LCJE Bulletin Issue 100, May 2010

Networking Jewish Evangelism

LCJELausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism Networking Jewish Evangelism From the Coordinator LCJE Turns 30

LCJELausanne Consultation LCJE turns 30 in June this year, and the Lausanne Movement, on Jewish Evangelism which LCJE is a part of, will be holding its third world congress in Cape Town, South Africa, in October. The following three quota- LCJE Bulletin Issue no. 100 tions spell out what LCJE stands for. May 2010 Consultation on World Evangelization, Pattaya, Thailand 1980 © Lausanne Consultation on In the report Christian Witness to the Jewish People it is said in Jewish Evangelism the conclusion:

Editor : Kai Kjær-Hansen Including Jewish people is a test of our willingness to be involved Linguistic editor : Cindy Osborne in world evangelization. It is a test of our faith in the one exclusive Design : Chris Skjøtt way of salvation and of our proclamation of Christ as an adequate Saviour for those who are apparently adequate so far as worldly Printed by : Yorke Printe Shoppe righteousness is concerned. Lumbard, IL 60148 Published : February, May, Lausanne II in Manila, The Philippines 1989 August, and November In the Manila Manifesto it is said in the section “The Uniqueness of Jesus Christ”: Individual membership US $25 annually; subscription US $15; It is sometimes held that in virtue of God’s covenant with Abra- payable to LCJE ham, Jewish people do not need to acknowledge Jesus as their Our bankers are : Messiah. We affirm that they need him as much as anyone else, Den Danske Bank that it would be a form of anti-Semitism, as well as being disloyal SWIFT-address : DABADKKK to Christ, to depart from the New Testament pattern of taking the Reg.no. 3652 gospel to “the Jew first . . .” We therefore reject the thesis that Account no. 4803086338 Jews have their own covenant which renders faith in Jesus un- IBAN : DK6430004803086338 necessary. Or cheque drawn on a Danish bank and sent to LCJE/Kai The Lausanne Movement’s 2004 Forum in Pattaya, Thailand Kjær-Hansen (address on back From the document Jewish Evangelism: A Call to the Church: cover) Finally and fundamentally Jewish evangelism is necessary for the sake of God’s love and His glory. A “no” to Jewish evangelism CONTENTS implies that the death of Jesus for sin was insignificant and would lead to a great omission from the Great Commission. A “no” to 2 From the Coordinator 3 Racing with Each Other Jewish evangelism withholds God’s saving love from the people 4 LCJE Bulletin: 100th Edition of Israel. A “yes” to Jewish evangelism opens the door for Jewish 5 LCJE Bulletin: Issues 1-100 people to share in God’s glory as revealed in the new covenant or 7 Two people Are Better “testament.” Than One The church must consider these matters and again en- 9 LCJE 30 years dorse and commit itself to Jewish evangelism. 12 Deadly Competition in Christian Much is at stake. Ministries to the Jews Book If Jesus is not the Messiah for the Jewish people then 18 Review: A Tribute to Moishe Rosen neither is He Christ for the nations. 19 Do Jews have a Jesus Problem? Either Jesus is the Messiah for all, or He is not the Mes- 20 George Gruen: A Father of the siah at all. Modern Messianic Jewish Movement We expect that later this year, from Lausanne III in Cape Town, 21 Book Review: Jewish Inter- we shall see similarly positive and binding statements on Jewish marriage Around the World evangelism. Kai Kjær-Hansen 2 Racing with Each Other By Bob Mendelsohn, LCJE Coordinator for AustralAsia

Races. I really enjoy watch- We are all in the contest ing some of them. Cars fly at Although I enjoy sport as up to 360 km/h (220 mph) much as the next guy, and around city streets in the contests are there to be Grand Prix. Horses clomp won, Hebrews 12 says as with small men atop them in much about contests as I matching silks. Motorcycles needed at that moment. buzz through hairpin turns. There we are taught, “Let Runners, each groomed us run with endurance the and tanned, complete 1500 race that is set before us, meters, the winner less than fixing our eyes on Y’shua the a second ahead of his near- Bob Mendelsohn author and perfecter of our est two competitors. Races faith.” I’m struck by the plu- – we gave our eyes and our the speed of the toll collec- ral pronouns “us” and “our’” nights to many during the tor and the possible delays in the text. We all are in the recent Vancouver Olympics. of others in the queue. OK, contest. Not Bob versus an- I cannot imagine training for maybe it’s not the best use other, but the people of God 10 years or more to succeed of my time, but I do it none- versus the enemies. in one race, only to fall short theless. Or in 1 Corinthians 9:24: or not even finish. The contestants in races “Do you not know that those Ponder the men’s 10,000m jockey for position, ready- who run in a race all run, but speed skating race. Dutch ing for the right moment to only one receives the prize? speed skater Sven Kramer pass one another and push Run in such a way that you was the hot favorite to win. to victory. I thought of that may win.” But don’t miss it; He crossed the line four in a recent meeting where the “you” who wins is plural! seconds ahead of his near- some agencies were discuss- So when some from LCJE est challenger from Korea. It ing the attendees going to get to go to LCWE in Cape- wasn’t even close. But with the 3rd LCWE conference town, we all win! When Mi- eight laps remaining, Kram- in South Africa. Some were chael Brown debates some- er’s coach Gerard Kemkers working hard to get there, one and the gospel goes had sent him into the wrong while others were lying low. forth, when my friend shares lane. Thus Kramer was It seemed a race, with a the gospel with his neighbor, disqualified, with nothing to year to go! I pondered the we all can claim victory. It’s show for all his efforts. “me too” reality. I wondered good we can rejoice with where my own heart was one another in the good Like Olympians in relation to visiting and things at Muchan or at LCJE Like Olympians, I participate participating at LCWE as an in AustralAsia or when Jews in a silent race each time LCJE representative. As an for Jesus has a campaign of many lanes narrow to one, American expatriate, it was proclamation in Israel. God and I approach a toll plaza unlikely I would be invited. is good; we all win the prize or push my shopping trol- There were, no doubt, ten of sharing in his glory. How ley in the market towards times as many Americans good is that! the checkout. I wonder if as others who put up their Bob Mendelsohn I will win against, say, the hands to join the queue. But [email protected] red Ford or the woman with what would I say or how the yellow jacket. This silent would I relate to racing my race causes me to calculate way there? 3 LCJE Bulletin: 100th Edition By Tuvya Zaretsky, President of LCJE

Our friend Moishe Rosen are arranged for the benefit might say, “If we didn’t have of those engaged in Jewish an LCJE Bulletin, we would evangelism. All of that is vital need to invent one.” With this for the activity of agencies the 100th issue of the Bulle- and people who are network- tin, we pause and appreciate ing to communicate the good the wonderful resource that it news of Messiah Yeshua to is for the Lausanne Consulta- the global Jewish community tion on Jewish Evangelism. in the 21st century. The LCJE Bulletin provides It is worth noting that a historical record of what all of this has been done, has taken place in the field throughout the publication of Jewish evangelism since of 100 issues, without tak- the mid 1980s. Many of us ing a single paid advertise- have appreciated access to ment. All of the contributions Bulletin articles from which Tuvya Zaretsky – articles, reports, and papers we have made citations in – have been submitted by our papers, reports, and ministry Jewish evangelism. It is the members and are published newsletters. We have accu- LCJE members who contribute without remuneration. The mulated almost three decades all of that information for the cost of editing, printing, and of material that documents benefit of the entire network. mailing the Bulletin is pro- the activities, thinking, trends, The Bulletin provides mem- vided entirely through LCJE meetings, and membership bers with an opportunity to membership dues. of those laboring in the field publish articles on theological I hope you agree that we of Jewish evangelism at the and missiological thinking for have a valuable resource in transition from the 20th to the benefit of our field and the LCJE Bulletin. On this the 21st centuries. And, Lord the global church. Thanks occasion of our 100th issue, willing, the LCJE Bulletin will to our editors, it has been I want to express apprecia- continue to provide docu- circulated to libraries, mis- tion to our editor, Kai Kjær- mentation of our unique and sion agencies, and training Hansen, our linguistic editor, strategic network. academies. It is a vehicle for Cindy Osborne, and Chris The LCJE Bulletin is the stimulating further thinking, Skjøtt who now provides only publication in print that eliciting feedback, and engag- layout expertise and artistic is dedicated to serve the ing colleagues in the field who design. specific purposes of the LCJE can contribute to and expand So, you can be thankful that membership. Through it, we our own limited perspectives. we don’t have to invent an are able to share informative LCJE Bulletin. Let’s consider news and resources that are Networking LCJE’s public how each of us can contribute useful for the global cause business to the Bulletin for the purpose of Jewish evangelism. It The Bulletin is also where of serving the global network provides the only collection we do the network’s public of Jewish evangelism. And of published reports from all business. In it we publish now, we can thank God for seven of our area networks. reports from the International 100 issues and more to come The Bulletin perspective Coordinating Committee, the – until Jesus returns. is global, as is our member- annual financial statement, ship. It publishes reports introduce new member agen- and analysis of current local, cies, and provide information Tuvya Zaretsky regional, and global trends in to publicize consultations that [email protected]

4 LCJE Bulletin: Issues 1–100 By Kai Kjær-Hansen, International LCJE Coordinator

At the same time as LCJE turns 30, the 100th issue of the LCJE Bulletin appears. 18 individuals participated in the “Mini-Consultation on Reaching the Jews” at the Lausanne Movement’s Con- sultation on World Evange- lization in Pattaya, Thailand in June 1980. In the months following this consultation the group established itself as the “Lausanne Committee Task Force on Jewish Evangelism” (LCTJE) and had stationery with a logo made. Apart from spreading the news of the new network, the group set Issues 1-2 to work on an international the participants in the con- directory of missions, con- ference at Newmarket. The succeeded as international co- gregations, and individuals title and the relatively simple ordinator by Ole Chr. Kvarme, who were involved in Jew- typography only lasted for this and I was elected member of ish evangelism. The first one issue. the International Coordinating directory, compiled by Susan Committee with responsibility Perlman, was issued in 1982. Numbers 2–18 for editing the Bulletin and There were also plans for an (1984–1989) in charge of the international international conference on Issue 2 was published in office. I continued with this Jewish evangelism. August 1984 as the “Laus- when I was elected Interna- But four years were to pass anne Consultation on Jewish tional Coordinator at LCJE’s before the first newsletter Evangelism Bulletin,” with third international conference from LCJE saw the light of a colored cover and Miss in 1991 in Zeist, Holland. day, which was after the Task Elizabeth Hill as editor. At that Force had held its internation- time she served in Paris with Numbers 19–90 al conference in Newmarket, the Church’s Ministry Among (1990–2007) UK, in August 1983. Here it the Jews (CMJ). That I became editor meant was also decided to abbrevi- Elizabeth Hill edited a total a step backwards in terms of ate the name of the network of 17 issues. Number 18, from the appearance of the Bulle- to “Lausanne Consultation on 1989, was the biggest. It is tin. When, in 1990, I became Jewish Evangelism” (LCJE). remarkable for a number of the one in charge of LCJE’s contributions, held in connec- finances, I was entrusted with Number 1 (1984) tion with the Jewish Evange- LCJE’s capital at the time: With the title of “News Bulle- lism track at Lausanne II in 29.29 British pounds and tin,” the first LCJE “magazine” Manila, the Philippines. 15.24 American dollars! You was published as “Number Although the meeting in need not be a financial wizard 1” in the spring of 1984 with Manila does not count in the to see that we had to econo- David Harley, the then Inter- number of LCJE conferences mize. I found a cheap Danish national LCJE Coordinator, as proper, a business meeting printer, and I allied myself editor. It had eight pages, the was held for members of with good friends: Birger front page showing a photo of LCJE. Here David Harley was Petterson as linguistic editor 5 and Flemming Markussen as responsible for the design If you want to receive the of the Bulletin. Together we LCJE Bulletin as an elec- three produced 72 issues tronic publication instead altogether. In 2007, these two of the printed version, persons decided it was time please notify to step down, although Birger [email protected] Petterson continues to trans- late my articles into English. ing. Perhaps I can help so that their collection becomes Numbers 91–98 (almost) complete, for at the (2008–2009) end of the year these back In 2008 Cindy Osborne (in issues will become pulp! Tennessee, USA) became my editorial assistant and An extended newsletter was also responsible for the Although the LCJE Bulletin has design. Chris Skjøtt, in Den- Issues 19-90 always been regarded as an mark, produced a new cover. extended newsletter for mem- The printing of the Bulletin bers of LCJE, some research Back issues of the LCJE was moved to the USA, from libraries have wanted to have where it is sent to LCJE mem- Bulletin In a room in my home there it in their collection. It can bers all over the world. also be found on the shelves are still many back issues of of some missions and institu- Numbers 99–100 (2010) the Bulletin. My wife, Kirsten, thinks it is about time to tions whose primary concern From 2010 Cindy Osborne is Jewish evangelism. continues as linguistic edi- tidy up! Before that hap- pens, those interested should Since 1990, the number tor, but wanted to step down printed has been fairly con- from working with the design. perhaps check their collection of LCJE Bulletins and contact sistent: 700–800 copies per This was turned over to Chris issue. Skjøtt. It is my hope that the me if some issues are miss- cooperation with these two will continue at least to the end of 2011, i.e. including number 106 – Deo volente.

LCJE Bulletin on www.LCJE.net

With one exception, all Bul- letins, starting with no. 67, February 2002, are accessible on LCJE’s website. We hope to find resources, in the not too distant future, to also make the first 66 issues avail- able on the website.

Issues 91-99

Kai Kjær-Hansen LCJE members are kindly requested [email protected] to pay their 2010 dues NOW

6 Report from the 27th North American LCJE conference Two People Are Better than One

By Daniel Richard Muller, New Covenant Forum, Toronto, Canada

I came to Atlanta for my first nimity of purpose, if not ever LCJE Conference look- unanimity of thought. ing forward to the fact that, I also found my time at as a newcomer, I could just the conference an excellent sit back, take in the proceed- learning experience. The Bible ings, and head back home. Of teaching was superb, as Dr. course I should have known David Allen of the South- better – my ways are not western Baptist Theological God’s ways. So I was not to- Seminary presented some of tally surprised when, entering his research into the Lukan the conference room that first authorship of the Letter to the morning, Kai Kjær-Hansen Hebrews. It was very informa- asked if I would write a report tive and certainly was one of on my conference experience the highlights of the confer- for the Bulletin. I am glad he Daniel Richard Muller ence. did. We also had the pleasure of You see, this is our minis- will get three answers. I had a number of excellent reports try’s first year as members of some trepidation as to what that, in scope, were both prac- the LCJE. I came to the con- would happen when you put tical and thought-provoking. ference knowing that I would together a bunch of Jews (of From the challenging presen- have to go back to my board which I am one) and Gentiles, tation of Stuart Dauermann, of directors and justify both working among the Jewish to the practical challenge from our membership and the cost people, to talk about Jewish Michael Hedrick to use story in of sending me to the confer- evangelism. I was impressed our outreach, there was much ence. My experience at the to see how we could come to ponder and much to weigh conference would go a long together and exchange our for application both person- way towards steering our de- ideas and concerns in equa- ally and in the context of our cision regarding our relation- ministries. Even the presenta- ship with the LCJE beyond this tions of the ministries of great year, and the need to prepare missionaries past and present, this report has helped me to such as George Gruen and formulate my thoughts in this Jacob Freshman, made me regard. think about how their work can affect my work. Informative and As helpful as these various productive presentations were to opening I am glad to say that my up ideas for missiological con- experience was a very positive cept and methodology, more one. I found the conference helpful still were the many both informative and produc- connections that were made tive, not only with regard to at the conference. The op- my personal understanding portunity to speak with other of Jewish evangelism, but in Dr. David Allen brought Bible leaders in Jewish evangelism many practical ways for my lessons from the Epistle to the about their victories and ministry as well. Hebrews thatwere intellectu- defeats, their joys, concerns, I am reminded that if you ally and spiritually stimulating. and struggles, was extremely ask two Jews a question you helpful as I came back to 7 Toronto to return to the work Koheleth reminds us that, It is very clear to me, and my of ministry. presence at the Atlanta con- The most helpful and mem- “Two people are better than ference confirms my feeling, orable moment of my time in one, that if our individual ministries Atlanta was the impromptu because they can reap more want to maximize our gospel forum put together by Abra- benefit from their labor. impact on the Jewish com- ham Sandler of CMJ. Here, a For if they fall, one will help munity, we ourselves must number of various ministry his companion up, be together in community – a reps sat around tables to have but pity the person who falls Jewish outreach community a conversation about what down and has no one to help that has the best interests was working in our ministries him up. of our members in mind. We and what was not working. Furthermore, if two lie down strengthen each other, as iron The discussion included the together, they can keep each sharpens iron, so that each of difficulty of finding workers in other warm, us can reach our potential. the field, as well as the issues but how can one person keep It is for this reason that of donor and church support. warm by himself? I can say that not only is it Those who were having dif- Although an assailant may important to be a member of ficulties in one area could hear overpower one person, two LCJE, but it is important that how others were dealing with can withstand him. we meet together as members that issue. I would like to see of LCJE. I look forward to the this type of session expanded Moreover, a three-stranded next opportunity to see my at future conferences, as it is cord is not quickly broken.” colleagues at the St. Louis, in this kind of a forum that we Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 (NET MO, conference, and through can really lean on each other’s Bible) the association to become a experiences for support in better servant of the Lord in our own ministries. Even if the calling he has given me to no solution is forthcoming on reach the Jewish people. some item of difficulty, it is a comfort to share with others Daniel Richard Muller who are dealing with the same [email protected] difficulties and to know you are not alone.

Two people are better than one I was also happy to make new acquaintances with whom I can partner in ministry. This kind of cooperation can only serve to expand our outreach as we put our resources to- gether to increase our impact on the Jewish community. Other contacts were made that could become future resources if New Covenant Fo- rum expands its work in other areas of ministry. Networking at the conference

The scheduled European LCJE Conference in Krakow was cancelled. New dates: 15–18/19 November 2010. See page 23.

8 LCJE 30 years Study Groups in 1979 on Reaching the Jewish People By Kai Kjær-Hansen, International LCJE coordinator

At the end of June this year, following were present at the LCJE will turn 30. Our net- meeting on November 27, work was set up in Pattaya, 1979: Thailand, in 1980, in con- “Mike Davis and Barney Cas- nection with the Lausanne den, representing Temple Aviv Movement’s Consultation on Judah; Lee Amber, repre- World Evangelization (COWE). senting Lamb Ministries; Bob 30 years is not much when Berk, representing the Church compared to, for example, of the Open Door; Dr. Ellis, the London Jews’ Society, representing Simpson College which last year celebrated its Urban Studies Program; and bicentenary. And in March this Moishe Rosen, Tuvya Za- year the Danish Israel Mission retsky, Susan Perlman, Mitch celebrated its 125th anniver- Old logo Glaser, Steve Cohen, Ruth sary. Other mission societies Rosen, Martha Jacobs, Ammi which saw the light of day in Adlestein [who submitted the the 19th century have had minutes] and Stuart Dauer- their anniversaries. In some mann, representing Jews for cases it has been in continuity Jesus. Over 20 mission agen- with their founders’ intentions. cies had been contacted. The In other cases in discontinu- meeting was chaired by Jhan ity, when the original purpose, Moskowitz.” to evangelize Jews, was abandoned. I am happy to The group focused on two say that LCJE through these subjects: thirty years has preserved its 1. What are the major ob- identity. stacles to Jewish evangelism Whether or not LCJE has within a) the church, and b) been a success is for others New logo the Jewish community? to say. I think there are many 2. What methods are being South America, Europe, South things to rejoice in. But when used in Jewish evangelism, Africa, Israel and Australasia it comes to, for example, ob- and are they effective? – the very regions where LCJE stacles to Jewish evangelism, today, thirty years later, has the problems and the chal- I have to confine myself to area coordinators. lenges are the same as they 1 some remarks on what were I will limit myself to the San were three decades ago. This believed to be major obstacles Francisco group, which met becomes apparent from the within the church thirty years on November 27, 1979. In my study material which various 2 ago; I quote from the Final files I have minutes from this study groups sent to David Group Report. meeting, and the Final Group Harley, who served as Inter- The first thing to be men- Report, submitted by Jhan national Coordinator of the tioned among Obstacles to Moskowitz. What did they en- pre-COWE study groups on Jewish Evangelism Within gage in? What was important the Jewish people. Fourteen the Church is “universalism,” for them? such groups produced re- which is defined as “the belief ports prior to the conference. that ‘although all men have The San Francisco Geographically, these groups fallen into sin and are lost, study group were located in North and all will be saved through the According to the minutes, the 9 universal redemption of Christ is said that “the term ‘legal- In the Final Group Re- . . .’” Also the Two-Covenant ism’ best captures the Jewish port there is a comment on Theory “hinders Jewish evan- person’s assessment of the the same matter under the gelism,” it is said. Church.” What is meant by heading “Methods”: “Congre- “RESOLVED: That we call this? Answer: gational Planting (Messianic upon the Church to reaffirm Synagogues): This is defined and state that a faith response Many evangelical subgroups as the establishment of He- to Christ is the only basis of have been known for their brew Christian congregations salvation for Jew and Gentile, sets of taboos. These social in conjunction with or inde- and that any ‘dialogue’ with mores are viewed by the Jew- pendent of denominational the Jewish community must ish person as requirements outreaches, e.g., Beth Mes- be based upon this under- for belief in Christ. The Jewish siah Congregation, located in standing.” person finds himself unable to Washington, D.C.” This is followed by the identify with these lifestyles Even in this point there is section Lack of Distinction Be- and feels alienated from such continuity between the San tween the Church and Israel. social customs. Thus for him, Francisco group in 1979 and Here it is said: a Biblical picture of Christian LCJE three decades later, “RESOLVED: That we call commitment is obscured by which emerges from the state- upon the Church to declare legalistic practices of the ment “An Appeal for Unity,” that although the Jewish Church. put forward by LCJE North people abide in unbelief, a America at its meeting in San valid covenant relationship “RESOLVED: That the Antonio, 2007. 3 does exist between God and Church present the Biblical These words are as relevant Israel. That covenant does not picture of the Gospel apart for us today as when they provide salvation, but it does from supra-Biblical codes of were said a little more than provide a certain standing for behavior. This should lead thirty years ago. the Jewish people with God.” to fewer barriers for the Jew Some of the observations The section Underemphasis seeking to know Christ.” made by the San Francisco of the Old Testament ends in If the question is asked group were, with observa- this way: whether we in LCJE have tions from other study groups, “RESOLVED: That we call succeeded in convincing the included in the Position Paper upon the Church to state and church as such of the rele- prepared by David Harley and affirm that all Scripture, both vance and truth of these mat- entitled “Reaching Jews.” It Old and New Testaments, is ters, the answer is, of course, formed the basis of the work God-breathed, and that the no. Must we then stop saying in the mini-consultation in entire revelation of the Bible it “today”? Of course not. If Pattaya which was concerned is necessary for the proper we did not do so, we would be with reaching the Jewish understanding of the counsel to blame. people, and the result was of God.” What stand did the San submitted in the document Among cultural problems, Francisco group back in 1979 The Thailand Report on Jew- “legalism” is mentioned. Over take on questions about Jew- ish People. 4 the years the word “legalism” ish identity and lifestyle for Already in 1980 the Consul- has been used against Jesus- Jesus-believing Jews? Again, tation on World Evangelization believing Jews who wanted to and briefly, under Provision of (COWE) was referred to in preserve their Jewish identity. avenues for cultural expres- the Lausanne Movement as This is a danger – but legal- sion it is said in the minutes: “historic.” ism is not only a danger for And thirty years later it is Jesus-believing Jews, it is a a) offering of worship in a no exaggeration to say that danger for all of us. In San Jewish way in a Messianic it certainly belongs to history Francisco, in 1979, the whole synagogue – also LCJE’s history. thing is turned upside down in b) encouraging maintenance a thought-provoking way. It of a Jewish lifestyle as Jewish believers

10 Moishe Rosen’s Fingerprints

The Final Group Report from the Francisco Study Group clearly has Moishe Rosen’s finger- prints in terms of searching challenges, which appears from the following paragraphs.

In the opinion of Moishe Rosen, leader of the Jews for Jesus ministry, “Less than one out of ten of those organizations and agencies constituted to do the work of Jewish evangelism, whether they be part of a denominational program or an independent mission, have been effective to the point of justifying their continued existence.”

1) Lack of courage to face opposition All too often the cause of Christ has been hurt because those entrusted with bringing the gospel to the Jewish people have been afraid to stand up under pressure from the Jewish community. They have chosen to do less and be less rather than incur the wrath of the op- ponents of the gospel, whether they be Jew or Gentile. 2) Unsuitable, culture-bound material Many times, the material used to reach the Jewish community is couched in the culture of the particular group bringing the message rather than in the culture of the people receiving that message. 3) Inability to communicate beyond cultural boundaries with regard to those belonging to a more sophisticated culture Those who want to bring the gospel to the urban Jew should recognize that their Jewish socio-economic counterparts average 2.5 years more education than they do. The Jewish person, in all likelihood, has a broader world experience, is more sophisticated, and needs to be approached with that understanding. 4) False notions that the chief means of communicating religious knowledge is through worship services or other scheduled meetings in the church The would-be missionary to the Jews must re-discover Jesus’ imperative, “Go ye . . .” Most of the work of Jewish evangelism will not take place within the church building confines, but in the homes and offices of Jewish people and out on city streets. 5) Unwillingness to exercise critical judgment regarding material, methods, and projects of evangelism used in the past All programs, methods and material must be reviewed, and measured against the criterion of, “Does it work?” If the methods, materials or projects do not meet that criterion, they should be revised or replaced with those that do. Because something was successful in the past is not enough to continue using it if is does not work now.

1. Cf. the Minutes: Consultation on World Evangelism. Study Group on Reaching the Jewish People (San Francisco), November 27, 1979. 2. Final Group Report from the San Francisco Study Group on Reaching Jewish People. Submitted by Jhan Moskow- itz (n.d.). 3. Cf. LCJE Bulletin, no. 88 (2007): 10–11. Also accessible on www.LCJE.net 4. The final document from the Mini-Consultation in Pattaya 1980 is entitled Christian Witness to the Jewish People. The Thailand Report on Jewish People (Wheaton, Illinois: Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, 1980). The report can be found on www.LCJE.net

Kai Kjær-Hansen [email protected] 11 Deadly Competition in Christian Ministries to the Jews and Its Shadow on the Future By Moishe Rosen, founder of Jews for Jesus, San Francisco

Abraham Cahan (1860–1951) strength among our Jewish was possibly the most influ- people who are fair-minded” ential Jew of his time. Born (excerpt paraphrased from in Lithuania, he had origi- memory). Well did Abraham nally studied to be a rabbi Cahan know human nature. like his father and grandfa- The competitiveness of the ther, but was more inclined missionaries themselves was toward secular knowledge far more destructive than and became a schoolteacher anything the rabbis could instead. He emigrated to the say. U.S. in 1886. On staff with The Daily Forward news- When it comes to paper, one of his regular competition columns was called a Bintele When it comes to competi- Brief (“The Bundle of Let- tion, there is a lot that needs ters”), through which he to be said. In the begin- became the Dear Abby of his ning of the LCJE (Lausanne day. In this column, he com- Gary Hedrick phoning Moishe Consultation on Jewish mented on all of Jewish life, Rosen before presenting Evangelism), when things talking to abandoned wives, Moishe’s paper at the were a little more informal, disappointed husbands, giv- Atlanta meeting. I broached the subject with ing advice on how to raise several heads of missions. children in America, etc. her that any effort she made I can recall it now, and One letter he received was against the missionaries perhaps there is someone from a heartbroken Jew- would only to call attention else who can remember the ish mother whose son and to their work. He observed, event as well. We were sit- daughter-in-law “fell prey to “In my personal study of the ting in a pub, enjoying one the missionaries.” Seems that character of missionaries, I another’s company. Each they had converted and were have found that as they have of us was enjoying a pint, worshiping in the church, small degrees of success, which seems to be a pre- and nothing would persuade they have a tendency to turn rogative that the LCJE has them away from their new on each other and fight for reserved to itself. We raised religion. The mother wanted converts the way that shop- a glass. “L’Chaim!” said one. to know what could best be keepers fight for customers. “Skol!” said another. “Slosh!” done about these pernicious But even more, they com- said Walter Barker. “Slosh?” missionaries who baited pete with each other for the we asked. “What does ‘slosh’ young Jews with friendship contributions of Christians, mean?” Dr. Barker answered, and job training. which they need to keep “I don’t know. I just felt like their work going.” He went saying it.” If you were there The competitiveness of on to say that these were and remember that event, the missionaries people of low character and perhaps you can remember In a personal, unpublished were self-destructive. “But if the conversation. I expressed letter back to her, Abe we fight them, they be- concern over competition Cahan gave what would be come noble, and defend one between Jewish missions. a strange answer. He told another, and actually gain Walter Barker and Murdo Mc-

12 Competition antagonism, battle, bout, clash, concours, competitive exclusion, contention, contest, con- troversy, corrivalry, counteraction, dog eat dog, engagement, event, fight, go for the gold, match, one on one, one-upping, opposition, outperforming others, pairing off, race, rivalry, strife, striving, struggle, tilt, tournament, trial, tug-of-war, war, warfare Antonyms friendship, cooperation, partnership, amity, comradeship, camaraderie, contributing to one another, help, dividing the task, sharing the task, share, assess a portion, unity

Cleod listened to what I had involve themselves in activi- But when I arrived, I had to say, and then said, “Oh, ties motivated by envy. Lack- the British version of shilshul that’s an American thing. We ing documentation, all we [really bad diarrhea that don’t have that over here.” have to offer is anecdotes. comes from travel] and took Well, as I got to know them Perhaps, however, you can a station in the men’s room better, I got to see some- recognize such things from behind a closed door. In thing about the relationship your own life that hinder came two or three people between the Jewish minis- your ministry. with what they had to say, tries. I can say that unfortu- and I found myself an invol- nately, this competition isn’t The first anecdote untary eavesdropper. One a uniquely American thing. In Pattaya, Thailand, where popped up and said, “If you Now, I’m not talking about the LCJE was formed, there had an income of six million ordinary competition, the wasn’t as much competi- dollars, you could do a lot kind of where you would tion between ministries. with that, too.” Another one rather that someone attend It seemed evenly divided said, “Lord, could we!” Now, your church rather than the – maybe a few more mis- so far as I knew, there was other one. The Baptists don’t sion heads than academics, only one ministry that had an spend much effort or money but then there were also income of six million dollars, explaining why the Lutheran denominational leaders who and that was Jews for Jesus. Church is so good, and vice- took part. And one time, the I’m glad that I don’t know versa. I’ve experienced a Lutheran Church Missouri who the speakers were, but more deadly kind of com- Synod sent delegates to the attitude was all too famil- petitiveness. When you’re LCJE; Conservative Baptists iar. It’s a common misunder- ministering and you want came as well. A couple of standing of cause and effect. somebody to be involved times, we had representa- They saw us doing a good in what you’re doing, that’s tives of the Assemblies of work because we had the merely covetousness. But God. funding, whereas the oppo- when you want the capabili- These denominational site was true. I would like to ties, human resources, and workers and the academics think we were able to get the financial resources and you had the effect of moderating funding because ours was don’t want the next ministry our attitudes toward one an- observably a good work. to have them, that’s not cov- other. Nevertheless, the first I hadn’t yet delivered my etousness, that’s envy. Envy anecdote I have took place paper, and although I’ve causes us to harm others. when LCJE met at Newmar- since forgotten the exact It would be very difficult to ket in England. We were topic, I remember that we do research on deadly com- just getting started, and I’ll were talking about funding. petition and how much ac- admit, it was exhilarating for As I read my paper, I pre- tual damage is done, simply me to be there with people tended to read a section that because Christians are very who were my colleagues, my wasn’t there. I said in my reluctant to admit that they equals. most positive voice, hoping

13 all would hear and under- if the person who lauded ministries worked together, stand: “It’s a lot easier to Krollenbaum’s at the expense Moody Bible Institute was raise money than it is to be of the Einspruch’s translation able to have a Jewish depart- worthy of it.” I found myself spoke Hebrew. I spoke to ment, which later became repeating that over and over him in Yiddish with a com- the Department of Jewish again. mon greeting: “Vus macht a Studies. Dozens of people Frankly, when it comes to yid?” This is a very common were prepared for ministry achievement, my opinion is greeting among Jewish men, at MBI. In Europe, ministries that most of our ministries and literally means, “What to the Jews were decimated, to the Jewish people get is a Jew making?” or “How not only by Hitler, but by far more donations than we does a Jew make?” The the skyrocketing inflation deserve. We are not a high- English equivalent is “How ya which preceded his rise to achieving group. doing?” The Yiddish expert, power. Most of the missions who knew that Krollenbaum’s in Poland and Hungary and The next anecdote was better, didn’t recognize throughout Eastern Europe God bless Moody Bible In- this common greeting. I said were supported by British stitute. They’ve been willing again, “Vus macht a yid?” missions. During the War, to feature more than two or and he answered, “I don’t and right after the War, three ministries to the Jews understand what you’re American missions came in at their annual missions saying.” Here was someone and hired their staff so that conference. It’s been an oc- who didn’t know the most the ministry could continue. casion to get together with common Yiddish greeting, Unfortunately, that only other people. Under discus- but was pontificating about lasted a brief time. When sion was the demise of Yid- which of the New Testa- the British ministries tried to dish – how Yiddish is no lon- ments was the better trans- rebuild their work, some of ger used. Someone brought lation. the American missions, who up the Yiddish translation of had undertaken to support the New Testament by Henry We have a lot to the personnel, were not sym- “Chaim” Einspruch, which give each other pathetic. In some instances, was done before the Second There have been some brief those missions were trans- World War. It had acclaim times in the history of the ferred to North America. If even from The Forward, the Messianic movement, or we can work together we critical Yiddish newspaper the Hebrew Christian move- can do much more than if we where Abraham Cahan once ment, when we’ve had a lot work separately. worked. to give to each other. It was One thing we need to face: In the discussion, some- agreed a long time ago that we need each other. We body piped up and said that we would share evangelis- need assurance from one Einspruch’s translation of tic literature. Any materi- another. We need to face it. the New Testament was not als designed to help Jews None of us conducts a minis- nearly as good as Krollen- understand the gospel and try that is all that exciting. A baum’s. Now I’ve never been come to faith in Christ were good missionary might lead known as a Yiddish expert, available to anybody who as many as a half a dozen though I spoke a little in my was involved in evangelistic Jews to faith in a year. But youth. I did know enough, ministry. This agreement is there are dry times, when however, to recognize that something that I can’t find nothing we do seems to though Krollenbaum’s trans- recorded anywhere, but I work. It’s in those dry times lation of the New Testament rather suspect that it came that we can appreciate and was a good one, it certainly out of the Hebrew Christian encourage one another. was not better than the Alliance in the early 1920s. Perhaps the endorsements Einspruch interpretation. Because missions and I got that meant the most to I was careful to find out

14 me were from other mission by what is happening in the Fellowship of Christians and organizations and Messianic rest of the church. In 1953, Jews. But not only that, we congregations. Yes, we can when I came to faith, if a have the ministry of Dr. John speak well of one another, person said that they were a Hagee. One can’t doubt his and when we do, it seems to Christian, they knew and you love for the Jewish people, carry a lot of weight. knew their commitments. nor his credentials as a bona Almost all of the people who fide Pentecostal preacher. With the start of LCJE, called themselves Christians We could also mention the things we were able to were pleased and delighted International Christian Em- do together when I told them that I had bassy at Jerusalem. become a Christian. They Now, imagine the quanda- 1. There was an exchange of regarded the conversion of ry of the lovers of Israel and advice that was useful to me. the Jews as a good thing. of Jewish people who used Today, there is much con- to be donors to us and other 2. We offered to train Mes- fusion. Some of it began with evangelistic works. What can sianics from other mission Billy Graham announcing I say when these “Christian boards, who would then that he didn’t target Jews. ministries” boast of Jew- go back to their own mis- Though he never clarified ish politicians, rabbis, and sion boards and serve. We what he meant, most of other leading Jews who have did this a great deal on our those who heard it, espe- commended their ministry to witnessing campaigns and cially those who were Jewish, the Jewish people? No rabbi trained four workers for understood that he didn’t has ever endorsed Jews for CMJ (The Church’s Ministry believe that any attempt Jesus. among Jewish people). We should be made to win Jews So, what we see is that the conducted “Probe Cam- to Christ. But even today support of lovers of Israel is paigns” together in Europe among Christians who are less. Those who love Israel and in Israel to find out what committed to evangelism, the most are being tapped might be possible for outdoor there is confusion. Evange- by so-called ministries that ministries. I felt we were listic ministries to the Jewish are not going to tell Jewish multiplying ourselves, and people have been supported people about Jesus. the other mission organi- in large part by those whom In addition to this, the zations felt they had solid I might refer to as lovers of voice of opposition from rab- achievement. Israel, lovers of the Jewish bis is growing stronger. 35 people. years ago we didn’t have Yad 3. LCJE brought me into con- Then we have people like L’Achim, Jews for Judaism, tact with a quality of people Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, who or Outreach Judaism openly I usually didn’t encounter. boasted that he raised 76 opposing us. Who among us didn’t benefit million dollars in 2007, which In the last quarter of a from the energy of David is probably twice as much as century, we’ve seen six Harley, the wisdom of Erv all North American missions to eight previously strong Kolb, the scholarship of Louis to the Jews put together. missions disappear, albeit Goldberg, the philosophi- He talks about the Christian through mergers. But the cal outlook of Art Glasser? I witness to the Jewish people saddest part is that they go could go down the whole list through him. Never mind the through a period of debilitat- of people at these confer- fact that since his money is ing decline first before a lack ences. Here I found people I distributed through the Jew- of resources compels them could learn from. ish agency, there is no way to fail. The need for cooperation that Jews could know how David Brickner told me between Jewish missions much is given by Christians, that in a discussion group, and Messianic ministries is since there is no distribution there were some who really increased and intensified done by the International wanted to hear what I had to

15 say about deadly competition plain it, that Jewish person though I might be wrong, and its shadow on the future. asks in a loud and irritated what I see is that we are not But he also added that those voice, “You mean to say that treating our potential donors who were interested in such you want to convert us Jews as though they are intelligent an essay wanted to make to Christianity?” enough to understand the sure I would not mention How many of us feel the issues. Now, here are the specific names of anyone need to give an answer that issues that I think that they involved in such contention. misdirects them, like, “No, are well able to understand: To me, this indicates just no, no. I don’t believe I can how deadly the rivalry has convert anyone. I just teach 1. The Jews as a people feel become. religion. Of course, I hope that survival is dependent In deference to their that some will want to come on us turning our backs on wishes, I will not mention to believe what I’m teaching, Christ and Christianity. any ministries. But you need but . . .” to understand that the way There is no merit what- 2. It is rare for us to encoun- to cleanse ourselves of this soever in perpetrating or ter a seeker who really wants malady – the only way to promoting needless offense. to know the truth, and has do it – is for each of us to Nevertheless, by being truth- the courage to do the truth look within ourselves and ful, we always present the and follow the Lord. to honestly identify what is Cross in such a way as to competition. Evil exists within cause people to be offended. 3. We have to do an awful the church because of our After all, look at the gospel lot of looking to find those unwillingness to identify it as message: “All have sinned who really want to know. evil and rise up against it. I and come short of the glory Now I, for one, happen to recognize that there is a big of God.” That sounds like a believe those things to be problem calling something big, dark accusation. “The true, and hint that it takes evil, or attributing evil to Lord has laid on him the a great deal of effort to find parties, when it is not true. iniquity of us all.” That tells a few who would allow us But if I came into a restau- us that we’re helpless – not to be their teachers. I am rant and I knew that half of exactly good news. “His is always suspicious when I the dishes were washed by a the only Name under heaven hear of someone saying how steam-cleaning dishwasher, given among men whereby Rabbi So-and-So was so and the other half were we must be saved.” That very interested in a Christian cleaned by the dogs licking sounds very narrow-minded witness. I’m not saying it is them off, I would certainly to me. impossible; I am saying it is want to know which dishes highly improbable. I am sure I was getting. We cannot The antidote to that some rabbis consider afford to allow evil to be in competition suicide in other forms. All of our midst. If we do, it affects The amount of support for us have heard of wondrous everything. Jewish evangelism is dimin- responses to the message In a sense, part of what is ishing, and Jewish ministries of the Messiah, and some of causing the decline in Jewish are competing with each us have followed through, evangelism is our unwill- other for it. It is much easier inquired, and found that ingness to speak the truth to raise funds than it is to be once in a while, although where it makes us uncom- worthy of them. But each of not always, it was really fortable. If you doubt that, our ministries needs to pres- true. We hear of miracles imagine yourself at a social ent itself as being worthy of that were or will come to event, meeting a Jewish per- support. be. Whereas miracle stories son who asks you what you I’ve carefully followed the might thrill the immature and do for a living. And though presentations of ministries uninformed, most of us who you think you tactfully ex- seeking support, and al- labor in the field have not

16 seen many of them. or TV program says Jewish staff and volunteers, that An antidote to competition people can tune in without one question should be: Do is that we must be willing to making themselves vulner- they win people to the Lord? divest ourselves of anything able. Another who writes And you would be surprised. that might be considered tracts talks about how effec- Some of the bright, shining sanctimonious boasting. tive they are because they people who have engaging I was on a deputation tour give the reader time to think. personalities and are oth- and had a free night. I was More than one Messianic erwise attractive may win invited to come and hear a rabbi has told that starting significantly fewer than those brother who was involved Messianic congregations is who plod along. I’ve always in Jewish evangelism. Since the best way. Well, I say the been happy to see people it was someone I had never best way is whatever method who want to be engaged in heard of before, and I had I am using at the time you Jewish evangelism. Every or- the time, I went. There were ask. One person extolled the ganization has a part to play about a dozen people. A method of sneaking into the in the larger goal of reaching man stood up and started synagogue and putting tracts Jews for Jesus. No one part to speak. He talked a long in the prayer books. I sure is better or more important time, and afterward someone hope he didn’t use our tracts. than another. there asked what were his I hear us talking like chil- principal means of outreach. dren, saying, “This is best,” 2. When we know good The speaker gave a big, or, “That is best.” But if this about other ministries, we broad smile, and said, “I re- or that doesn’t have us face- should speak that good. That ally discovered the secret of to-face telling Jews about good is not a threat to our witnessing to Jews.” He dra- Jesus, it is not right. ministry, it is being used to matically paused, and then advance the kingdom of God. went on to say, “Already, Some of the things that there are enough people to we could do to help us 3. We should treat those in- do the work. What I found is appreciate other minis- volved in Jewish evangelism that I could go to the church- tries involved in Jewish as people from whom we can es and motivate the people, Evangelism learn something. They have and tell them a few things much to share. about how they could wit- 1. It’s unrealistic to choose ness to Jews.” The brother favorites amongst the organi- 4. We need to value gestures who asked the question had zations. The quality of the of support. We might meet a follow-up question: “So, missionary work done gener- someone who sends a ten most of your ministry to the ally depends on the qual- dollar donation. Ten dollars Jews is talking to people in ity and commitment of the is not a lot of money, but it the church, is it?” The man individual engaged in Jewish carries the message, “I’m for with the big, broad smile evangelism, more than the you.” said, “Yes.” He said, “Well, organization itself. At some my understanding is that’s of our branches, there are 5. A heartfelt acknowled- called deputation, and that’s one or two people that can gement goes a long way. how people raise the funds, visit two or three times the Sometimes, I’ve read a right?” I was embarrassed reasonable visitation goals. missionary report in another at the confrontation, but in Each of them might have mission’s magazine, and myself I had concluded the several people who make have written to the person same thing. decisions for Christ whom who made the report and I have heard opinions they disciple each year. If a told them what I liked about on what method of Jewish supervisor was allowed just it. evangelism is most effective. one question regarding the A person with a regular radio effectiveness of vocational Moishe Rosen

17 Book Review: A Tribute to Moishe Rosen By Theresa Newell, CMJ USA

There are many ways in which be steeped in the hope for Moishe Rosen, the giant of God’s future for Israel and the Jewish evangelism of the 20th coming reign of Jesus. This century, might be honored. trinity of “E’s” gives an orderly Producing a book of essays progression and cohesion to on the topic Moishe devoted writings on topics as varied as his life to, written by people Paul and the prophets, moral who knew, admired, and loved and pastoral theology, the his- him, is one excellent way to tory of Jewish mission, mixed do just that. After all, Moishe marriage and the gospel, and was the first to admonish “the day of the Lord.” The many of us that if we wanted whole, in this case, is greater our best ideas heard and than its parts and, by book’s debated we should “write it end, there is a sense that one down and get it published.” has had a very good and bal- This gives the ideas perma- anced fourteen course meal nence and a future, he said. – one that I am sure Moishe Moishe was, among many would approve of! other things, a master com- Jews and the Gospel at the What else would our municator. He wanted to End of History: A Tribute to esteemed brother Moishe ap- reach people, God’s Jewish Moishe Rosen. prove of? That his innovative, people, with the Good News Jim Congdon, editor. Grand creative, cutting edge, coura- of Yeshua. That was his life’s Rapids: Kregel Publications, geous witness of getting the call from God, and one that 2009 gospel to his Jewish people he was faithful to from his would be only the beginning. earliest days as a believer in Second Coming. These And that the day will come Jesus – as Susan Perlman, experienced theologians and soon when multitudes of Jew- Moishe’s long-time friend and Messianic leaders bring weight ish believers in Jesus will cry co-worker, documents in the to this scholarly but readable out: “Blessed is he who comes Preface of this book. tribute to Moishe. in the Name of the Lord” so The mark of this volume is Editor Jim Congdon, chair- that he can once again stand that the fourteen well-known man of Jews for Jesus USA, on the Mount of Olives in essayists who contributed divided this volume topically full glory and splendor for their thoughts speak from into three E’s: Evangelism, all to see. As David Brickner, their own areas of expertise, Ethics, and Eschatology Moishe’s successor as Director for example: J. I. Packer on – each area central both to of Jews for Jesus, writes at Romans; Kai Kjær-Hansen on the world of Jewish mission the end of this book: “Mara- LJS’s first missionary to the and to Moishe’s heart. The natha! Come Lord Jesus!” Levant; Richard Harvey on present reality of proclaim- the state of Messianic Jewish ing the gospel to the Jews by Theresa Newell thought; and Arnold Fruchten- people leading transparent [email protected] baum on the basis of Yeshua’s and holy lives must inevitably

See Susan Perlman’s full media report at www.lcje.net

18 Excerpts from paper delivered at Atlanta Do Jews have a Jesus Problem? By Susan Perlman, Jews for Jesus, San Francisco

Amy Jill Levine is a New Tes- Christianity—not love for Juda- tament scholar and teaches at ism, Jews or Israel— remains Vanderbilt University’s Divinity the sole unifying element in School. In an interview in the an increasingly fractious and Jewish Chronicle of Kansas secularized community.” City (she was a visiting scholar Listen to this: “Anyone who at Village Presbyterian Church doubts that rejection of Jesus last April), she shared her has replaced acceptance of views on our movement. Said Torah as the eekur sach—the Levine, “Jews who accept essential element of American Jesus as the Messiah still see Jewish identity should pause themselves as Jews and do to consider an uncomfortable not want to give up that part Susan Perlman question. What is the one of their identity. I do not want political or religious position to force them out.” Why are Jews Liberals? that makes a Jew utterly In New York’s Forward, Jay The cover story for the Sep- unwelcome in the organized Michaelson wrote, “Do Jews tember issue of Commentary community? We accept athe- Have a Jesus Problem?” He Magazine had this arresting ist Jews, Buddhist Jews, pro- begins by telling how when title: Palestinian Jews, Communist he was a child, “Christianity “Why Are Jews Liberals? —A Jews, homosexual Jews, and was like the big stupid bully; Symposium”. Norman Podho- even sanction Hindu-Jewish at once idiotic and overwhelm- retz, who edited Commentary meditation societies. “Jews ingly powerful. Could they see for 35 years wrote a book for Jesus” however, or “Mes- how ridiculous their religion trying to answer that ques- sianic Jews” face resistance was? A virgin birth? Santa tions and the magazine asked and exclusion everywhere. In Claus? An Easter Bunny? A six Jewish thinkers to reflect Left-leaning congregations, messiah who got killed, but on it themes. They are Dave many rabbis welcome stri- actually died for our sins? Wolpe, Jonathan D. Sarna, dently anti-Israel speakers and And yet these were the people Michael Medved, William even Palestinian apologists running our country, tell- Kristol, Jeff Jacoby and David for Islamo-Nazi terror. But if ing us which days we get off Galertner. These 13 pages they invited a “Messianic Jew- from and which we don’t, and are pdfed for you to read. All ish” missionary, they’d face playing their insidious music of the contributors are worth indignant denunciation from ever winter.” He goes on to reading. Because of time their boards and, very prob- comment on Peter Schafer’s constraints, I’d like to point ably, condemnation by their “Jesus in the Talmud” and out some of Michael Medved’s national denominational lead- how the rabbis of the Talmud observations. ership. It is far more accept- were concerned enough about Says Medved, “For most able in the Jewish community the growth of the Jewish- American Jews, the core of today to denounce Israel (or Christian sect to condemn the their Jewish identity isn’t soli- the United States) to deny the New Testament and in un- darity with Israel; it’s rejection existence of God, or to deride sparing terms. He then gives of Christianity.” This, he offers the validity of Torah than it some examples including that as an explanation for the “oth- is to affirm Jesus as Lord and the conviction and execution erwise puzzling political pref- Savior.” of Jesus was entirely just and erences of the Jewish commu- was carried out in strict accor- nity.” He goes on to say that Susan Perlman dance with rabbinic law. “This political pattern reflects the fact that opposition to [email protected] 19 Excerpts from paper delivered at Atlanta George Gruen: A Father of the Modern Messianic Jewish Movement By Abraham Sandler, Awake O Israel Jewish Ministries, Philadelphia PA

George Gruen is a little known father of the modern Mes- Among the Jewish peo- sianic Jewish movement, who ple who have come to sowed some of the seeds faith through Gruen’s that led to the growth of this ministry are Manny movement. Brotman, Joe and Deb- George was born in North bie Finkelstein, Michael Jersey on February 5, 1928. Wolf, and Larry Feld- As a young boy, George did man. See Abraham not believe in God. One night, Sandler’s full story at God moved upon his heart to www.lcje.net. consider what would happen to him when he died. This brought fear to this young Jewish boy and caused him to I have known Gruen seek God. As a result, George Abraham Sandler for 54 years put his trust in Messiah Jesus in a Christian and Mission- Redeemer. His wife Emily was It has been a privilege of the ary Alliance Church in North first to become a believer and Gruens to see God work in Caldwell, N.J. However his then Paul followed. drawing many Jewish people story does not begin there. When Paul Gruen came to to himself, from teenagers to George’s paternal grandfa- faith in the Lord he became an those in their mid-90s. The ther, Paul Gruen, was a very immediate ardent witness for Gruens have great joy in see- Orthodox Jew in Europe in Messiah and won many Jewish ing their Jewish people put the early 1900s. He studied people to the Lord. God even- their trust in Messiah Jesus. under the leading rabbi of tually led the family to the George Gruen has been Poland. One day a young Jew- U.S., where Paul Gruen be- sharing the gospel with his ish believer in Messiah Jesus came a witness to the Jews in Jewish people for the past approached Paul and desired Brooklyn, NY. George’s father, 60 years, and continues in to tell him about Yeshua. Paul Samuel, was also brought to full-time ministry to this day knew Hebrew well and was the States at that time. His at the age of 82. Has no plans certain that he could con- mother, Mary, emigrated from to retire as long as the Lord vince this younger man not to Germany some time later. provides his needs and gives believe in Jesus and to return George’s Uncle Herman stayed him the health and strength to to Judaism. However, when in Germany and was mur- continue. he and his wife saw the Mes- dered in the Holocaust at the Joy, faith, godliness, persis- sianic prophecies in the Jewish Buchenwald Camp in WWII. tence, and passion to reach Bible that they had never seen Herman was a Jewish Bible Jewish people for Messiah before – such as Micah 5:2, believer and trusted in Jesus, have marked this man’s life Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 53, and so George knows he will see and ministry. He is able to others – they put their trust him again in Heaven. start up a conversation with in Jesus as their Messiah and almost anybody, and he pres- ents the gospel to Jew and

20 Gentile alike. This 82-year-old guide me as I went through witness for Yeshua just keeps five years of alienation from going, and recently he led my immediate and extended two Jewish men to the Lord; family. one was 94 years old and the I am so glad to be able to other was 95. say that because of the seed I have known George Gruen sown in me by George Gruen, for 54 years. He led me to my entire family – my father, faith in our Messiah Jesus. I mother, and two older broth- have watched his life; I have ers Herman and Jack – have learned from his faith in God all come to faith in our Mes- and the Bible, from his teach- siah Jesus. ing, and from his example. Truly, as I look at the life I have been blessed to have and ministry of George Gruen, him as my spiritual father and I see him as a father of the a true friend in the Lord. It is George Gruen modern Messianic Jewish largely because of him that I movement. am in Jewish ministry today. that Yeshua was our Jewish When my parents threatened Messiah, George and his wife to hold a funeral for me at the Doris were there to pray for Abraham Sandler age of 16 because I believed me, and to encourage and [email protected]

Book Review: Jewish Intermarriage Around the World By Tuvya Zaretsky, President of LCJE

General Description book to anyone involved in Sergio DellaPergola is an out- Jewish mission or missiological standing international Jewish studies, serving as a pastor demographer working out of or Messianic congregational the Avraham Harman Insti- leader, or who is engaged in tute of Contemporary Jewry Diaspora studies or Jewish at the Hebrew University in intermarriage ministry. Jerusalem. His scholarship has increased contemporary The Authors knowledge of demographic Professor DellaPergola im- trends and movements in migrated to Israel in 1966. He world Jewry. This volume is is a scholar of Quantitative another quality contribution. Research Methods, Demog- I noted a need for raphy, and Sociology in the international data on Jewish Jewish context. (His email is Intermarriage in my research [email protected]). on Jewish-Gentile couples His collaborating editor, in America. 1 Jewish Inter- Shulamit Reinharz, earned her marriage Around the World Jewish Intermarriage Around Ph.D. at Brandeis University addresses that need with a the World. in 1977, where she currently series of articles that enlarge Reinharz, Shulamit and Della- serves as Jacob Potofsky our knowledge about the in- Pergola, Sergio, editors. New Professor of Sociology. Her termarriage trend in Diaspora Brunswick: research focus is qualitative Jewry. I can commend this Transaction Publishers, 2009. and feminist research meth- 21 ods, with a focus on Jewish There is also inconsistency cal approaches regarding the women’s issues and Holocaust in the quality and types of phenomena, from its impact memoir. (Her email address is data provided. It would have on individuals or measuring [email protected]). been helpful to see com- them as couples. It is this The book is available in a parable rates of intermar- methodological inconsistency hardbound edition at a cost riage and gender differences in research assumptions that of $44.95 from Transaction among Jewish intermarried caused intense debate and Books; 300 McGaw Drive partners across all the coun- the reporting of three differ- – Raritan Center; Edison, New tries surveyed. Taxonomy of ent intermarriage rates from Jersey 08837; 732-445-1245. reported challenges in raising the same data in the 2000 children in each region would National Jewish Population Introductions also have been interesting. Survey.5 The book begins with a simple More attention might have DellaPergola offers four table of contents and ends been given to the relationships implications of global Jewish with a useful subject index. between Jewish community intermarriage: conversion, End notes are used through- structures and intermarried identity transmission, corpo- out, and some chapters couples or families. rate consequences, and Jew- include either references or a Professor DellaPergola ish community responses and bibliography. provides an insightful “global policies. Researchers in Dias- Two introductory chapters, perspective” on “Jewish out- pora missiology can appreci- one by each of the editors, marriage.” He identifies three ate this list. It might provide sketch out an overview of the relevant concerns: 4 a starting point for strategic material in the book. Profes- approaches in ministry to Jew- sor Reinharz gives the focus: 1. “Definitions, measurement ish-Gentile couples and their “Which Jewish man or Jewish techniques, and the ascertain- families. woman is marrying a non- ment of facts.” Jewish person, where, why, 2. “The role of out-marriage in International Surveys and with what effects?” 2 She relation to paradigms of Jew- The remaining ten chapters is candid about a weakness in ish assimilation and erosion . . survey Jewish intermarriage the project. Though this is a . versus Jewish resilience and in four areas: Europe, the collaborative effort, there is a revival.” Former Soviet Union, English- great deal of independence. 3. Application of facts to Speaking countries, and South So we find inconsistencies in “the policy choices that the America. The papers are in- use of terms and methodologi- organized Jewish community consistent in quality and some cal approaches. should consider in dealing with are simply case studies. The The terms “mixed marriage, the issue of out-marriage.” countries surveyed include interfaith marriage, out-mar- As a researcher, DellaPergola France, the United Kingdom, riage, exogamy, and intermar- is sensitive to two research Sweden, Finland, and Norway; riage” are all used to refer to inconsistencies: the casual Russia, Ukraine, and Belorus- the same phenomenon.3 That and indiscriminate use of ter- sia; Canada, South Africa, drawback is not enough to minology for describing Jews and Australia; and Venezuela, undermine the usefulness of involved in out-marriage; and Argentina, and Curaçao. the material. the different methodologi-

Mishkan is a quarterly journal dedicated to biblical and theological thinking on issues related to Jewish evangelism, Messianic-Jewish identity and Jewish-Christian relations. Mishkan is published by Pasche Institute in cooperation with Caspari Center for Biblical and Jewish Studies and CJF Ministries. Annual subscriptions available at www.mishkanstore.org.

22 Final Thoughts Jewish-Gentile marriage will preciated for their efforts to Anyone seeking a global continue to have implications enlarge our knowledge on this perspective regarding inter- for Jewish identity transmis- subject. LCJE network mem- married Jewish communities sion, marital stability, family bers are encouraged to pur- will find this book worthwhile. identity formation, and the chase a copy of this book for It is also useful for Jewish search for spiritual harmony. ministry libraries and further studies, because cross dating, Professors Reinharz and missiological study. inter-ethnic cohabitation, and DellaPergola are to be ap- Tuvya Zaretsky [email protected]

1. Wan, Enoch and Tuvya Zaretsky, Jewish-Gentile Couples: Trends, Challenges and Hopes (Pasadena: William Carey Library, 2004), 104. 2. Page 2. 3. Page 2. 4. Page 13. 5. Reported intermarriage rates of U.S. Jews between 1995 and 2000, from the same data, were 58%, 54%, and 47%. Page 23.

LCJE Meetings

New dates for LCJE Conference in Krakow, Poland

The European LCJE conference in Krakow, scheduled for April 19–22/23, had to be cancelled, like so many other events in Europe, when the volcanic ash from Iceland caused airports all over the continent to shut down. The decision was taken by European LCJE Coordinator Jean-Paul Rempp after consultation with International Coordinator Kai Kjær-Hansen and Secretary Bodil F. Skjøtt, and communicated to the participants two days before the planned opening of the conference. New dates have now been fixed, namely November 15–18/19, 2010, also in Krakow and at the same hotels. The program will be roughly the same, although with a few alterations. Registration is also open for new participants. Confirmation of registration, and specific questions, should be sent to Jean-Paul Rempp at [email protected]

LCJE South Africa LCJE Australasia 15 October 2010 in Cape Town, 8-11 February 2011, in Toolangi VIC, South Africa Australia Contact Cecilia Burger Contact Bob Mendelsohn [email protected] [email protected]

LCJE Europe LCJE North America 15–18/19 November 2010 in Krakow, 1-3 March 2010, in Atlanta Poland 28-30 March 2011, in St. Louis 19 November after lunch: Optional tour to 5-7 March 2012, in San Diego Auschwitz and Schindler’s Fabrik and extra Contact Jim Sibley night in Krakow (18–19 November) [email protected] Contact Jean-Paul Rempp [email protected] LCJE International 7-12 August 2011, at High Leigh Confer- ence Centre, Hoddesdon, Visit the website at www.LCJE.net Hertfordshire (North og London, UK). Contact [email protected] 23 Networking Jewish Evangelism

LCJELausanne Consultation on Jewish Evangelism

President Tuvya Zaretsky [email protected] International Coordinator Kai Kjær-Hansen [email protected] International Committee Members Ann Hilsden [email protected] Mitch Glaser [email protected]

Area Coordinators AustralAsia Bob Mendelsohn [email protected] Europe Jean-Paul Rempp [email protected] Israel David Zadok [email protected] Japan Teiichiro Kuroda [email protected] Latin America David Sedaca [email protected] North America Jim Sibley [email protected] South Africa Cecilia Burger [email protected]

International Coordinator & International Mailing Address Kai Kjær-Hansen, Box 11, DK 8520 Lystrup, Denmark [email protected]

Website www.LCJE.net

ISSN 1016-2089