Considering MJ

[Banoodle]

Hello!

I have a couple ''questions'' regarding MJ. But first, some background information. I grew up in a protestant christian home, especially for the past 10 years, going to church every sunday. I am ethnically jewish, and I am really proud of that, but as of late, I have been longing for more jewish influence in my religious life aswell as traditions. But since all I know is protestant Christianity, it is kind of hard for me to figure out exactly what I can do to accomplish the desire for more jewish influence. I heard about MJ before but never really went indepth, but I am looking into it more and I find it quite interesting and it may even be what I am looking for.

So, first off, do I even ''qualify'' as a MJ? And is there a way you become one? Is there a process you have to go through? And how close is MJ to the traditional jewish tradition.

Thank you in advance for answering!

God bless

 

[Dave-W]

Hello!

I have a couple ''questions'' regarding MJ. But first, some background information. I grew up in a protestant christian home, especially for the past 10 years, going to church every sunday. I am ethnically jewish, and I am really proud of that, but as of late, I have been longing for more jewish influence in my religious life aswell as traditions. But since all I know is protestant Christianity, it is kind of hard for me to figure out exactly what I can do to accomplish the desire for more jewish influence. I heard about MJ before but never really went indepth, but I am looking into it more and I find it quite interesting and it may even be what I am looking for.

Sounds like the pull of G-d on your life.

So, first off, do I even ''qualify'' as a MJ?

Absolutely!

And is there a way you become one? Is there a process you have to go through?

Every congregation has its own membership proceedures. Many or most include a class on Dan Juster's book "Growing to Maturity." But that is just for congregational membership; NOT for being a Messianic Jew. The very facts that you are Jewish, believe in Yeshua as Messiah and see an importance to Jewish tradition means you are a MJ already.

And how close is MJ to the traditional jewish tradition.

That varies from congregation to congregation. LOTS of variation. I suggest you look at the websites of any local MJ congregations along with the websites of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (UMJC.org) and the Messianic Jewish Alliance of America (MMJA.org). That will help you with figuring out which congregation or grouping you would fit in with.

It never hurts to visit a few.


ETA:

Here is a link to the Messianic Times directory of US Messianic congregations:

http://www.messianictimes.com/directory/messianic-congregations-and-synagogues/united-states

 

[BelieveTheWord]

The diversity isn't nearly as bad as saying you are considering being a protestant, but it does exist.

It will really depend on your personal belief. Are you convicted that Torah is meant to be followed as a way of life, or are you just looking to understand your ancestry better? If it is the latter, you might find more fulfillment by attending a Jewish synagogue. If it is the former, you will just have to get started in meeting people, and finding who is sincerely living what they believe.

 

[visionary]

Welcome... you are home, your faith has lead you here and will continue to lead you into all truth. This movement is with much prayer and study and faith in keeping the commandments of God and having the faith of Yeshua whom you might know as Jesus.

 

[Meowzltov]

I am ethnically jewish, and I am really proud of that, but as of late, I have been longing for more jewish influence in my religious life aswell as traditions.

I completely understand. Just because we are Christians doesn't stop us from being Jews. There is the longing to connect with our people, our covenant, our history, our traditions and culture...

There are two roads open to you. The first road is the harder solitary road. You can stay in your Christian Church and reconnect with your Jewish identity. Start keeping Shabbat, eat Kosher, keep the holy days.... your options are many. There is nothing to stop you from contacting a rabbi at a local synagogue (Reform would be more welcoming) and explaining your situation and and that you would occasionally like to come on holy days to pray with fellow Jews -- if that's what you would like to do.

The second road has more initial upheaval but is easier. That is to join a Messianic Synagogue. Look for one that actually has a sizable Jewish population, and that is torah observant (not all are). There you will find mischpocheh (family)!

Welcome home!

 

[Banoodle]

Thank you all for replying and helping me out! I have found a messianic church/ synagogue in the area that seems to offer everything I am looking for. I am planning to go and visit a service on a Shabbat soon. The warmth and comfort that messianic Judaism has given me already, makes me confident that this is what G-d has planned for me! It truly does feel like coming home and I have never experienced that before!

Once again, big thanks!

 

[ContraMundum]

I completely understand. Just because we are Christians doesn't stop us from being Jews. There is the longing to connect with our people, our covenant, our history, our traditions and culture...

There are two roads open to you. The first road is the harder solitary road. You can stay in your Christian Church and reconnect with your Jewish identity. Start keeping Shabbat, eat Kosher, keep the holy days.... your options are many. There is nothing to stop you from contacting a rabbi at a local synagogue (Reform would be more welcoming) and explaining your situation and and that you would occasionally like to come on holy days to pray with fellow Jews -- if that's what you would like to do.

The second road has more initial upheaval but is easier. That is to join a Messianic Synagogue. Look for one that actually has a sizable Jewish population, and that is torah observant (not all are). There you will find mischpocheh (family)!

Welcome home!

+1 from me too.