Voices of Messianic Judaism: Confronting Critical Issues Facing a Maturing Movement

by Dan Cohn-Sherbok

Publisher:

Messianic Jewish Publishers

, 2001

Overview

Here is a collection of substantive articles compiled to focus discussion on some weighty matters facing the Messianic Jewish movement. Reform rabbi, Dr. Dan Cohn-Sherbok, though not a Messianic Jew, is a friend of the movement. He believes that Messianic Judaism may be considered a branch of Judaism in this century. Professor of Judaism at the University of Wales, author of over 30 books, Rabbi Cohn-Sherbok guided the selection of topics addressed in this book. These include questions like should Jewish believers in Messiah attend only Messianic Jewish congregations; is intermarriage acceptable for Messianic Jews; should liturgy have an essential role in congregational worship; and how should outreach be accomplished?

Many of the best minds impacting this movement have contributed their thoughts to this book, creating a lively, informative, discussion. Each author, expressing his or her own view on a topic (often in direct opposition to another author), is a voice that can help this maturing movement confront the critical issues facing it.

Contents

Top Highlights

“This kind of discussion and dialogue is a distinctive of Jewish theology called pilpul, a way to resolve apparent contradictions.” (Page viii)

“He saw that the Messianic Jewish brand of Judaism had something other brands lacked. Setting aside the issue of whether Yeshua was the Messiah, he saw joy and celebration, dedication to the Bible and to the traditions of the Jewish people. He saw the fruit of the lives of people who had been transformed. He recognized, as he says in his introduction, ‘that the Messianic movement has become a significant force on the Jewish scene.’” (Pages vii–viii)

“The pattern frequently followed involves Davidic worship and praise using musical instruments, singing, Hebraic music, psalms, lifting up of hands, chanting, clapping, and processions. In addition, Messianic Jews incorporate dance into the worship.” (Page x)

“As you read Voices of Messianic Judaism, keep in mind the old saying, ‘When three Jews get together to discuss a matter, there are at least four opinions.’” (Page viii)

“There should be markers in our lives which memorialize our involvement in” (Page 2)

Praise for the Print Edition

The most important new volume on Messianic Judaism is out and it's an instant classic. Fine accessible scholarship. Essential reading.

—The Messianic Times, Summer 2001

A Reform Jewish rabbi [has brought] together leading representatives of Messianic Judaism to publish a remarkable volume.

—International Bulletin of Missionary Research, July 2002

Product Details

• Title: Voices of Messianic Judaism: Confronting Critical Issues Facing a Maturing Movement
• Editor: Dan Cohn-Sherbok
• Publisher: Messianic Jewish Publishers
• Publication Date: 2001
• Pages: 256

About Dan Cohn-Sherbok

Dan Cohn-Sherbok received a Doctorate in Philosophy from Cambridge University and a Doctorate of Divinity from the Hebrew Union College. He is Professor of Judaism at the University of Wales, Lampeter, and is the author or editor of over 70 books including The Jewish Heritage, The Blackwell Dictionary of Judaica, Modern Judaism, Judaism and Other Faiths, and World Religions and Human Liberation.

In 1941, The United States is drawn into World War II. During that same year, Dr. Henry Einspruch publishes his classic book, The Yiddish New Testament, a breakthrough in evangelistic literature for Jewish people. Over the following decades, the publications of Lederer/Messianic Jewish Communications have been widely used to impact thousands of Jewish people with the Good News of Messiah. These books and tracts have been distributed in the Orthodox Jewish community, have been given out to Jews in the former Soviet Union, and have been used by Messianic congregations and Jewish outreaches all over the world. Messianic Jewish Publishers mission is two-pronged: Reaching out to Jewish people with the message of Messiah and teaching the non-Jewish spiritual family about their Jewish roots.