Dialogue between Christians and Jews, between Judaism and Christianity, on both academic and institutional levels, has been in play for decades now. But, ironically, Messianic Jews, who can claim a deep connection to both communities, have been left out of the dialogue. Such exclusion by the wider Jewish world may reflect the tragic history of…

Introduction: Kabbalah Kabbalah, a term which means “received” as related to tradition,1 has developed in stages from ancient Judaism to the present. Kabbalism underwent a radical change within medieval Judaism, with a mystical and secretive bent, based upon new revelations and understanding of the Bible, Talmud, and tradition. The gist of medieval kabbalism is that…

The Besorah of Mark is considered by a wide consensus of scholars to be the earliest account we possess of the life of Yeshua the Messiah, underlying the later accounts of Matthew and Luke.1 Nevertheless, from my perspective as a veteran Messianic Jewish student and teacher, Mark is often overlooked. John is commonly presented, especially…

As Messianic Judaism continues through the inchoate stages of the 21st century, it can ill afford to ignore the larger social issues surrounding it. I believe that no single issue has loomed larger on the world scene this past half century than that of equality for all people. It is a concern that is multi-facetted,…

  In the last issue of Kesher, Winter / Spring 2022, we considered “Tomorrow Together,” possibilities for a thriving Messianic Jewish future, drawing upon lessons from the past and present. This issue continues the discussion of communal vitality with two major articles by veteran Messianic Jewish leaders. David Rudolph leads off with “Toward Paul’s Ephesians…

I have been occupied for some time past with a work which is of immeasurable greatness. I cannot tell today whether I shall bring it to a close. It has the appearance of a gigantic dream. —from Theodor Herzl’s first entry in his diary, Shavuot 1895, a year before writing his treatise on Zionism Messianic…

Tens of thousands of Gentile followers of Yeshua have participated in the Messianic movement since the 1970s and have embraced aspects of Jewish life. Often it begins with a visit to a Shabbat service and then a Jewish festival. Next, wearing a tallit, keeping kosher, and hanging a mezuzah by the front door. How are…

For the interpretation and understanding of Scripture—both Tanakh and the New Covenant Scriptures—it is a hermeneutical prerequisite to be willing to think from within the Israel-centered revelation context and to think along with Israel, and its Messiah. Presuppositions tend to steer and limit our understandings, and results tend to strengthen our sets of presuppositions. To…