Posts by Andrew Sparks
From the Editor – Issue 26
Kesher 26 treats a number of controversial issues and contexts and reflects many voices. As stated in a previous Kesher editorial, “our journal functions as a forum … to periodically explore our identity as a Messianic Jewish community. Although a diversity of voices express Messianic Jewish identity, our story is still developing and continues to…
Read MoreFrom the Editor – Issue 24
As a journal, Kesher continues to distinguish itself as a platform for some of the best of Messianic Jewish scholarship and theological reflection. This issue is no exception and explores a wide range of topics ranging from theology to halakha. It is a privilege to edit such a journal alongside a talented team of editors.…
Read MoreFrom the Editor – Issue 23
This issue of Kesher does not have a theme, but diverse articles on topics such as the marginality of Messianic Judaism, motifs in the Moses narratives, Gentiles and the liturgy of Judaism, and Second Temple messianism fill out an issue of relevant topics for Messianic Judaism today. Kesher is back from a hiatus and issue…
Read MoreFrom the Editor – Issue 22
This edition of Kesher is a themed issue dedicated to soteriology in the context of Messianic Judaism. The theme of soteriology is timely, since there are two Messianic events that deal with this issue. The first is the Borough Park Symposium (October, 2007) and the second is a Theological Forum on Soteriology hosted by the…
Read MoreFrom the Editor – Issue 20
This issue of Kesher offers a forum on the ongoing dialogue on the nature and direction of Messianic Judaism. Dr. Mark Kinzer’s new book Postmissionary Messianic Judaism: Redefining Christian Engagement with the Jewish People serves as a catalyst for this dialogue. Kinzer’s Postmissionary Messianic Judaism seeks to redefine Messianic Judaism in terms of its relationship…
Read MoreFrom the Editor – Issue 19
Gentile conversion to Messianic Judaism is an area of discussion that provides an opportunity to demonstrate unity in the midst of diversity. The leadership of the UMJC is dedicated to this type of unity. Therefore, the UMJC leadership requested that Kesher devote the current issue to the subject of Gentile conversion from a variety of…
Read MoreFrom the Editor – Issue 18
This issue of Kesher includes additional articles and book reviews. Deborah Kaplan and Elliot Klayman explore the two most popular Messianic figures of the last four centuries. Both Shabbetai Zevi and the Lubavitcher Rebbe have been heralded as messiah by many Jews in the modern era and continue to impact the Jewish community. The last…
Read MoreFrom the Editor – Issue 17
This issue of Kesher explores the place of the Messianic Jewish Movement in relationship to Judaism and Christianity. Undoubtedly, Messianic congregations are deeply connected on many levels to these religious worlds. In the feature article, “Competing Trends In Messianic Judaism: The Debate Over Evangelicalism,” Gabriela Reason highlights both commonalities and dissimilarities within the Messianic Movement.…
Read MoreThe Way of Life
A Vision I had a vision. A vision of our people turning toward the Messiah in unprecedented numbers. A vision of thousands of messianic congregations spreading across the world. A vision of a thriving messianic seminary where our young people can be trained to go forth with boldness, wisdom, and compassion. A vision where we,…
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