Messianic Judaism is a belief system which combines Jewish tradition and religious practices with a belief in Jesus as the Messiah. It is a relatively new movement, having arisen in the 19th century and still considered a fringe mentality in many religious circles. On one hand, the Messianic Jews celebrate certain holidays such as Passover, Bar Mitzvahs, and other traditional Jewish holidays, but on the other hand, their belief system is vastly different. The basic belief is that Jesus is the messiah who was spoken of in the Old Testament as well as the savior of all mankind.
Not surprisingly, there has been great debate between Orthodox Jews and Messianic Jews on the issue of the latter’s acceptance. Orthodox authorities have insisted that Messianic Jews are not truly part of the Jewish faith, due to their adherence to Christian teachings. Furthermore, many Orthodox Jews do not consider them to be of Jewish heritage and refuse to acknowledge them as Jews. In spite of the criticism, Messianic Jews continue to operate in the US, Israel, and other countries, although there are only a few thousand followers in the US and a few hundred in Israel.
A belief in the Messiah is perhaps the most defining characteristic of Messianic Judaism. Messianic Jews believe that Jesus is the messiah, as predicted in the Old Testament, who was sent to be the sacrificial Lamb for the sins of mankind and to bring about an eternal kingdom on earth. They also believe in the fulfillment of prophecy, such as the restoration of Israel and the return of the Jewish people to their land. In addition, Messianic Jews believe in the divine inspiration of the Bible and its teachings. As such, they typically observe some traditional Jewish holidays, including Passover, Sukkot, and other festivals, while at the same time they engage in additional religious practice, such as Christian worship services, prayer, and study.
Messianic Jews also differ somewhat in their view of the afterlife. Unlike traditional Jews, they do not believe in the concept of heaven and hell. Instead, they believe that those who put their faith in Jesus Christ will be rewarded with eternal life in an afterlife, while those who reject him will experience “eternal death”. This is a stark contrast from traditional Jewish beliefs, which emphasize the concept of all souls returning to God after a period of purification.
For Messianic Jews, the combination of faith, tradition, and practice that make up their belief system is a powerful tool for expressing and sharing their religious identity with the world. They have faced a great deal of opposition from some quarters but continue to pursue their beliefs, acting as a bridge between the Christian and Jewish faiths.
Rabbinical Opinion
The opinion of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel has been particularly instructive. According to the Chief Rabbi and other Rabbinical authorities, the Messianic Jewish movement is seen more as an inspirational source, rather than an actual religious movement. It is seen to create a spiritual bridge between traditional Judaism and modern Christianity, allowing both sides to learn and grow from one another.
At the same time, the Rabbinate has expressed its opposition to the Messianic Jewish belief in a literal redemption of the Jewish people by Jesus. According to the Chief Rabbi and other prominent Rabbis, the only way to achieve a true redemption is by living in accordance with the actual teachings of the Torah. This proclamation has been shared by prominent figures in the Orthodox movement, such as the Lubavitcher Rebbe and other rabbis, who also advocate for a return to Jewish tradition as the only path to redemption.
In terms of practice, Messianic Jews have largely adopted traditions from other Jewish movements, such as the blessing cups and cloths in the synagogue, and the wearing of yarmulkes, tefillin and other prayers related to the liturgy. However, the movement has also adapted some Christian practices for its own use. For instance, Messianic Jews celebrate Christian holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Good Friday, though some consider them more as cultural holidays, and others will simply observe them as times of remembrance.
Impact on Jewish Identity
The impact of Messianic Judaism on Jewish identity has been varied. On one hand, the movement is seen by many traditional Jews as a threat to their religious identity and authority, while on the other hand, some see it as an opportunity for authentic expression and fulfillment of the Jewish faith. Some see it as an opportunity for Jews to deepen their interfaith connections and to better appreciate the religious differences between different faith groups.
In the United States, the Central Conference of American Rabbis issued a statement in 2015 encouraging members to “examine how their own personal philosophies of life relate to Messianic Judaism.” While they did not endorse the Messianic Jewish belief in Jesus as the messiah, they did emphasize the importance of creating interfaith understanding and mutual respect. For example, they invited Jewish members to attend Messianic Jewish congregations in areas where they are available. They also encouraged Messianic Jews to affiliate with mainstream synagogues, as long as they do not seek to change the liturgy or communal practices.
More widely, the statement notes that the “major challenge for the religious future of all Jews is to honor the full range of Jewish thought in an inclusive civil society.” With that in mind, the Central Conference of American Rabbis recommended that all Jews, including Messianic Jews, should strive to deepen their knowledge of the Torah and Talmud, as well as to understand the diversity of religious belief and practice within the Jewish world.
Scholarly Perspectives
Scholars have offered a variety of perspectives on the issue of Messianic Judaism. Some researchers point to the fact that both Jewish and Christian beliefs are rooted in a common source and are therefore not entirely foreign to one another, while others suggest that Messianic Jews should be seen as a hybrid movement—one that combines elements of both Judaism and Christianity. Some scholars view the movement as an attempt to bridge the gaps between Christian and Jewish communities, while others consider it a threat to the continued viability of traditional Judaism.
According to one leading scholar, Bernard Gelb, “Messianic Jews are, in a word, Jewish Christians, who in some regards have adopted Christian beliefs, but who seek to hold to a distinctively Jewish style of life.” This has created a “dual identity” for Messianic Jews, who tend to look both within and without their own community for spiritual inspiration and guidance. Likewise, scholars point to the fact that the movement has embraced some Jewish religious practices—such as prayers and the observance of certain traditional holidays—while rejecting belief in certain core tenets, including the belief that Jesus is God.
Other scholars have highlighted the potential for the Messianic Jewish movement to act as a bridge between Jews and Christians, in that it seeks to uncover commonalities between the two faith communities. In doing so, this bridge could potentially open the door to dialogue and collaboration between them.
Public Perspective
Public opinion of Messianic Jews has understandably been mixed. On one hand, the vast majority of Jews view Messianic Jews with aversion and fear, while on the other hand, some Christian groups have expressed support for the movement, seeing it as an opportunity to bring Jews back to the faith and uncover common ground between the two religious communities.
The most vocal opposition to Messianic Judaism has come from traditional groups such as the Anti-Defamation League and the Union of Orthodox Rabbis, who view the movement as a threat to Jewish identity and faith. Others have argued that, by embracing some Christian teachings, Messianic Jews are tacitly promoting Christian beliefs over those of Judaism—a charge the Messianic Jews have consistently denied. They adamantly insist that they are authentically Jewish, and that their belief in Jesus does not negate their Jewish identity.
The public perception of Messianic Judaism has also been shaped by media coverage. Over the years, Messianic Jews have featured in a number of popular films, articles, and other media, more often than not portrayed as a fringe group of fanatics intent on converting unsuspecting Jews to Christianity. This has served to deepen the divide between Messianic Jews and traditional Jews, even as the movement itself has grown.
Movement Dynamics
Messianic Judaism has undeniably come a long way since its inception in the 19th century. From a few hundred followers to over two million today, the movement is one of the fastest-growing religious communities in the US. This growth can be attributed to several factors, including the passionate commitment of its leaders and a media-savvy approach to messaging and outreach.
The movement has also benefitted from the increasing acceptance of alternatives to traditional Judaism in the US. As more Jews question the orthodoxy and embrace a more open approach to religious practice, Messianic Judaism has become more and more appealing to some. Another factor is the internet, which enables Messianic Jews to share their beliefs on an international platform and attract new followers.
In addition, Messianic Judaism has made strides in gaining acceptance from other religious groups in recent years. Many Christian denominations have embraced the movement, with some providing financial and other forms of material aid to Messianic congregations. And in Israel, the movement has faced less institutionalized opposition, with laws enacted to protect Messianic Jews from discrimination.
At the same time, Messianic Judaism still has a long way to go in gaining widespread acceptance from the Jewish community at large. Even today, there are still pockets of active antagonism towards the movement, especially amongst Orthodox Jews. As such, Messianic Jews may still face considerable pushback as they strive to maintain their distinct identity, while simultaneously bringing Christians and Jews closer together.
