." The modern Messianic movement began in the 1960s and it now includes about 300 synagogues. Adat Yeshua was established nine years ago. According to Feldman, Messianic Jews differ from Christians in their observance of Jewish laws and customs outlined in the Torah. Members typically observe Jewish dietary laws and keep the Sabbath. Some Christians regard the Messianic Jews as "too Jewish," while some Jews dismiss them as Hebrew Christians. This year's publication of Messianic Judaism, a book by Rabbi Dan Cohn-Sherbok, speaks of incorporating Messianic Judaism into the traditional faith. Feldman, who felt encouraged by the book, said, "[Cohn-Sherbok] thinks we're an exciting Judaism, albeit we have some sort of half-cocked idea that Jesus is God."