The Book of Ruth is often read as a charming tale of pastoral romance that somehow snuck its way into the Bible. But when we read it that way, we overlook the difficult reality of the world that the characters inhabit and the powerful message that the story has for us.
Read MoreWhen I think about Shavuot, I’m ready to bring on the blintzes ... but studying Torah all night? Not so much. While I don’t observe much of rabbinic tradition, I am a person of faith. So, this year I challenged myself to think deeply about what it could mean for someone like me who is not Torah observant to celebrate the giving of the Law. Here are some of the reasons why I believe non-observant Jews can still celebrate the Torah.
Read MoreHowever one chooses to fit Jesus into the mosaic of first-century Judaism, faith in Jesus is Jewish at its root. We say “faith in Jesus” because while followers of Jesus were called “Christians” in the first few centuries of their belief, it is incorrect to call the faith “Christianity” -- a label that did not emerge until later.
Read MoreOftentimes, Jews who come to believe in Jesus are told by their unbelieving families, "If you'd only known more about Judaism, if you'd only studied your own religion, you never would have come to believe this way."
Read MoreThe scriptures assert in both Testaments that God is love. God made human beings in his own image and gave them spiritual life. Thus, we are creatures with whom God can have intimate fellowship, creatures who can know God, which is the essence of life.
Read MoreReflections on newness in the new year.
Among the best-known words in the Yiddish language is the word “nu”. It is a word most Jewish people are familiar with and depending on the context means “so what?” “so?” “hurry up already”? An example would be “Nu – tell us already! Out with it!”
Read MoreCultural appropriation is a serious offense. Where is the line between appropriation and appreciation? Can Christians participate in traditional Jewish celebrations without it turning into appropriation or leading to anti-Semitism? Does belief in Jesus invalidate Messianic Jewish people from continuing to observe Jewish traditions?
Read MoreThe teachings of Jesus were so compelling that they quickly spread throughout the world. It didn’t take long before there were far more Gentile followers of Jesus than Jewish ones. This should have been anticipated, as the Hebrew Scriptures teach that when the Messiah comes, the Gentiles will seek Him, too. The Jewish Messiah is for all people, and those who follow Him are united in one faith in the God of Israel.
Read MoreA skeptic once posed the following question: How do you reconcile the teachings of the Bible with the latest scientific conclusions and psychological insights?" Without hesitation, the believer replied: "I haven't seen this morning's paper. What are the latest conclusions our scientists and psychologists have come up with?"
Read MoreMental health issues are all too common, but conversations about them aren’t common enough. In fact, in many traditional communities, mental health issues are stigmatized—even shamed! But did you know that there are experiences in the Tanakh consistent with symptoms of modern mental health issues? Many biblical figures displayed signs of possible eating disorders, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
Read MoreThe fact is that there is mystery surrounding prayer. We might not always understand the nature of prayer or what God is doing behind the scenes. Yet prayer is central in the life of a believer, and I want to offer some words to orient us and encourage us as we come before the living God.
Read MoreIt's customary to offer a prayer to God before things. The most common prayer is 'grace' said before a meal. "Lord bless this food" or "Bless us oh Lord for these they gifts..." are standard.
Read MoreIt's the nature of God to be giving. We learn that in the most-quoted biblical text of all. John 3.16 says, "God loved the world so much that he gave..." It's in God's nature to give as a direct result of his love.
Read MoreThanks to those of you who have been praying for Jews for Jesus during this strange time. We are truly amazed by God’s grace in opening doors we would never have imagined during the pandemic! From Hungary, to Israel, to Sydney, and beyond, He’s at work.
Read MoreBack in the 1970s, Jews for Jesus founder Moishe Rosen said that too many churches were unintentionally “vaccinating” people against the gospel. He’d say, “Some give just enough of the gospel to ensure that others won’t catch a case of it.”
Read MoreThere’s nothing good about evil and there’s no hope in redeeming horrible things by saying that evil is good. Isaiah warned the Jewish people about this mistake which was dangerous and prevalent in his days. “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!“ (Isaiah 5.20).
Read MoreHow did the prophet Jeremiah hope even during the hardest of circumstances? And how can we find this same hope?
Read MoreWe live in a time of great uncertainty. Covid 19 has had great impact on the world and is affecting our daily life here in Australia. And yet, in the midst of all the uncertainly, we can still have a positive perspective.
Read MoreHebrew months are lunar; that is, they are based upon the appearance of the thin crescent of the new moon. The moon orbits the earth, passing through its phases to the next New Moon, approximately once every 29 1/2 days.
Read MoreI’ve said it, so I imagine you at least have thought it. You are sitting in a large congregation of fairly well-off people. There are television cameras recording the preacher, a large sound system and new carpet in the foyer. At some point a bowl or plate is gently passed down your row. It moves through the church, row by row, by row. Sometimes there is even what appears to be an entire 2nd sermon shared during the collection. They beg; they cajole; they remind; they ask. But in my mind, I think, “Why should I give money to a place that seems to have plenty already?”
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