The Messianic Times - International Messianic Jewish News and Information

More on MJ in the UK Regarding Julian Scott’s letter reaction to my article, I feel he protests a little too loudly. My article was not attacking the UBMJC; in fact I was including, not ignoring or excluding them in the British Messianic movement. The one sentence in my article mentioning their existence seems to have triggered some exaggerated assumptions.

Seeking to destroy credibility for the article based on alleged statistical inaccuracies is a weak tactic. The Jewish Virtual Library states the British Jewish community is 297,000 and other sources state it is 302, 000. In the 17 years since the last National Statistics were published, tens of thousands of Israelis have moved to Britain (50,000 Israelis now live in Britain according to the JNF and a recent Jewish Chronicle article said the number was 70,000), and many Jewish babies have been born. Evaluating the BMJA on the basis of a photograph is equally weak. The photo was wrongly assigned in The Messianic Times as a BMJA conference when in fact it was a Yahad young Messianic Jews network event.

Considering the UBMJC have refused to give any information about themselves, I relied on their web site which still lists 7 groups in Britain, and it was Britain I was writing about— nowhere else. Likewise, three of the UBMJC British groups are members of the IAMCS, including Mr. Scott’s group which I would consider is a pretty close tie! Jerome Fleischer, the father of the founder of the UBMJC, was very influential in the MJAA. Again, what I would consider a pretty close tie! None of these would I consider to be glaring inaccuracies.

The BMJA is an organization that represents the wide spectrum of views of British Jewish followers of Yeshua. The Chai magazine carried articles that represent the views of the authors. The BMJA does not dictate what members may or may not believe, or dictate where they should worship. The BMJA represents the largest number of Messianic Jews in Britain, yet as I mentioned in my article, the vast majority of British Jewish followers of Yeshua are not affiliated to anything. The simple thing is for Mr. Scott to tell us how many actual Messianic Jews are in the UBMJC.

There is no such requirement for people to provide church membership cards before they can be part of any affiliated BMJAF local Messianic Fellowship. Rather than seek to invalidate the BMJA, I would hope despite having differences of approach, Mr. Scott would try fellowship and friendship in Messiah Yeshua.

Sincerely,
Richard Gibson

As publisher of Olivier J. Melnick’s recently released book, They Have Conspired Against You: Responding to the New Anti-Semitism, I would like to provide a rebuttal to a review in the Nov/Dec issue of The Messianic Times. First, this book is not mainly about radical Islam. Olivier Melnick presents a unique, intelligent analysis of three types of new anti-Semitism: (1) Replacement Theology, (2) radical Islam, and (3) leftist anti-Zionism.

Second, the reviewer observed that Melnick’s “factual and theological presentation could be stronger,” which is of course one opinion. In fact, the book is the result of six years of the author’s well-documented personal research, plus direct input from Sammy Ghozlan, an expert, well-respected anti-Semitic crime investigator; Anne-Elizabeth Motet, a high profile French journalist with an interest in reporting on anti-Semitism; and Jacques Tarnero, who produced an important documentary on the subject.

Notable others vouch for the theological accuracy and the strength of the presentation. Dr. Michael Rydelnick, Professor of Jewish Studies at Moody Bible Institute, calls Olivier Melnick’s book “a thoroughly biblical and accurate analysis of the resurgence of the oldest hatred.”

Dr. David Hocking of Hope for Today Ministries characterizes the book as “powerful in its presentation of the problem.… and combined with his Biblical exegesis and teaching skills, …an outstanding read.” Dr. Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, Bible scholar and President of Ariel Ministries, states it is “a must read for those concerned about a repetition of the Holocaust.” Barry Leventhal, Academic Dean and Professor at Southern Evangelical Seminary, wrote the preface for They Have Conspired Against You and gave the following endorsement: “…biblically accurate and historically relevant.”

As Melnick’s publisher, I stand behind the accuracy and uniquely powerful presentation of this book, written from the perspective of a Messianic Jewish Believer.

Sincerely,
Joni Prinjinski Publisher, Purple Raiment

I am writing regarding the article in the Nov/Dec 2007 edition, about Messianic schools. I was interviewed for this article, as I was the founding teacher of Chalutzim Academy in Philadelphia, and am now the Principal of both Chalutzim, and Cornerstone High School.

I was pleased to see an article about Messianic education, but was disappointed with the direction the article took, and the conclusion we are left with. It is true that having a Messianic school has not always been easy, and it often is financially trying. But how can we ask if it is worth it?

When we started having independent Messianic congregations, didn’t we have the same issues? Some were small, many struggled with finances, even opposition. …Many in our movement have worked tirelessly (and been underpaid!) to raise up new congregations, train new leaders, provide a way for many to become part of a Messianic congregation throughout the world.

Yes, it takes sacrifice. If our first Chalutzim parents and students had not sacrificed, if our congregation had not supported us financially, we would have missed out on 30 years of wonderful education for hundreds of our children. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach the next generation of Messianic Believersand leaders.…I pray that more congregations would catch the vision of what we can accomplish with hard work, sacrifice, and blessings from the Lord, and that more Messianic schools would spring up. Our children are certainly worth it!

In His service,
Linda Brown

I was really encouraged as I left the USA last year, to learn of the proposed Borough Park Symposium, and I praise the Lord for CPM’s positive efforts to put this together. However, my hope is that they will not leave it there, but build on what has now been achieved. I have in the past, been involved in a similar project, in 1996 at Yad Hashmonah in Jerusalem of which I had great expectations of, but it was not followed up on afterwards.

I realize we have a mountain to climb, but now that everybody has met, they can build on what they have in common. The sad truth is, we have diversity, but unity is what we have to work hard to achieve.

For too long, it has been a case of you in your small corner and me in mine. But this is not a Biblical position. The Apostle Paul had this to say to the Corinthians:

We are all of one body and we forget that sometimes. Messiah is not only coming for MJAA people; He is coming for UMJC people, and IAMCS people, and we should be aware that we will have to give an account because Yeshua is not divided; He has called us into one body.

I believe the Messianic Movement is the only hope for many Gentile churches to get back on track. The message we have preached for years from the Jewish perspective is, I believe, at last getting through to the Gentile churches, as many see and learn of their Jewish heritage. But when they look over the wall all they see is division. No one group has the monopoly on God or Scripture. We can learn from each other. The messages I get from churches is, “We look to you guys to help us out, but none of you seem to be able to agree.”

Brethren, there can be only one truth, one God, and one salvation. We need one body to deliver it, not multiple segments pressing their own agendas. We all agree on the fundamentals, and that is a great start.

Of course doctrine is important, but the bottom line is we have to love each other, because that is a command!! But we are not loving each other when we fail to come together for prayer, or unite in various projects for Israel or elsewhere. I am sure this already goes on in some circles, but not all, and we need to be big enough to step up to the plate.

Psalm 133:1–3 informs us this is where God commands the blessing, and the whole world is waiting for that blessing. As a united force the Messianic Movement could systematically change this world for the better. So thank you CPM for your valiant efforts, but we need more!!

Dr Alan Poyner-Levison

I applaud the courage and foresight of the Messianic Times leadership in publishing Loren Jacobs response to Stuart Dauermann. I have known both men for 30 years and deeply care for them. But when issue of Biblical truth needs to come out from the bushes and into the light, then we must speak to the issues passionately and with love. The unloving thing would be to remain silent.

The ultimate losers are our people who are not hearing the Gospel. We need to focus on the reality that as followers of Y’shua we stand in the gap and need to encourage one another to reach out fervently.

My prayer is that there would be repentance from scriptural error in the mess, healing in relationships and then moving full speed ahead in reaching those who are facing a dire eternity!

Come, let us reason together and then let us go and tell the good news!

Yours in Y’shua,
Steve Cohen
Founder, The Apple of His Eye

The Messianic Times has often provided a beneficial forum for dialogue within our movement, but the last issue seemed to ignore that worthy goal and to violate journalistic and biblical ethics in the process.

We refer to the Times’ inclusion of a letter to the editor entitled “False Doctrine?” This letter was not responding to any previous item in the newspaper and was really a guest editorial. By running it as a letter to the editor, without any opportunity for response by those being criticized, the Times created the appearance of giving this viewpoint a special platform.

This appearance is particularly troubling because the letter goes beyond legitimate criticism to defame a brother in Messiah, Dr. Stuart Dauermann. It attacks his motives, claiming that “his desire to be accepted by the non-believing majority has corrupted his teachings.” It then seeks to marginalize him, saying, “This must not be tolerated by the rest of us.” There is a time and place for theological disagreement and discussion, but never for personal attack and intolerance. Dr. Dauermann is a member in good standing of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations, who has enriched the Messianic community with his life-long contributions in music and leadership. His views deserve respectful engagement, not the misrepresentations and innuendoes that the Times allowed to be printed.

We must note as a matter of public record that the author of the letter, Loren Jacobs, was originally ordained by the UMJC. Four years ago the UMJC removed his credentials, a rare action that is only taken in the most extreme circumstances.

After a thorough biblical process and investigation, the UMJC Credentials Committee found Mr. Jacobs guilty of “libelous and divisive behaviors,” called upon him to repent, and removed his ordination for his failure to do so. Even without knowing this history, the Times should not have permitted the libelous and divisive language that appeared in the letter to the editor.

We believe that you owe your readers an apology for failing to maintain a biblical standard of discourse and brotherly respect.

Rabbi Jamie Cowen, President
Rabbi Russell Resnik, Executive Director
Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations

In each addition of the paper, The Messianic Times describes itself as “a strategic partner of the International Messianic Jewish Alliance.” Therefore, as the President of the International Messianic Jewish Alliance (IMJA), I need to make it very clear that Mr. Loren Jacobs’ letter to the editor in the last issue in no way represents the perspective of the IMJA.

The IMJA is a worldwide umbrella organization that encompasses a broad spectrum of the biblical beliefs which would certainly include those of Rabbi Dr. Stuart Dauermann, as well as beliefs similar to Mr. Jacobs’.

Mr. Jacobs’ critique of Rabbi Dr. Dauermann included inappropriate and inaccurate statements, and it was most inappropriate and very disappointing to see The Times provide him with a platform for this kind of personal attack against this widely respected Messianic Jewish leader. I urge The Times to distance itself from this attack as soon as possible.

Rabbi Dr. John Fischer, President
International Messianic Jewish Alliance