From the Editor – Issue 30

Dear Kesher Friends,

The bulk of this issue comes out of the papers that were delivered at Hashivenu Forum 2016 which focused on Sexuality. It was not too long ago that questions of the place of LBGTQ singles and couples were a taboo topic within Messianic Jewish circles. And it still remains so in many faith-based spheres. Nonetheless, reality is here. However sensitive the matter, it is incumbent for us as a scholarly journal to deal with the issues of raising children and sexual identity; and the ethical response of local bodies of believers when confronted with diverse sexual identity issues in our midst relevant to welcoming and worship.

This issue contains the presentations and the responses on the topic of Messianic Jewish Ethics and Sexuality; and a Messianic Perspective on LBGTs. Additionally, this Issue contains a piece on “Apostates, Heretics and Sectarians in Messianic Jewish Context.” Two book reviews complete the issue, one on Same-Sex Relations and the other on an unrelated topic of Evangelicals and the Problem of the Old Testament.

We are happy to announce the addition of three new members to join our editorial board: Chelsea Simon, Jason Moraff, and Joyce Klayman. Jason is our articles editor, and he is finishing up a graduate degree at Duke and intends to pursue further graduate studies eventuating in a doctorate degree. Chelsea is our source editor, and she is currently a Ph.D. student at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, Ohio. Finally, Joyce Klayman is coming on as business manager. She is the office manager for Messianic Jewish Theological Institute, so it is a very good fit. We are happy that we are filling the editorial vacancies with quality people. We hope to make more appointments in the near future.

If you are interested in being a reviewer for the journal send your resume to us. Reviewers receive a stipend for each article they review.

Rabbi Elliot Klayman

Editor-in-Chief